Boston Love

I, like many of you, sat in disbelief as I learned about the horrific events that occurred during the Boston Marathon. My mind immediately raced back to Sandy Hook and wondered if such violent acts will ever stop. When it was announced that the first person killed was an 8 year old child, my heart immediately broke for his family. After watching the news these past few months, I’ve often panicked while looking at the world my children will be raised in. On Monday, I held Ledger close, and wondered how I shield him from all the evil that exists in our world today? 

As I continued to watch the news, I sat in awe as the first responders, firemen, police officers and complete strangers immediately did all they could to help injured victims. I listened to accounts from doctors who have done everything in their power to help save lives. I watched complete strangers open their homes to anyone in need. And suddenly my heart swelled, repairing some of the broken pieces, as I watched so much kindness being displayed.

With over 100 people injured, I realize hard times lay ahead for many families. And though I’ll never understand why someone would intentionally hurt anyone by setting two bombs off at a marathon, I do understand the acts of kindness being shown all over Boston.

 After Preslee’s death, firefighters in our community held a fundraiser for our little family. Two strangers at the time jumped into a canal and did everything they could to save our little girl. Police officers made contact, and supported us at Preslee’s viewing. Complete strangers from all over the world reached out and made contact with us, sending gifts, money, notes of encouragement and much more. Donations were made throughout the world. And though hard times were indeed present in our life, Pat and I learned there is so much good that exists in our world today. The good often outweighs the bad, and it’s a shame the Media rarely shows it.

So to answer my own question, how do I shield Ledger from such evil? I can’t, but I can teach him to counteract it with kindness. There will always be evil and hard times present in our world, which means there is always an excuse to do good. I know from experience that simple actions can change someone’s life for the better, even amongst difficult trials, and I learned this from many of you.

 

I hope Boston feels the love and prayers being sent from all across the world.

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