Man, what a week it’s been for events that make us look at ourselves, as a country, closer. My fast running friend, Donna, was running the Boston Marathon on Monday but when she got to 25.5 miles, she was stopped and routed in another direction. She said: “We were freezing, scared, hungry, tired and sore and so worried about our loved ones waiting to hear, knowing there were fatalities.” I was home, watching the horror unfold on TV, watching the footage of the bombings and seeing the finish time. Donna usually finishes right around the 4:09 time when the bomb exploded. I kept thinking about her husband, Bill, who would be there spectating and all of us, her running and tennis buddies, were worried. We prayed and kept them in our thoughts and hearts knowing that was all we could do. I was so relieved when we got word that they were safe. I hurt for the families that have lost loved one in this senseless, tragic crime. And I am trying to wrap my mind around understanding the anger a young person possesses who carries out this kind of heinous crime- killing innocent people.
A week before Donna’s Boston, she and I were running along Wander Lane and noticed a beautiful Magnolia Tree that was in full bloom. Seeing these trees always makes me pause and in a quiet way be thankful for the renewal of Spring the tree represents. But listen to Donna’s comments she sent me by text: “It has been an emotional roller coaster for sure. Still working through it. Just hoping they apprehend the evil people who did it.” She goes on to say in regards to the picture above. “I took this picture in Boston while all the runners were being diverted off the race street up 2 blocks on Marlborough St. where we walked to a different finish on Boylston to get our drop bags after waiting on the street for an hour…When I saw this beautiful Orchid tree that was starting to bloom, I remember you showing it to me on my last run with you and it helped calm me when I was all alone and hadn’t found Bill yet. Thank you.”
Needless to say, we will be happy to have Donna home and to give her a hug. I couldn’t help but look at the backs of the people in this picture and think of all the hopes and dreams that were dashed of people waiting to run over the finish line at Boston. And then, thoughts of their families and loved ones, so many people that collectively care about each one of them and how grateful they would be for their safety.
Cokie, Donna, Joanie and Sue hiking in Arizona- Pinnacle Peak, February 2013
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