"It can't be real" is really the first sentiment that comes to mind after these horrible acts.
Living on the East Coast halfway between New York City and Boston, I have found myself in Boston far more often than NYC. I went to school outside the city and was there practically every weekend. Tom has family living there, we each have more than a few friends in the immediate and surrounding area. One of my dad's best friends ran the race today. A bunch of new friends I've met over the past month or so in blogland live in the area. It makes me so sad to think that any of them could have been hurt by such a senseless act.
Luckily, none of them were injured but there are too many people that were. Now we're hearing about fatalities. Tom just told me one of them was an 8 year old boy.
People that do these things to others have so many reasons not to but they choose to ignore any good sense and take violent and unbelievable extremes.
To the heroes:
The EMS, police, figherfighters, security- You are all amazing in your choice of career. If not for you, complete chaos would likely ensue. You are the rocks that build the foundation back up. Hurt from a tragedy like this is less impossible to overcome because of you. Thank you.
The bystanders, blood donors, tireless runners, the "helpers"- You are incredible people. You are the reason that faith in humanity remains. You stepped up without being asked, without an obligation and that is why, no matter how hard the "bad guys" work, they will never win.
I'm so sorry to all those affected. My love and prayers go out to you. Boston is a strong city and I have no doubts the people of such a city will band together and rise above this.
Here are some pictures that will hopefully make you smile and feel a bit better.
