At this point I do not know how many were killed or injured in Boston, or why. I hesitate to put name to the act that tarnished a noble and pure act of humanity.
I have been away from all news sources all day. About quarter past three I received a text that a bomb had gone off at the finish line at the 2013 Boston Marathon. At that point most of the people that I knew who were running the race were at or near the end of the race.
I did not know how close they were or what their fate was. As of 10:50PM EST I still have not heard from one friend, but he has two daughters and a wife to be concerned with.
I heard rumours in the crowd that a young child had been killed. I have since heard that several people may have been killed and hundreds injured, some severally. I hesitate to turn on the TV and hear left and right go off the deep end on this. We don’t even know that “this” is.
What started as a day of expectations and individual accomplishment has turned into a day of community mourning. Great expectations have turned into great sadness. Our hearts are broken in Boston. Not for the races not finished, but for the lives not completed. Not for the dreams of runners unfulfilled, but for the run of dreams of the innocent never to be commenced.
I traded text messages all day trying to find out if my friends were okay and what was going on. It all seemed too familiar. Lots of rumours and speculation, but no hard facts. I hesitate to turn on CNN or BBC and hear them speculate and hash over the same few facts for hours. My cell phone battery wore down to 3% and my own battery is not much better.
I am exhausted and words cannot convey the deep sadness I feel. Something pure and true has been tarnished on this Patriots day. But Patriots we remain and runners we are.
We will take this piece of tarnished Boston silver and polish it new and run our race again next year.
After I post this “innocent” and mostly unknowing post, I will reluctantly start to gather the facts and let the pain grow deeper in my heavy heart.
Here is the statement from the BAA:
Statement from the Boston Athletic Association
Monday, April 15, 2013
8:00 p.m. ET
The Boston Athletic Association extends its deepest sympathies to all those who were affected in any way by today’s events.
Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance.
We can confirm that all of the remaining runners who were out on the course when the tragic events unfolded have been returned to a community meeting area.
At this time, runners’ bags in Boston which remain unclaimed may be picked up by runners presenting their bib number or proof of race participation on Berkeley Street, between St. James and Boylston. There are no bags at 101 Arlington Street.
At this time, we are cooperating with the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all federal law enforcement officials.
We would like to thank the countless people from around the world who have reached out to support us today.
Please go to the B.A.A. Facebook page —
http://facebook.com/thebostonmarathon — for information.
We post new information as we are able.
7 responses to “What can words say…”
I cried when reading your post. You said it so perfectly – for the lives not completed. For those lives forever changed, and once again – innocence lost. I couldn’t begin to fathom the emotion you must be going through. Thinking of you and all your friends.
thank you. with tears in my etes.
There are no words. Thinking of everyone who has been affected by this terrible incident. I sat and watched the events unfold on TV and via Twitter last night. Just awful. Take care.
thank you.
This a beautifully written articulate post that reflects how everyone feels. I am from England but today I am a Bostonian. My thoughts and prayers are for everyone effected.
Thank you. We are all Bostonians.
Andy, I didn’t know about your gift with words when we worked together years ago, but I do now and am forever moved: “Something pure and true has been tarnished on this Patriots day. But Patriots we remain and runners we are. We will take this piece of tarnished Boston silver and polish it new and run our race again next year.”