Jonathan and I are preparing for another cycling trip to France. In fact, we leave in just a few days with another wonderful couple who will be riding with us. But my excitement is overshadowed by a heavy heart.

France has sustained 3 major terrorist attacks in the last 19 months, and a 4th terrorist attack this week. Lest we forget: Charlie Hebdo and surrounding areas in January 2015 that killed 17, a soccer stadium, theater and several restaurants in and around Paris in November, 2015 that took the lives of 130 people, the attack by truck in Nice just a few weeks ago that killed 84 people and injured hundreds more, and now a brutal attack yesterday that killed a priest and critically injured at least one nun in a church during mass.

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I am concerned about traveling to France. I don’t like to admit it – I feel weak doing so. But it is difficult not to face the facts.  The U.S. has been and continues to be the target of terrorist attacks, from both foreign and domestic terrorists. France, Germany, and other parts of Europe have been recent targets of terrorism. Even if I wanted to hide, there doesn’t appear to be a safe place to do so.

So here’s my solution: I will not cancel my plans. I will make sure my estate plan is in order before I leave. I will tell my family how much I love them before I leave. I will celebrate France while I’m there. I will enjoy every inch of road I have the pleasure of riding while there.

I will stand with France.