Boston Marathon 2013

The chilling images from yesterday were still with me when I woke up this morning, and will continue to be with me throughout my whole life. Seeing as my blog this month has been geared towards running, I would have been at the finish line yesterday if it wasn't for a trip to New York. While walking around a different city, I received a massive amount of text messages (from all over the US and even other countries) asking if I was okay, and it wasn't until I turned on the TV that I realized the sheer gravity of the situation. What was amazing, though, was the response of people over social media offering help, kind words, and prayers to the people effected by the horrible and tragic events of the explosions that happened during the marathon, one of Boston's oldest and greatest wonderful traditions that will now forever be changed.

I know we've seen enough of this horrific event on the news, but this video does contain graphic images and strong language. Even though the tragedy happened so quickly, you can still see people rushing toward the crowd trying to help the injured.

Since I feel as though none of my own words can do justice, I would like to share with you some of the posts I saw on Facebook yesterday. If you see your post here and would like me to take it down, add your name, or anything, please leave a comment or message me.

A friend from Texas wrote, "What I remember most fondly were the beautiful concerts and plays in the parks, free for all of the public, and I truly pray most of all that their shared communal experience of joy, art and friendship not be hindered by such an atrocious act. We love you Boston!!!"

A friend who recently moved away from Boston wrote, "Hoping everyone finds some peace tonight and gets enough rest. Much love to my big ole Boston family, I'm so glad you are all safe!"

A fellow musician and student shared a link and wrote: Thank you to everyone who tried to reach me today. I was a block away from the area just an hour before the bombs went off and would have stayed to watch the race had I not had a midterm to take at 3pm. Feeling very grateful for that midterm right now and so relieved that my friends and teachers in the marathon are okay! My thoughts go out to the victims and their families ♥ Amazed at the strength of this city...

Amazing Acts of Kindness in Boston

An old roommate of mind who lives elsewhere, but who is from the area wrote: So incredibly heartbroken over what has been happening in Boston today. Comforted to see that everyone I know and love who were running in or watching the marathon are okay

Click here to read a fellow blogger's beautiful response.

More responses from friends:

"The Boston Marathon is always held on Patriots' Day, which commemorates the first battles of the Revolutionary War, where terror was abundant and frequent. Boston will rise from what has happened today, and will become stronger for it, just as our ancestors rose up to battle for their freedom as well as ours."

"At this point, I do not even want to turn on my television or watch the news. This hit too close to home."

"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided"

"Today, there are not republicans or democrats, northerners or southerners, yankee fans or red socks fans... we are one, brought together by our sadness and are united in our quest for peace and comfort for the city and victims in Boston today."

"To all the loyal Boston readers out there, and everyone else who is affected by today's tragedy in Boston, please never forget that we have the power. We have the power to remind ourselves at every moment that cowardice never, ever wins. My deep condolences to all the families affected by this random act of cowardice, and my encouragement to ALL of us to distance ourselves further and further from the reaction of division and violence. Moments like this give us the chance to choose light and love, and boy do we need that now more than ever." - Joyce DiDonato

Another friend wrote: My 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Lawless taught us to say a little prayer when we heard a siren, which I frequently still do.

Unfortunately today I could not keep up. Praying for everyone in this city.

Another response from a fellow Bostonian: Thanks to everyone checking in over the course of the day. Obviously, we still don't know all that much, but it's a relief knowing that many of you are safe tonight. Please keep in your thoughts those that were affected by today's events. It'll take a while, but we're gonna get through this.

Another article: Boston Marathon: All My Tears, All My Love

"Cowards: This is BOSTON. We fight injustice, promote enlightenment, and celebrate athletic achievement. You changed none of that." - Scott Kirsner

"Marathon Monday in Boston is supposed to be a day of celebration of people's athletic achievements, and for this year specifically, also a day of remembrance for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting this past December. It's horrific to think that this year it will likely be remembered for the tragic events that unfolded today. I can't even imagine why someone would even think about doing something like this, especially during a marathon of all things and in such a lovely city as Boston. Let's hope this whole thing clears up soon and we find out how and why this all happened. Good night y'all, sleep well."

"We are not afraid.

You will not rattle us.

You will not change our way of life.

You may test our faith in freedom but it will not falter.

We love each other and our love makes us stronger than you."

"it is 2AM and I still can't believe what happened."

When you finally think that you've lost all faith in humanity, don't forget about the Heroic First Responders who put themselves in harms way to help the wounded.

And what Obama said when he addressed the nation:

"On days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats—we are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens."

"Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. I'm supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way." - President Obama

Boston will overcome, but the memory will be with us forever:

"I can't seem to shake off this heavy sadness I've been carrying since yesterday. It seems like a night of sleep and a sunny day should just erase it. Though it is beautiful to see how people are finally working together, openly loving and appreciating one another as our race should. I also hope that people all over the country can continue to respond to such a horrific act by continuing to open their hearts and act out of Love, not with identically destructive feelings. 

Everybody needs a wake up call to finally feel and do what we know is right. Keep it up friends!"



I have been living in Boston for the past 6 years, and I am proud to call this beautiful city my home. Most of my friends are from Boston, have lived in Boston, or are in the immediate area, and seeing everyone pull together and help each other was very moving. I am so lucky to have family and friends who care about me, even enough to send a quick text message from across the country, down the street, or in another country to make sure that I was okay. I love you all, and Boston will be okay.

Let's all remember the innocent lives lost, and lives that have been changed forever.

All in for Boston.