Tim Alban Jones: Time passes slowly for those who grieve
From an address by the vicar of Soham on the anniversary of the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It seems hard to believe that a year has passed since the events of last August that brought Soham into the spotlight of the national media. In some ways the time has gone quickly, yet in many ways each week and month seems to have been unnaturally long.
Throughout the intervening months we have all been constantly aware of the needs of two grieving families. As anyone who has been bereaved will tell you, for those who grieve, time can pass very slowly indeed. It was perhaps naive to think the attentions of the press would lessen with the passage of time. The intensity of media coverage that last summer's tragedy generated has guaranteed that people have not forgotten Holly and Jessica, and they have not forgotten the town of Soham.
Not a week goes by without someone writing or contacting me to tell me they are still thinking about the families and about what happened last year. People from all over the country and abroad are clearly still very deeply moved and touched by all that went on in Soham.
Some people have asked me what strikes me most when looking back over the past 12 months. There are a few moments that perhaps stand out in my memory, but throughout the whole year we have witnessed countless deeds of kindness. There have been innumerable people who have responded with outstanding compassion, love and generous good-will. All these many deeds of kindness and thoughtfulness show that love is stronger than hatred.
Ultimately, goodness is stronger than evil.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments