I wasn’t sure I was going to blog anything about this, but I can’t stop thinking about it, so I have decided to put it out there.
Most of you know what happened yesterday in Boston. In my city. The Boston Marathon is the heart of our city. Patriots Day is the most anticipated holiday of the year for many of us. We’ve been at the Finish Line, we’ve gone to the Red Sox game and cheered the runners on at Mile 25 afterwards, we’ve stood on Heartbreak Hill and yelled words of encouragement. We revel in this day as a community. People from all over the world, of all abilities, come to Boston for this weekend. It’s crowded, chaotic, and captivating. If you’ve read my blog here for any length of time, you know this is my favorite day of the year.
Yes, I may live a little bit west of Boston now, but I lived there for six years after college. My extended family is from all around Boston. My husband’s family is from all around Boston. I’ve lived there, worked there, played there. Boston is an extension of my suburban life: we go “into town” for dinner, to see Red Sox games, concerts, meet friends. I do photo sessions there. We have family & friends who live there. We also had friends running in the Marathon yesterday. (They are all safe, thankfully.)
When we moved out of Boston to buy a house, we ended up choosing one that was on the Marathon route, near the starting line. It’s become a tradition for us to have our local friends and all of their kids over, and go out to cheer for the runners. The kids were babies when we first started this, and now think nothing is more fun than getting high fives from the runners (and getting to eat non-stop snacks while we’re out there). Yesterday was no different. We packed up six strollers, headed to the course, and set up camp. We watched as the police cars, motorcycles and pace trucks drove by, announcing each new wave of the Marathon. We cheered wildly for the runners, for Rick & Dick Hoyt, for our amazing friends who were running, and for the Easter bunny, Tinkerbell, and Iron Man. Each wave brought tears of pride, joy, inspiration. Then we packed up and went home, so everyone (adults included) could take naps. Another typical Marathon Monday, in the books.
Or not.
I saw it on Twitter first. Turned on the news in horror, and just as quickly shut it off, as Lila was asking what was wrong. I put Doc McStuffins on the tv, and became glued to my phone and computer. Refresh wasn’t working fast enough. As I watched the events unfold, read every bit of news as quickly as I could, and said countless prayers, I was overcome with a sick feeling. It was all going to change now. How DARE these people, whoever they are, take this day from us. THIS DAY.
But then I realized. They can’t. They won’t. Boston’s a tough town, full of resilient and kind people. Our first responders are nothing short of incredible. Even those not in uniform were running in to help. You’ve seen the stories on tv of how quickly people jumped into action, without thinking twice. People offering their homes to strangers, restaurants opening their doors and not expecting to be paid.
We will grieve and pray for everyone affected by yesterday’s events. We will support them the best we know how. We will help, however we can. There will be vigils to honor those lost. Runners will organize charity runs. People will re-run the course on their own, all the way to the finish line. Boylston Street will re-open. And then? I bet you Marathon participation next year is at an all-time high. You don’t mess with Boston.
This. This is the Marathon. This is how you need to see it. Not what the news has been showing for the past 36 hours. That part needs to be remembered, those lost and hurt need to be honored. I want to do that by not letting “them” win. By cheering on the runners again next year. Our friends coming over. My kids getting high-fives.
This is the Boston Marathon.
Thank you for sharing this. It guts me. I appreciate seeing a different part of the story here.
Wow, Megs. Such a powerful post. What a beautiful tribute not only to those who were affected – directly or indirectly – by yesterday’s events, but also to all of the amazing men and women who were incredible enough to even be there in the first place. Thank you for sharing your city with the rest of the world.
Beautiful shots Megan. Love to everyone. <3
I am so glad you posted this. This is our Boston and we won’t let them win. Ever. The high fives will keep coming!! xo
Megan, this was a beautifully written post xox
Wow, thanks for sharing this with us. Beautiful way to celebrate the event, despite what happened. Great photos!
Such a powerful and inspiring post paying tribute to your great city and all those lives affected by the tragic events of yesterday. I’m so glad you decided to post this one.
Megan, this is a beautiful post. We are at the finish line at the marathon here every year and the events that unfolded yesterday shock and horrify on so many levels. Thank you for keeping the spirit of the event intact and looking to the future.
Well done, Meghan. This is what people need to see right now. This is how you honor the victims of yesterday’s tragedy. Thank you.
I have clicked over to your post from CM and wanted to just say that this is a beautiful post and I love these images of people from all over the world joining together to show perseverence, determination and dedication to achieving the goal of running a marathon. In the wake of such an awful event, I also take great heart in the humanity of those who jump in to help and the huge support and empathy from people from all over the world who condemn such acts. xx
Oh, this is beautiful and gorgeous and I loved it. Thank you for showing us a different side of yesterday.
Beautiful photos and beautiful words. We are a tough town and I agree that “WE” will be back better and stronger than ever next year. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing what Boston means to you and your family. We have no doubt what the people of Boston will rise up even stronger.
A saw this posted on FB and I love it. I grew up in Hopkinton, we always went to the start, then ran home, jumped in our cars, and went to the finish. Sometimes just to cheer them on and other times I would pace my dad the last few miles. I haven’t lived in Mass for years now but you’re right….Boston is strong and next years marathon will kick ass
These photos are what not just the Boston Marathon is about but its what the running community is about. These photos made me smile and remember why I love running large events. I’ll never run Boston because I’m not fast enough to qualify, but I will keep running and I enourage others to do the same. When we stop doing the things we love out if fear, then “they” win. This was beautifully written!
—– Megan, this is PERFECTION — so beautifully written, your photos just amazing — it ‘says it all’ —- thank you for comforting so many —
This is a beautiful tribute to your city and its tradition. <3
Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve been so heartbroken reading your tweets, and Jonna’s, about the events and the day and the sadness and the anger. I really appreciate your positive light on the event when everyone else just talks about how it’s ruined. And to add my cheesy spin: Boston IS strong, and will (and already has begun to) recover. I know that just from knowing Bostonians. 🙂
Thank you for reminding me what a beautiful day it was…what an awesome event. Such saddness followed, but it’s great to see something uplifting from earlier that day. Awesome images. Thanks!
High fives to you for capturing the spirit of the marathon. The photos embody determination, persistence, and grit (Hoyts!) #PrayForBoston
What an incredibly powerful post. Thank you for sharing another side of yesterday’s tragedy…the side full of inspiration, strength, resiliency and unity.
This is powerful Megan. I wasn’t sure what to expect and I loved reading it. I’m not a big fan of media news with this kind of stuff. Thankyou for sharing your feelings and gorgeous photos. I’m thinking of you and all the Bostonians that have lived this. <3
Megan, this was beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us. Your photos tell the story, as usual. Got room for any New Yorkers? Might have to join you all on the sidelines 🙂
Megan, thank you for sharing your beautiful images and post. Its nice to remember the true spirit of the day.
Beautiful! thanks for sharing this.
Wonderful. Love this.
beautiful Megan! Thank you for sharing this <3
Great post! Beautiful photos and I love the inspiring message that you shared.
Meghan,
Thank you for showing us the strength and determination that makes Boston what it has been through time, and what it will continue to be. You are a true patriot!
Beautiful post. Being a Boston girl and a former runner…this post was close to my heart. This day is THE big day and always will be. Your words and photos are wonderful. Love the Dick & Rick are still going strong. I know them personally from my running days, over 12 years ago, when they used to run in my town’s big race. The shot you got of them is just fabulous.
This is beautiful. As a Boston girl and former runner, yep, this is THE day up there. I miss the excitement and thrill of Patriots Day (and after moving wondered why no one else had this holiday lol). Thank you for your amazing shots and your heartfelt words. I’m so glad to see Dick&Rick still going strong. I know them from my running days when they were running in our town’s big race each year (and that was over 12 years ago!).
Thank you.
Megan…. This is beautiful. It’s funny that I came across this this morning as I was just thinking the news was giving this craptastic loser/s exactly what they want. Publicity. They wanted to take over the marathon. You aren’t letting them and that is pretty kick ass.
This brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much for sharing. I’m glad you did. xo
Megan, I’m so sorry for what your city went through but I love that you are focusing on, and celebrating, what the day was really about. These images are strong, powerful, and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. <3
Wonderful images Megan. Amazing words. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for posting this Megan! Our hearts are all with Boston.
Beautiful images, Megan! Thank you for sharing!
Such a beautiful post, Megan. Thank you for this. <3
I love this post! Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts & beautiful photos!
Such a beautiful post, your words and your photos.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing these moments.
Beautiful photos and an amazing tribute. It is inspiring to see the strength that has come out of Boston since Monday. You are an incredible city. Thank you for making sure that everyone remembers that.
Thank you. This is beautiful.
Thank you for posting, so glad I ran across someone posting it on Facebook.
Beautiful people, beautiful pictures. Boston, and America will continue on!
Thank you. So refreshing to see these gorgeous pictures of the joyful part of the race. This is what I want to remember when I close my eyes and think of the Boston Marathon. I know Boston will be back and better than ever, that no coward can defeat the spirit of a town full of heroes. In the meantime I’m praying for healing for the injured, comfort for the mourning, and peace for us all.
You made me cry. I lived close to Boston (Revere, Marblehead, Peabody) for years and you are right. The people of Boston are tough and proud and won’t let this stop them from running next year. Thank you for showing pictures that should be on the news, not instead of the ones they are showing, but in addition to.
I thought of you when I heard the news as I remembered how much you loved the marathon. Love to you and your city. <3
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This is perfection, and it’s beautiful for the world to see.
Beautiful reminder of the spirit of the marathon. Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures and restoring the ideal of perseverance.
I have a lot of family from the Boston area and you are 100% correct when you said “Boston’s a tough town, full of resilient and kind people.” These are beautiful images and a beautiful post. Thank you so much for this post.
Wow… your words and images are spot on. Having completed just one marathon, I so enjoyed photos of “all the regular joes” at start of their 26.2 journey. Thank you for sharing.
you are amazing. so glad you’ve shared this, friend. Boston is an incredible place. xo
Your images are amazing, Megan, but your words even more so. <3 My heart and prayers are still with your wonderful city and all of those who were effected.
I have had the honor to run in the same race(s) as runners for Team Hoyt…they are truly amazing. Great gallery!
You are absolutely correct, Boston is tough and resilient and last week’s events highlighted the way Boston and the state of Massachusetts has come together to support one another. Your pictures are amazing and this is how our marathon should be seen! Thanks for your words and images. They brought tears to my eyes!