The Morning After

After the unimaginable events in Boston last night, I had hoped that sleep would grant me with clarity, understanding, and a way to fathom what had occurred. The bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon struck me in a way that I cannot really explain. You see, my mom ran the Boston Marathon for six consecutive years. She normally runs it in about 4 hours. We are normally waiting at the finish line for her. All of these "normallies" would have put my family right in the bombs way. Thankfully, for a multitude of reasons, my mom didn't run the marathon this year. So we listened in shock, first on the car radio, then on the tv, to the events as they unfolded. What I think that the majority of people don't seem to know is, if you're running an over 4 hour marathon, chances are you didn't qualify. The majority of the people finishing at that time were charity runners. These were people who raised at least $5,000 so that they could run the marathon. Often, the charity is very close to their hearts and they run in honor of a loved one. The spectators never cared that the people didn't qualify. They would stand, crowding the sidewalks, grandstands, anyway they could to cheer on the people who ran. It didn't matter who you were. If there was a name on a jersey, people would call it out and cheer. The crowd would literally go wild for each and every person running that race. I know, because I have been in that crowd. I have cheered for the runners. I have seen the accomplishment on their faces as they cross the finish line. I have seen the joy on others, just to be watching the event.  In less than 30 seconds, it all changed. Thankfully, within all the devastation, we also got to witness the beauty of humanity. People running towards the explosion to help. Runners running to hospitals to donate blood. Runners taking off their shirts to help put pressure on wounds. Runners who were doctors and nurses, finishing their run, and immediately going to the aid of others. Bostonians offering all they could to people who were left without a hotel room, cell phone, etc. An overwhelming tide of support from all across the country, and the world. The helpers are definitely in full force, and it makes my heart sing.

Unfortunately, with a tragedy such as this, there also comes heartbreak. A reminder that no matter what, something bad can happen. A reminder that events such as this happen daily in some cities. A reminder that there are acts of violence happening across the world.

Now is the time to band together. To show our support. To mourn the loss of innocent lives. To mourn the loss of innocence and the feeling of safety. To mourn for all the victims of violence everywhere. To pray for those who were in anyway impacted by this event, and all violence. To pray for the perpetrators of violence. To pray for humanity. To pray for the heroes, the helpers. To pray for clarity, as to what we need to do next.
And if you aren't the praying sort, think good thoughts, reflect on these events. Send healing spirits.

Above all, look for the good in the world. Look for the helpers. Try to be a helper..

Love,
Mikhala