My oldest son lives just outside Boston. He is a running enthusiast, among other interests. A few years ago he ran The Boston and I was there to watch him, cheer him on, and congratulate him at the finish line. Unless you've witnessed it first-hand, it is difficult to imagine what Patriots Day and the running of The Boston Marathon means to those involved. It is truly one of the most important days of their year.
This past Monday afternoon, although I knew he wasn't running, I knew that his many friends participating may have led him to the race route to watch them, cheer them on, and even be at the finish line. Since they had no school that day, my grandsons could have very likely been with him. When I heard the unfathomable news of the bombing, a few very tense minutes passed before he replied to my text message of "you OK?" to say that all was fine and he was not anywhere near Boylston Street and that horrific scene. Thank God.
A transplanted Michigander, greater Boston has been his home for almost 20 years now. A sports nut, he has related how Bostonians, now including he and his family, are absolutely crazy about their local professional sports teams. Last night at the Bruins hockey game, those fans really showed their love of their city and their unwillingness to be taken down by cowards out to make a statement. This excellent article, and it's embedded video of the fans singing the National Anthem as one, wonderfully highlights the strength and the resolve of those fans, along with their love of America.
This video of the pre-game activities, serves to remind each of us that although they are enduring the grief of their losses, their spirits are rock-solid as they resolve to get through this tough time together...Boston Strong.
