Quick update from Lyon

Hi everyone:

We have had many kind and concerned phone calls and messages over the past 24 hours since the tragic attacks in Paris.  Since it happened late in the evening, we didn't know about the situation until we woke up yesterday morning and heard the very sad news.

We wanted to let you know that we're just fine here in Lyon.  We are about 2 hours (by high-speed train) from Paris (about 300 miles).

The feeling here is best described as sad and shocked.  People are very sad, but life goes on, and people still have to go to the market, etc. We have been out a couple times, and feel very safe in our neighborhood.  There are more armed police/military visible, and it seems like there are fewer people around than would be expected for a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon. As yet, we don't know anyone who was directly affected by the tragedy. Our Parisian friend is actually in Lyon this weekend working, so that was very lucky!

Yesterday was the first time we've discussed intentional violence and terrorism with the girls (Leo is still too young). There have been countless acts of school shootings and the like which have occurred during their young lives in the States, which we never told them about. But this time we had to tell them, as it will be discussed in school on Monday, certainly.

Last night, Cora and I took a long walk and saw many windows with candles lit in memory and honor of the Paris victims.  There was a moving memorial of candles at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) near the Lyon Opera House.  We rode the subway, went to a performance of an operetta and talked.  She had lots of questions, none of which have satisfactory answers.  But, she knows that we're careful, and that we don't feel in danger.  There is not unrest here.   Just sadness and shock.

A candle-lit memorial on the steps of the Hôtel de Ville

So that's our quick message to you all, as well.  Like the rest of the world, we are very sad for the victims' families and friends, and we're distressed that occasional acts like these are now part of our world. But we're ok, and the city is by all other standards, normal.  It's a beautiful day here and we took a long walk, ran into some neighbors, enjoyed the weather and played in the park.  People are out smiling, spending time together and giving one another kind looks of understanding.

Lots of love to you all.