Boston Marathon

This morning was the first sunny day we've had in what feels like so long. I was excited, but bundled up anyway knowing that just because there is sunshine here, warmth doesn't inevitably follow. (insert sad face.) Logan teased me a little because I always seem to be cold and then we headed out on the subway into the city. Today was the Boston marathon, and also a holiday in Boston, "Patriot's Day", so Logan had no school and we thought we'd spend our time together at the festivities downtown. I was happy. It was sunny, it was warmer than it's been in a long time, and there were people everywhere. There was a sense of excitement for what we would see, and experiencing something new. We were going to be right there where people from all over the world were accomplishing their dream. Probably crossing this marathon off their bucket list.

When we got to the city, we were planning on heading to Copley Square, where the marathon finish line is. We figured there would be lots of things going on down there. I was suddenly starving on the subway and told Logan we should get lunch first. We stopped off about a mile from the marathon finish and as we were walking towards where we'd be eating lunch, we heard a huge boom. We looked around, but didn't see anything, and I assumed there was some sort of building construction demolition going on down one of the other streets. I guess my first thought just wasn't "tragedy".

We ate lunch, and when we finished, we walked outside and headed toward the finish line. I started looking around and enjoying the day when a big group of people passed us with the strangest looks on their faces. The only emotion I could read was fear. I turned to Logan and said "they all looked terrified." He agreed, and then I noticed the sirens on the street ahead of us. I looked around and noticed more people huddling together as they walked quickly past. We turned a corner onto the main street and Logan got a text from his school about bombs going off at the finish line. Suddenly it seemed to be everywhere. Everyone we passed was talking abut it. To each other, or on the phone. This many injured, this many bombs, subways shut down, etc, etc.

We walked further down the street and saw a group of people huddled around looking into a store window. I stopped to see what they were looking at, and there was a TV broadcasting the news that was just a few blocks from where we were standing.

We watched for a few minutes and everything seemed surreal. So many hurt. People looking for their families. After a few minutes we decided to move on, further from the explosions. We went over to Faneuil Hall to decide what to do next. We tried to go into a store there but they told us they were closing and that the Mayor was having everyone evacuate the city. "Go home and be safe" the girl told us as she shut the doors.

We waited there outside for awhile, watching people and trying to make any sense out of something that can't be made sense out of. We listened to sirens that seemed to surround us in every direction and heard people talking to loved ones letting them know they were alive and okay... and then we were able to get on a subway and head home.

Now that we're away from all the bustle and excitement and commotion it's starting to sink in a little more. It's so sad watching everything on the news. I can't believe how close we were to it all. My heart goes out to those injured and their family members in this tragic turn of events.

After watching the video clips people recorded, I was struck by the people in the videos they showed that were running to help. Strangers helping strangers. It's enough to fill your heart back up a little after so much sadness. Even with so much bad happening, there still seems to be room for a lot of good, too.