Well, what a sad way to bring back my blogging. Unless you live in a hole or haven't checked your facebook/twitter/tv or any other type of news related media today, I'm sure you have heard about the horrific events that occurred in Boston, Ma. But just in case you're the one living in a hole, here's what happened...
April 15 to many is known as doomed tax day but today, in Boston, several thousand people gathered to cheer on the 25,000+ runners in completing life-long goals, raising money and awareness for a variety of efforts, and of course, some good old competition. What was meant to be a celebration however, quickly turned tragic when two bombs were detonated causing three casualties and over 100 injuries.
As a Bostonian myself, this horrible and truly unbelievable event hit close to home. Too close for my liking. I immediately began receiving phone calls and texts from friends and fellow Kappa's checking in with me and making sure other friends and family were okay. Frantically, I called home and thankfully, all was well with my family and friends. My brother began telling me how after the traditional Sox game, he and his friends almost went to the finish line to watch and participate in the day's events. But because of how crowded it was, he turned home and hopped on the T back to Milton. I've never been so relieved to hear that he preferred the comfort of our quiet little suburban home to the bustling city of Beantown.
Historically, the Boston Marathon has been quite an attraction. People representing a total of 96 countries were running in today's race and hundreds of thousands were given the day off from work or school to attend the festivities. The Boston Marathon boasts being the oldest annual marathon in the world and in true New England fashion and support, mile 26 was dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook shooting not too long ago in Newtown, CT. This marathon is more than just a race, it's a well-known and established community gathering of New Englanders and others to enjoy themselves and the great city of Boston.
I know a lot of people have been posting and commenting on this event but truly, these acts of terror on our nation, neighbors, friends, and family is getting out of control. It is deeply saddening to have to live this life of fear and take something so positive and innocent and make it something so scary. If you look through the news articles or the Youtube videos, there are so many reports of how awful it was at the finish line. People who lost limbs, others screaming for help, and now in the aftermath, the streets are covered in red and eerily quiet.
I'm not posting to make anyone who reads this sad or angry- although you have every right to be, I know I am. I'm actually posting to write a public apology to those who have been affected and also to thank those who helped. Newscaster after newscaster, they interviewed spectators who saw marathon runners pass the finish line and continue on to hospitals to donate blood. Anyone trained in medicine pushed past fleeing people to offer assistance to anyone who needed it. EMT's, police officers, and firefighters rushed to the scene and even just normal everyday people offered hands where they could to help. These are the heroes we need to say thank you to. So to all those who helped, thank you for helping me see the thin light of positive in such a tragic event. Even when your life was still in danger, you thought of others first and that is respectful on so many levels.
Talking to my mom on the phone today, I felt like saying "I love you" carried a little more weight. Make sure to call your family, call your friends, and call those who have made an impact on your life and tell them how much they mean to you. And if you see an emergency responder, say thank you. My heart goes out to anyone who was hurt and especially those families who have lost someone special. No one deserves that and no one should have the right to tear others down this much. I hope that Boston comes together stronger than ever and rather than focusing on the negative of the event, help authorities where you can and support one another in this time of need. #PrayforBoston
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