Posted 2:37 PM by Paul
A Good Day for Us - If Not for the People of Baghdad

Emily was 6 today. She woke us at 6.45 and then went through to wake up Alice (who is 8) to open her presents. Heather as ever had done a brilliant job. Emily's presents were piled up on the table surrounded by baloons. Emily loves baloons. She put on her Snow White party dress and headband which held back her cascading curls. Obviously I am biased, but she is a beautiful child. Alice helped her open the presents and suggested games and things they could do during the day together. I watched for a while through half closed eyes and then slunk back to bed. I cooked a late breakfast of pancakes maple syrup and sausage around 10.30.

We had a party for 13 of her friends at a local children's play area. The weather was beautiful. Brilliant sunshine but a nip in the air. Just like the day she was born 6 years ago.

Back on March 22nd 1997 Heather went into labour just before 7.00 a.m, gave birth just after 9 a.m. and was home with Emily in her arms by 6.30 p.m. I floated down the hospital corridor to the pay phone ( we could not afford a mobile back then) to tell the world she had arrived. So very happy.

The US and UK navies and airforces continue their huge unopposed aerial bombardment of Baghdad. Much has been made of the sophisticated weaponry which is minimising casualties. I suppose this is a blessing. But the reality of the situation was brought home on BBC radio when the reporter mentioned visiting a local hospital where a 5 year old girl had just been told she would never walk again due to the spinal injuries caused by the bombing.

Our taxes did that to her.