Visiting London couple make frantic calls home

07:41 AM CDT on Friday, July 8, 2005

By GARY REAVES / WFAA-TV

Ken and Eileen Crampton burned up the phone lines trying to reach their sons in London Thursday. The couple, whose apartment in London is sandwiched between two of the bombed stations, were visiting friends in North Dallas when the bombs exploded.

"I tell you what, my flat must have shook this morning," said Eileen Crampton.

They watched the television to see what they could have seen from their windows in London. However, their main concern was to make sure their family was well.

In London, they lived through decades of bombings by Irish terrorists and they survived World War II as well.

"We used to come out in the morning when we were kids and say I wonder if our house was still standing," Crampton said.

It is a fear that suddenly returned with the morning's news. However, their fear was eased when they finally got through to their son and learned he was unharmed.

With their family safe, their vacation continued. This was the fifth straight year they spent July 4 in America.

"We believe in freedom and independence and that's it.," Crampton said.

E-mail greaves@wfaa.com