Gransnet forums

Chat

DD and SIL going out this evening

(44 Posts)
harrigran Sat 21-Nov-15 13:24:33

DD wasn't going to the Johnny Halliday concert. I have been in touch with her on FB and she said that as the weather is poor she is going to stay home. I always have her in my mind because she travels all over the world, last week she was in New Orleans and New York where security was very high. Her father had to travel for his work and he has had a few narrow squeaks so I am well used to the stress.

Marelli Sat 21-Nov-15 13:12:56

As they say, felice, 'a trouble shared is a trouble halved'. Your trouble has been shared amongst all of us, and hopefully you'll be able to relax a wee bit tonight. As Bellanonna says, get her to text you when they're home again. They always will be our babies, and you're not being silly at all. x

felice Sat 21-Nov-15 13:11:04

Jings, much as I would like them to stay at home, they are both Mature adults and i cannot dictate their lives.
DD has just been down and told me they have checked with the restaurant and it has not had a warning from the security services.
We have also been in touch with a dear friend who owns a bar in a sensitive area, her husband is a very senior Police officer and he has said that the security measures in place are working well.

Harrigran if it is the Johnny Halloday cancert your DD was going to, along with most of the city,, it has been cancelled but they are going to update the status at 16.00 our time(15.00 UK)
Have you spoken to your DD or like me are you trying to stay 'cool'.

KatyK Sat 21-Nov-15 13:04:11

I understand your concern. I was saying to DH earlier though, they say they have intelligence of an imminent attack. Usually when they say this, nothing happens. It's the places that aren't prepared that usually get hit, as in Paris. Not that that will make you feel any easier. I would be the same.

Gagagran Sat 21-Nov-15 12:59:28

DD is going to a conference in Paris in early December and just shrugged and said "We have to carry on or they've won". I know she's right and I agree with her but I shall be on pins until she is safely back home. Once a Mum always a Mum I suppose!

jinglbellsfrocks Sat 21-Nov-15 12:13:26

I thought the Belgium government were advising people to stay away from crowded plac s. I would definitely advise beg them not to go.

We went to the Brussels Xmas market this time last year. Not going this year though. Very sad. sad

felice Sat 21-Nov-15 12:10:20

This close to St Nicolas it is going to be a big blow to retailers.

harrigran Sat 21-Nov-15 12:05:34

Thank you felice, I have been to the link and it helps to see what measures are in place. Seeing the shopping centre empty of people was strange, every time I have been there it has been a bustling place.

felice Sat 21-Nov-15 11:36:41

harrigran, yes we are on high alert, but the weather has closed in, below zero temperatures, sleet, high winds so i think that might lower the risk a bit. Most of the concert venues have been closed.
If you want to get more details in English go to www.flandersnews.be
I am sure they will be fine as will my DD although with the weather they are talking about a posh home delivery.

Alea Sat 21-Nov-15 11:27:13

I absolutely understand your concern, Felice but also think (hope) security is tighter now than ever.
I lived through the IRA years in London and DH was working in the City, frequently the bombers' target. Yes I worried, sweated even if I saw a bag near an Underground train door, but you will just grit your teeth and get on with it, won't you?
flowers
(Off to London later to meet up with the DDs, friends and family for DD's "hen night" I am reasonably confident our Tapas bar of choice will be fine !))

harrigran Sat 21-Nov-15 11:18:07

DH has just worried me by saying that Brussels is on high alert for terrorist activity. DD and SIL live in Auderghem and depend on public transport, in a way it makes me happier that she will probably not be travelling to a music concert this weekend.

Luckygirl Sat 21-Nov-15 11:14:43

...or even "off"!

Luckygirl Sat 21-Nov-15 11:14:25

I understand your worry. My DD and her OH went to an event in London in the Speaker's House by the houses of parliament the day after the Paris shootings. I consoled myself with the fact that it would probably be full of security people; and focused all my attention on looking after their little boys. I can report that they arrived back safely.

You are not being silly - you are a Mum, and these are difficult times.

When I look back, my parents must have been worried about me, working in Brum during the IRA atrocities - indeed a shoe shop blew up behind me as I left it. I never gave a thought to whether they might be worried.

I am sure your family will have a wonderful time - remember the old adage "rare things happen rarely." Send them of with a kiss and good wishes. smile

rosequartz Sat 21-Nov-15 10:22:44

We never stop worrying about our DC - and even more so our DGC, do we.

It is understandable, although everywhere will be on high alert now.

felice Sat 21-Nov-15 10:15:44

Yes I am being irrational and have never been a worrier, Bella we used to live near Place St Josse, and are now just off Ave Louise near Rue Baillii.
I had a Morrocan boyfriend years ago, still a friend, and when 9/11 and 7/7 happened we had a lot of discussion, one of his comments was that nothing would happen here as it would be planned here, he seems to have foretold the future.

Dgs age 3 will be downstairs with me tonight and we are going to Church as normal tomorrow so I know I am being silly about DD but she is still my baby.
Not going to tell her I am worried as she will tease me unmercifully.

Jane10 Sat 21-Nov-15 09:29:20

I entirely agree about the worry gene. The family laughs at me and my worrying but I just can't help it! I'm sure security will be very tight though and the OPs DD will be fine. Try to enjoy Strictly!

Stansgran Sat 21-Nov-15 09:23:55

I think there will be so much security about that probably a night out is as safe as it gets. Probably they will have to dine with an army patrol gazing enviously at their steaks. I'm sure that when we give birth some one implants a worry gene . My dd1 had to go to Nigeria just after the schoolgirls were abducted and I had a clear rescue plan with flights and times mapped out on the pooter. Motherhood is a form of madness. I feel for you

Bellanonna Sat 21-Nov-15 09:18:25

Your concern is understandable Felice. I think we can only just go on living our lives though. Your daughter is 30 and off to celebrate the fact in a lovely restaurant where she and her DH will gave a great time. One of my DDs is off to meet school friends in central London today. I'm sure all will be well but I'll be glad when she's back home. I have her lively 3-year-old to look after so I will be concentrating on that. Your daughter will no doubt make many trips to the Centre and really our everyday lives have to continue. I used to live near Place Madou in rue Joseph 2, and worked in the big organisation on the Zaventem road - you'll know the one ! I envy you living in such a lovely city.
Enjoy Strictly but ask her to text you when she's back.

felice Sat 21-Nov-15 08:55:53

We live in Brussels and DD and her hubby are going to a posh restaurant right in the heart of the city this evening to celebrate her 30th birthday.
I am worried, I am not going to try to persuade them not to go, I was living in Cyprus in 1974 and visited England a lot when the IRA were active and know that changing your lifestyle is one of the main goals of terrorists.
SIL is French/Belgian and his family live in Paris and we had a worrying weekend.
I think I just needed to say how worried I am I have just put the BBC news on and they do seem to be making it seem a bit bigger than our local news stations. We are used to Metro closures and high security whenever the Americans come to town, I once could not leave the house and DD could not get home when an American politician was at a meeting in the Sheraton opposite our house. It ended up quite funny as it was the security guards who had blocked the street without Police permission so DD called the Police and they got a flea in their ear.
Sorry waffling now, just needed to get this off my chest.
Think about me watching Strictly and the local news at the same time tonight.