Boston Marathon

A moment in time that changes everything...for better or worse is the question. A day that quickly transforms from jubilance, excitement, accomplishment into terror, vulnerability, sadness, and shock. That moment you realize it could have been worse...way worse. And it was for so many innocent people. And THAT is hard to wrap my head around. What I do know is God was there that day. Even though sick, malicious people terrorized an iconic event and shattered people's lives, there were also angels there that day. So many heros were right there: firefighters, police officers, FBI agents, paramedics, medical professionals...that was God's work. With all the witnesses there to help console, give the shirt off their back to help the wounded, carry people away from the horror: that was God's work. All the people pulling together to help each other move on, replace the hurt with goodness, and try our hardest to NOT let it shake us or change us for the worse: that is God's work.

Even though my whole family was there on marathon Monday: my 1 year old daughter and I so close to where the 2nd explosion occurred; my husband and son talking with the firefighters moments before terror broke loose: we will NOT remain shaken.

Even though simply writing my return address on an envelope might bring sadness: wondering if others will recognize the very street where an innocent MIT officer had his life taken in such a heinous way. The building his life was taken being where Todd had his first MIT classes in August. We will NOT let this bring fear in us.

Witnessing search spotlights from helicopters, continuous sirens, numerous law enforcement agency vehicles racing by our home: a place we have always felt so safe. A place where so many families live.

The gas station we always fill up at being the SAME one those terrible men high jacked an innocent by-stander's car.

Seeing the Target in Watertown: the very one I go to at least once a week because they have Target popcorn and my favorite Greek yogurt. Seeing this very Target on national news as the headquarters of this terrible man's search.

But rather than carrying out my everyday tasks living with fear and remembrance of these frightful events, we will be extra kind to one another and be mindful of what the people of this community have been through. And how they pulled together and showed how kindness out weighs this horror. Remember the photos of the officer delivering milk to a family in lock-down, the numerous flowers honoring those lost, the man who offered to buy a new boat for the people whose home had involuntarily been the final crime/capture scene shown all over the news. The people around the world who recognize and respect what has happened in this community. We will remember how human compassion will always win. Boston Strong: this is how we choose to be affected by this week.