The Hostages.

Both of my next-door neighbours have, Free Palestine on their front doors.

On and off, I have thought of the Hostages, and today, they were in my thoughts again. I thought, of those who will need a shave, who will now have long hair, beards, and moustaches.

I wondered how many, Mums want their child back, how many Dads want their child to come home. I thought of Uncles and Aunties, wanting their nieces and nephews, back.

I thought of those who have missed, their 6 monthly appointments, for dentist, eye test, I thought of those who had cancer treatments, all missed.

I thought of little kids, who would now not know or remember their loved one.

I thought of the home comforts that they each miss, that I take for granted.

I thought of the food that they have had to eat.

I thought of their captors, usually there is a kind one, like in the films.

I thought of those who have jobs. How long will their managers keep it for them, before they are sacked?

At first, they were in my thoughts and prayers for a safe release, then because I don’t watch the news, after a while, I had forgotten them, but while I had forgotten them, they were still, held against their will.

All the TV programmes they have missed. All the family get togethers.

I thought of Terry Waite. I also thought of John McCarthy, and Jill Morrell and how she campaigned for his release, and then it didn’t work out for them.

I hope the Hostages will be freed soon, so that they can be reunited with their families and lives.