Today's tragedy in Boston really hit home for me..In 2003, my 3rd of 4 Boston Marathons I was exactly at the spot where the bomb went off. I looked at clock as runners were finishing today and that year(2003) as I was slowing I finished in 4:10, the bomb exploded today at 4:09:44 ,,16 seconds from finish line. My wife was at the grandstandstand waiting for me...God's grace and mercy for me has always been evident in my life(though while active didn't mean much)I've had friends from other states call me to see if I was okay not knowing whether I was still qualifying for that event or not,some of who have been working their own recoveries from their own years of devastation(WE shared). It's not about me but the irony of the situation from my perspective..I felt a need to share this and to take deep reflection time and prayer for all those affected,physically ,mentally and spiritually.I know their are many daily tragedies and this is another one but thanks for allowing me a minute,,,my wife and I are holding each other very closely..
-- Edited by mikef on Monday 15th of April 2013 09:18:05 PM
__________________
Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Great shares, all on here. Sobriety allowed me to become a marathoner too (well, to run one marathon, at least). There is a real fellowship of marathoners and marathon supporters. I've had tears in my eyes a lot since yesterday.
My thoughts and prayers to all touched by this tragedy, especially the family of those killed.
Wow, Mike- great share. My thoughts and prayers are with the people affected and their families. My sponser is a doctor who's pretty high up in the organization essentially responsible for providing medical care at the marathon. To say she's a bit shaken is an understatement, of course. She was in the medical tent at the site. What's become a city- wide tradition of a fun, relaxing day to be spent with friends and family is now tarnished by this random act of violence. The thing about Boston is that although it's considered a 'major' city, it's actually quite small. People that actually grow up in the city, such as myself, tend to cross paths- you're bound to know somebody affected. It's a very close knit city with a strong sense of pride. I think Obama referred to it as a 'tough and resilient' city. Very true- we stick together- as is true in most communities when tragedy strikes. I worked last night and served a man who was amongst the elite runners, who trained all year to achieve his 'personal best' running time. He was in tears- pride of his accomplishment overwhelmed by the violence. So senseless.
Hey Col, I did not realize you were in Boston. I have to tell you that is a tough place to stop drinking because it is such a tradition. My hat is off to you. I started drinking in Scituate Mass on the south shore where my Dad was stationed at NAS South Weymouth. To all that are in close proximity to this act, you will see the worst and best of mankind. Again, the innocent suffer. An 8 year old is one of the victims. Why?
__________________
"You're in the right place. That's the door right there. Turn around."
Thank you for the post Mike and others. I live an hour North of Boston. Sobriety has led me to be a runner and enjoy days with a festive enviroment. This one hit home with me too! As Col mentioned, Patriots Day in Boston is a time of gathering for family, friends, runners and sports fans. A day to get out and enjoy the city and a day of festivities. All this tarnished by senseless violence. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, families and all Bostonians.
Wow, Mike- great share. My thoughts and prayers are with the people affected and their families. My sponser is a doctor who's pretty high up in the organization essentially responsible for providing medical care at the marathon. To say she's a bit shaken is an understatement, of course. She was in the medical tent at the site. What's become a city- wide tradition of a fun, relaxing day to be spent with friends and family is now tarnished by this random act of violence. The thing about Boston is that although it's considered a 'major' city, it's actually quite small. People that actually grow up in the city, such as myself, tend to cross paths- you're bound to know somebody affected. It's a very close knit city with a strong sense of pride. I think Obama referred to it as a 'tough and resilient' city. Very true- we stick together- as is true in most communities when tragedy strikes. I worked last night and served a man who was amongst the elite runners, who trained all year to achieve his 'personal best' running time. He was in tears- pride of his accomplishment overwhelmed by the violence. So senseless.
Wow. Super powerful share Col. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
