I born and raised in the city of Boston and most of my family and many friends are still there. When the Boston Marathon bombing took place last week, as will all, I was shocked. My first reaction was complete vulnerability. Instantly I was worried for the people on the news and the people I knew and loved home in Boston. I was in fear of what area could be next and what would that mean for our country?
The next wave that went through me was the awareness that there are countries in this world that live in that fear every day. There are places, where our soldiers are, that they are grateful to wake up on a brand new morning unscathed. That thought brought me to tears. It reminded me how much I take peace and protection for granted.
As the week unfolded, I tried to make some sense out of the frightening act. I tried to focus on the thousands that helped and loved than the ones that did not. I tried to be grateful for the greatest medical care in the world minutes away from the site that prevented greater carnage. I tried to remember God has all of us in the palm of his hand- loving and guiding each step…even if that step is closer to him in spirit. I tried to trust God and love all rather than live in fear or anger.
The events of last week were beyond frightening. Seeing tanks and a lockdown in the city of Boston and the surrounding areas was surreal. It was like an awful movie we could not turn off. However, this was a perfect example of how tragedy shows the true colors of humanity coming together in love. There were so many heroes that rushed in to help people they did not even know. Our country and the world were together in love, prayer and even financially through the One Fund Boston for those that suffered such great loss. Sometimes, unfortunately, it is when we see such amazing examples of love, strength and hope.
The events in Boston last week, while awful, showed a nation coming together in strength. Our spirits were not broken, but our love was rekindled. We do not live in fear, but in greater community and respect for each other and the amazing men and women that protect and keep us safe in law enforcement. It brings tears of gratitude to my eyes to know we are “one nation under God” and that nothing could diminish our spirit.
