Shipping up to Boston

Yesterday the unthinkable happened. Twin bombings went off at the Boston Marathon finish line, killing three and injuring over a hundred (as of this morning). It was a sucker punch to the gut on so many levels.
I went to college in New Hampshire, about an hour north of Boston. Many of my friends were from the Boston area, and as a result I spent a lot of time in the city. This is in addition to vacationing at both Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard (and some fond foodie memories here http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/fishing-in-dark.html) I had my purse stolen in Faneuil Hall when I was a college freshman. St Patrick's Day in that city was always an amazing time. I've seen a lot of great shows there too. One of my favorite radio stations, WFNX, recently ended a multi decade run (see my love letter to them here: http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-impression-that-i-get.html). I've also been in Boston for marathon Monday in the past, cheering on the runners. It's a party atmosphere, especially since its held on Patriots Day (a holiday commemorating the start of the Revolution).
I'm also a runner. I've been running since high school. It's been a big part if both my life and my exercise routine (http://mommydomchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/10/keep-on-running.html). Over the years, ive run various parts of the boston marathon course, including the notorious heartbreak hill. Runners are a crazy bunch, and we tend to stick together. When you meet a fellow runner, there's an instant bond. No matter what the differences you may have, you have that commonality of running. To think one of the highlights of the running calendar was targeted is heartbreaking. As a 5k participant, one of the greatest joys at a race is hugging your family at the finish line. I was sickened over the senseless death of an 8 year old boy hugging his dad who just finished the race.
I've spent time helping my son understand the tragedy. He's upset over a child dying-rightfully so-and afraid of being hurt himself. I can't force him to feel secure, which I wish I could. Instead, as we watched the horrific coverage, I pointed out the heroes helping others. We talked about the good they were doing in the midst of such tragedy. We talked about what we can do to help those suffering. We came up with a pretty great list-send cards, donate blood, pray. I held him for a long time, just hoping that this doesn't destroy his childlike innocence.
Pray for Boston.