Guest Blog by Mike Owen
Empathetic Connections
Watching the Panorama programme about the Southport attack on Monday evening was heartbreaking and very distressing but, alongside the incredible bravery shown by everyone that helped save so many lives immediately after the incident, the empathetic connections that were established demonstrate the innate and all-encompassing power of human love.
None of the people who came to the aid of Leanne, Heidi and the girls can ever fully understand what they have been through but the empathy they showed in the most challenging and totally unprecedented situation will have helped immensely over the last 7 months.
While speaking out will undoubtedly help Leanne and the very mature 14 year-old girl they, and all the other girls involved, will always have to live with the trauma of that day and the days that followed but when they sit and talk and nurture conversation, a light will blaze through with empathy and connection.
I’ve been involved in many events similar to the one at the dance school and you never expect to have to face what they faced on that day. Sometimes you think about how you will react but nothing can prepare you for such an horrendous eventuality. The courage shown by the teachers, helpers, neighbours, passers-by and emergency services was incredibly selfless and the love and strength shown by the people of Southport commendable.
My heart goes out to everyone affected.
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