by Jennie Mc Donald

Created on: February 17, 2009   Last Updated: February 27, 2009

In order to understand the devastating consequences to the lives of ordinary people because of political violence in Northern Ireland or what some may call terrorism, one should read the book 'Tim an Ordinary Boy' by his parents Colin and Wendy Parry. In this so-called modern world of ours terrorism seems to be not just an act of fear, but an epidemic. This is a heart-wrenching book, which allows anyone that reads it to jump into the mindset of those affected by such horrific acts of violence. Tim Parry was killed in an explosion in Warrington in March 1993 and this outstanding book follows the journey, which his loved ones were forced to take after his death.

It accounts for the loss of a beloved child in terrible circumstances, but it goes further than that, as it also describes how the parents of that child set out on a profound moral journey. How they sought out the country and culture, which that act of violence, had claimed to represent. Some of the most poignant chapters of this book keep track of that journey as they observe Colin and Wendy as the travelled from helpless grief to an unswerving attempt to unravel the old diversities and misunderstandings which cost their son his life. They tell how with a direct gaze and unknown strength, they asked straight questions and looked for straight answers. Within the pages of this book there is to be found two people who sought to honour the child they loved and lost. They appear to be two extremely strong individuals with passion, love and unreal strength. As one reads each chapter, especially chapter one it will come to feel as if they'd known Tim all their lives.

The dad, Colin kept what he called 'A Day Book' on each of his three children, Tim, Dominic and Abbi; these books accounted for most of the everyday events that would have occurred in his children's life's. The dated back to before the children were born and right up to March 20th 1993 when Tim's short-life was coming to an end. The following section is taken from Tim's Daybook: 25th April 1983 "Dear Tim There are two things I want to record in your Day Book today. I must admit, the first is amusing and it concerns your behaviour when confronted by mum's anger or mine. You've taken to running off to whichever human being in the vicinity looks the friendliest - any adult will do - and you showered them with affection, telling them how much you love them. I find it most amusing to see you at two and a half years old employing your diplomatic skill

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