I am still in shock that yesterday actually happened. You know that moment in the morning when you wake up and everything is perfect, you have no worries, and feel so safe wrapped up in the blankets of your bed (or your roommates when your besties are snuggling in your bed). That’s how I felt this morning, a few seconds later I just kept wishing yesterday was some horrible nightmare.
The day started out perfectly, I had brought in these adorable little plant your own flower kits I had picked up at Target for two of my girlfriends and I. We spent the morning tending to our seedlings, performing our typical work duties, and enjoying what was supposed to be a typical Spring day. Around 3:00 PM my friend came over to my cube area and said “there were some explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line”. At first I didn’t believe her, she must have been mistaken, these things don’t happen in our little city of Boston, my little bubble and safe haven. I went to Google it and before the search results even came up I saw our whole office running towards the kitchen to watch the news, I quickly followed.
I stood there in shock for what seemed like eternity, everyone was silent. I then started getting all of these texts from my sweet friends and family all over the country. It then really hit me What about everyone I know? I grew up in this city, this is my home, anyone could have been there. I immediately texted one of my longtime friends who was running in the Boston Marathon. Turns out he got injured fairly recently and did not end up running, thank god. I started getting emails from my office and friends asking everyone to respond and check in. It’s so strange, for the most part, everyone in Boston was so calm just trying to locate and contact anyone. It was the people out of the city that were the frantic ones.
I guess when you’re in the middle of it your body is trained to respond in a certain way, rather than going into an unproductive panic, everyone just did what they needed to do. I have had a pit in my stomach since the moment I heard the news yesterday, my eyes well up with tears at the strangest times, and I have this overwhelming since of pride for this city, a sense that I don’t think I have ever experienced before. I’m not a huge sports fans so World Series and Superbowl wins don’t do it for me (and they now just seem so trivial).
Looking at all of the photos and hearing from all of the people there yesterday, seeing the way people furiously ran towards the explosions to help in anyway they can makes me so proud. Despite this horrible and tragic event, the good in the people of this city has truly shone through. The actions of both first responders and every day citizens, runners, and fans turned heroes has provided me with a little bit of light and sense of comfort during this dark time in Boston.
Last night two of my best friends spent the night at my apartment to avoid public transportation. We spend the night watching the news and counting our blessings that everyone we knew and loved was physically safe, I think everyone’s emotionally devastated. Boston has such a strong sense of community. On the way to work this morning we stopped to get coffee and the barista asked us how we were doing, not in the customary “I have to ask you this” type way, he genuinely cared, and we talked about what happened and wished each other the best. Throughout every tragic moment in my life, the people involved have banded together to lift each other up, and I have no doubt that my home, the city of Boston, will do the same. My thoughts and prayers are each and every one of you.
Thank you to everyone who called, texted, and Facebook messaged me to check in. I am so blessed and grateful to have you all in my life. What happened yesterday truly makes me appreciate every second I am given with each and every one of you. xo
Bright Simplicity 