Heartbreak!

(Tuesday:  April 16, 2013)

Yesterday, April 15, 2013, was Patriot's Day in Massachusetts.  It is also known as Marathon Monday.  The Boston Marathon has been run on Patriot's Day in the City of Boston for well over a hundred years.  It is a historic day.  It is a day about triumph and perseverance.  It is a day when the city celebrates in a way that no other city can.  It is Boston's holiday.  But this year, it was marked by tragedy when two bombs exploded near the finish line, resulting in the deaths of 3 innocent spectators and injuries to over 150 other people.

This was the act of a coward!  As of now, the police do not have anyone in custody so we do not know if it was one person or a group, but no matter, whoever did this was a coward!  Those who run the marathon are just everyday people from around the world.  The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigous races in the world and it draws thousands of people into the city.  There are runners from all walks of life.  There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of people who run for various charities.  I know of several people who run to raise money to help others.  And for some coward to set off bombs to kill and injure those who are on the sidelines, cheering them on, showing their support, pushing them that last and final leg to finish the race of a lifetime, I just don't know what to say.  It is times like this when I wish our justice system believed in an "eye for an eye". 

I have been awash with emotion since these events unfolded yesterday.  I was actually at the track walking when I received a text from my husband simply stating that 2 bombs had gone off at the finish line.   When I read it, I don't think it really registered as to what it meant.  But then I got a text from a friend from out of state asking if I was ok.  And then just as another couple arrived at the track, the guy received a phone call, apparently from his son, who was telling him about the explosions. 

I finished my laps and started to walk home.  I realized that I should probably call my Mom because even though I didn't really know anything, she would probably be worried if she didn't realize that my office was closed for the holiday so I wasn't in the city.  We talked all the way home and I immediately turned on the TV.  Shortly after, my sister tried to call my cell, and then she called the house.  My brother-in-law had heard the news and they were watching it in his office, so he called her to have her check in with me.  Then my mother-in-law called because she had gotten a call from my husband's brother.  Their fears started to hit me, along with the news coverage and the emotions just came rolling in over me and I cried.  I was safe, my family was safe and as far as I knew, all of my friends were safe.  But some coward had attacked my city and changed so many lives and we don't know why.

And when I learned that one of those killed was only 8 years old, my heart broke.  As I heard stories of those who were injured, it broke even more.  But as with everything, there are stories of heroism too.  All those people who ran toward the blast sites as they tried to help the injured.  Everyone from fire, police and other rescure personnel to race volunteers, news crews and so many others. 


(Wednesday, April 17, 2013)

I was going to come back and edit the above post before publishing it since I felt it was a really rough draft less than a day after the attack on the marathon.  But I've decided to leave it as is because I hope it shows the range of emotions, confusion and shock I felt over this senseless act.

Another day has now gone by and while I still can't understand why someone would do this, I am at least making some sense of my feelings.  I am angry, as I know many others are also.  I am still sad and heartbroken about what this has done to so many people and to this city, but I am finding amazing strength all around me.

This country was built on strength and perseverence and the Boston Marathon and Patriot's Day embody those characteristics.  Anyone who can run 26.2 miles and then continue to run to the nearest hospital to donate blood for the injured...they are strong.  The first responders, race officials and volunteers, the media and all the other spectators who ripped down barriers to get to the injured...they persevered.  The doctors, nurses and all the medical personnel who worked tirelessly to do everything they could for those injured...amazing, although they'd probably tell you it is just their job.  So many who were willing to help when they had no idea if they too could be in danger...that is Boston.  Those are the qualities that built this city, this country and it all started here in Boston, in Massachusetts, in New England.  It is why we celebrate Patriot's Day.  We do not give up the fight. 

You can attack us but you will not defeat us.  You are a coward!  You killed a defenseless 8 year old and seriously injured his sister and mother.  But you did not break the Richard family becuase while they may be battered and bruised now, the rest of this city, this nation, is rallying around them in support.  They will find strength and love all around them and they will persevere!  The coward who did this will not and did not win. 

Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell and the 3rd victim will not be forgotten.  The Boston Marathon will go on and they will be in our hearts and minds every time a runner crosses the finish line, signifying another win for Boston!

We are Boston!  We are strong!  You can not break us.