"And this time next year, on the third Monday in April, the world will return to this great American city to run harder than ever and to cheer even louder for that 118th Boston Marathon."
I truly cannot believe it has already been a full year since our city was attacked. I say, our city, because Boston really is a place that once you've spent some time there, it becomes a part of you. No, I was not born in Boston and do not currently live there; but I am from Boston in so many ways. I grew up on the Northshore, so going into Boston for a day trip was always a possibility. That big green bridge that crossed the dirty water and welcomed me into the noisy, beautiful place has been a part of my life since I can remember. I spent my college years in Fenway. I could walk to downtown, Fenway Park, Chinatown, and jump on the T to pretty much anywhere else. I loved the years I spent in Boston. I celebrated the 2004 World Series on streets. Boston became a part of me and took hold of my heart.
A year ago I was watching the marathon from my living room in Milford. I was thinking about how I had never actually watched the marathon, despite living so close to it's route for over 5 years. I stopped watching around 1:00 and started cleaning. It was a beautiful day and I had all the windows open. My Mom called me sometime that afternoon and asked if I was watching the coverage. She said something had happened, but she wasn't sure what. I turned my attention back to the television.
For the next week I allowed myself to be immersed in the media's coverage of the attacks, the suspects, the victims, and the manhunt. I got myself worked up, allowed myself to grieve, and found a way to continue on with my week of vacation. Over the course of the week I learned about those who were killed, including a beautiful little boy who only hoped for peace. It was devastating. It was heartbreaking. Our city had been tarnished. We had been attacked.
The few weeks that followed there was an overwhelming sense of hope for our beautiful city. Cities across the nation took out full page news articles showing their support. People from all over the world shared photos online with words of encouragement. Celebrities shared their memories and love for Boston. The president of our country came to Boston and shared some of the most beautiful words. It became clear very quickly that terrorists could not hold the city of Boston down.
A DJ on the radio this morning said the bombings in Boston proves how illogical it is to attack our city. Yes, the tragedy that struck a year ago brought us to our knees. People are still suffering physically and emotionally; but we are standing again. It didn't take long for the city of Boston to show the world that two men cannot hurt us for long. They cannot stop us from running. The race will be finished. Our amazing city will run together and cross the finish line.
I am grateful to be from Boston.
These are a few links to some of my favorite moments/speeches/photos etc.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/tasneemnashrulla/xx-inspiring-messages-from-the-boston-marathon-survivors-to
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