Today marks 2 years since the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013. It’s now one of those dates for me, and everyone from the New England area that everyone will know where and what they were doing that day. I certainly remember the day as I watched all the runners make their way to Boylston Street and it wasn’t until about an hour after heading home that I heard the news. We had friends from out of town visiting for the Patriot Holiday weekend. Patriot’s Day is probably one of the only holidays that the rest of the country does not observe, which is a shame. I feel the Patriot’s Day is even more special than July 4th since it marks the start of the Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775.
The Marathon has so much meaning; people coming together from around the world with one goal, and everyone supporting each other, no matter how fast, slow, big or small, or color of your skin, just to finish those long grueling 26.2 miles. I’ve been on the sidelines and I’ve had the opportunity to experience those 26.2 miles first hand. It’s hard to describe, but it’s amazing the impact that this event has had on my experience of living near Boston, and I highly recommend visiting during this busy and historical time of year.
In 2013 we had friends from out of town and we’ve started a tradition each year to get up “wicked” early on Patriot’s Day/ Marathon Monday to see the Lexington Reenactment then head to Natick, where our friends have a house on the Marathon route. On April 15, 2013 we were all very happy and excited soaking in the meaning of the day, only to suddenly be shocked and confused by the events that followed. I don’t need to go into the details of that day, especially with the final sentencing that is still ongoing. I hope that each year the wounds, both physically for those involved, and those emotional for even more, left from that day will continue to heal and we won’t forget the values that this country was founded. Especially right now with so much division, labeling, and hatred in the news. We’re all here to get through each day, each week, each year and the miles in-between with as little pain as possible. Why not help each other out to make them easier and more enjoyable? It’s all about the journey not the destination, which is something I strive to achieve with each individual I treat.
Natasha, DPT