A day after the Marathon and all the events that came with it, both happy and tragic, I awoke unsure whether to go to work. After seeing Adam off and receiving notice that my office would be open, I decided to avoid taking the T. While I love to stroll home from the office when it's warm out, I had never before walked to work. On any other April 16th it would have been extremely pleasant - warm enough to unbutton my coat, sun shining through the just-budding trees, a mail carrier feeding the birds, construction workers lifting wood into a 4th floor apartment for some apparent renovations. But today, glancing towards Copley along the cross streets, I could see the area blocked off, filled with news cameras and flashing lights. Nearing the Commons I waited at the crosswalk as a Special Ops truck pulled in front of me, turning onto Comm Ave followed by two buses full of what appeared to be military personnel. SWAT trucks on the Commons, and all sorts of security and law enforcement officials at the street corners in the Financial District. Amidst all of this, people seem to be going about their lives, walking dogs, getting coffee, going to work or taking a walk - a cautious 'business as usual'. But sitting in my office I'm reminded of yesterday's events as helicopters circle the area and the occasional medevac helicopter flies by. I still don't know how to feel about all of it. I am saddened that so many innocent people were affected, confused not really knowing what happened, yet encouraged to hear stories of how Boston's people reached out to all the runners, bystanders, and visitors in the city. While the overwhelming outreach is heartwarming to witness, I can only hope that Boston's people don't forget this compassion as the months and years pass. All too often we react to the immediate presence of an event, and in the aftermath, continually relive both the sad and the uplifting moments thanks to various incarnations of the media. I can't help but feel like this is a dramatization that we've all been pulled into. What happens as we move on?
Never intending to stay beyond college, Boston has sneakily found a way into my heart and over the years has become my home. I would like to see the 2013 Marathon remain present for all of us without drama or bravado. I hope that the injured heal, families of the victims find peace, and that all of us can remember to cherish each moment and look out for one another as we go about our lives.
