In Honor of the Boston Tragedy

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."- Helen Keller

Yesterday, my phone alerted me I had a message. Thinking it was a text or an email, I let it go for a couple minutes. When I finally picked up my phone, it was an alert from CNN advising of the bombing in Boston. In all honesty, it didn't register with me what had really happened. All I could think at the time was "Oh, that's really sad." The pictures flooded every website I frequently visit. Facebook and Twitter were filled with "Pray for Boston" while Reddit contained graphic pictures taken by stand-byers. I saw pictures of victims missing limbs, the aftermath on the sidewalks once the smoke cleared, the tearful families and friends, and the heroic people who stepped in to help whether it was their profession or their heart steering the way. It finally sunk in that we have another tragedy on our hands and my heart fell heavy. I can't seem to wrap my head around the thought of waking up one day, excited for this marathon, a goal some people thought they'd never reach, ready to prove to themselves and their loved ones cheering them on that they can do it. They looked anxiously to the finish line perhaps even thinking "Just a little further. You can do this." Now lives have ended or been forever changed.

I grieve today for Martin Richard, the 8 year old boy who stood at the finish line to greet his running Father. I grieve for his family who will now have to live without that sweet toothless smile and are helpless laying in the hospital themselves. I grieve for the other two innocent people who were killed in this merciless act. I grieve for the 170 that are injured and are looking for answers that we may not know for some time. I grieve for the hearts broken, I grieve for Boston, I grieve for America. 

Only twelve years ago were we struck with the news of a terrorist act that changed us forever. Our President has announced today that this indeed was another act of terror, though we don't know through who. We come together again as a Nation, but we should have never been apart. We are like old friends who are there for each other when times are tough. We come together when it is absolutely necessary. Other times, our home land is at war with each other- brother against brother. If anything, I pray we can put differences aside while we mourn those we've lost, defend and protect our country, and overcome the hand that's been dealt. Find the innocence in one another.

I am inspired by the volunteers who without a second thought stepped up and helped take care of victims. It is a blessing that they were able to keep calm, do what was needed, and acted selflessly. We are all grateful for our men and women that everyday protect and serve but most especially yesterday during the trauma. I pray for them to be comforted during this time as well. They had to see and hear things we didn't that will haunt them. This will not be an easy recovery, and it never is. I trust that our President, our defense administration, and all those involved will provide us with answers once they have them and will make sure we all stay safe.

Even if you are not religious, please pray for all involved in this. Keep them in your hearts and make sure you hold those close to you a little tighter for the days to come. We often take for granted what we have without realizing what can be torn away from us in the blink of an eye. 

#PRAYFORBOSTON

For information how you can be a hero, click the Red Cross link.