Tuesday, April 16, 2013

My Boston


I should show you pictures. I looked for one of Boston that would show the reason it is such a lovely city and why I am so proud it has always been my home town. I want you to know what a quaint and historic and hip a city Boston is.

But I couldn't find any pictures I liked enough, so I will use my words.

I also wanted to show you the Boston Marathon, this 26 mile race that starts in a two lane small town called Hopkinton and runs through Newton and Heartbreak Hill, where I and my family and friends have stood two or three people deep near the the corner of Commonwealth Ave (Comm Ave to most) and Chestnut Street. 

I wanted to show you what Copley Square looks like, where the finish line is; and the majestic Boston Public Library and Boylston Street and all its good stores and bars and restaurants and the Copley Plaza Hotel that oozes history.

But I couldn't find a picture to show you that either.

Boston took a horrific hit yesterday. Two bombs at the finish line, three people killed, blood everywhere in a crowd where many many people, some children, had their lower limbs blown apart. The news today is about trauma and amputations. 

My god, I live in a violent country. Violence is part of the United States. There, I've said it. Bombs and guns and last week knives plus a nuclear threat from a creepy kid in North Korea. Make that we live in a violent world. Things are bad.

I lived ten short miles outside of Boston for a lot of years. I've seen probably ten Marathons from that corner on Comm Ave. I've had the thrill of holding out orange slices for some runner who may grab one and nod thanks while he's flying by me. I've cheered on the Wheelchair athletes and marveled at how cool the whole Marathon is. It's always held on a state holiday: Patriot's Day and some people have the day off and some don't. Even if you work, you know it's still a holiday.And you keep an eye on the Marathon. The 26 mile stretch from Hopkinton to Copley Squared is lined with fans and their lawn chairs the whole route; lawn chairs and coolers and straw hats and huge signs like "Go Daddy!"

The Boston Marathon is as great an event as it gets.

I am only going to say one more thing. In my Boston yesterday, many many first responders and  runners and spectators ran toward the explosions, not away from it. They ran to help. Their concern for so many so very injured is what I've heard emphasized on the news today. What happened at the Boston Marathon yesterday was horrible and horrific. I mourn the loss and impact. But holy shit am I proud to be a Bostonian. 

I knew it all along: that special way I carry competence and kindness when needed and that twinkle in my eye is because I am from Boston.

Love
kj

16 comments:

  1. We are deeply shocked here by what has happenened in Boston during a very beautiful sports event. Innocent people are killed or are traumatised in a very bad way. There are no words for this evil. Just sadness.

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    1. hard to believe, wieneke. i am so proud of boston: pitching in and standing tough.

      love
      kj

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  2. so sad, the state of the world. i can only send prayers and love and light.

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    1. It's hard to know what to do, suki. Surely praying and loving have power

      But what has created such disregard throughout the world, at the precious marathon, for god's sake?

      Scary stuff. We have to learn.

      Love
      kj

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  3. It's hard to comment here and on other blogs, and part of the reason is that we are having to comment on things like this far too often. I love Boston, and my heart hurts for this city, and the families and the loss. And I am thankful for all those good people that helped. xox

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    1. I know, Pam

      At least, those good people showed us how we will get through this

      Love
      kj

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  4. So sad, this horror in your beloved Boston. Sorry for you, too, kj!

    But, as you noted, we live in an increasingly violent world. When people feel they aren't getting enough attention, they do something violent, to get attention. Now, 1776, whenever.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!
    Bears Noting

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    1. Was it really that bad in 1776, bear? If seemed like a fairer fight then . This is reckless inhumanity.

      I am so grateful for what Boston has confirmed about our collective caring, and strength. But at the finish line of the Boston marathon, after thousands of runners had run their asses off?!

      Reckless inhumanity .

      Can't let people flounder on their own. We the people have to he the safety nets

      Thanks, rob,
      Love
      kj

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  5. No. We both know...

    Love you Mim,
    kj

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  6. Yes, a violent world, not just a violent country. And I think you are who you are not because you are from Boston, but because you are you. There are wonderful people everywhere and there are terrifyingly cruel people everywhere. Maybe this should actually be a reminder that we are all kin.

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  7. Still reeling in disbelief here. I do love what CS said. ♥

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  8. Lo and cs, no, I don't entirely agree. I think I would be different if I had been raised in the Midwest, or Paris or
    Maine. I am myself: but my surroundings play a part

    From Boston, I have grit :-)

    Love
    kj

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  9. Kj, This is a horrible event, and it should never happen, anywhere. I think there is violence, but given how many people live in the world, there are way more people like the heros that ran towards the chaos then the sick ones who caused it. Big hugs. xoxo

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  10. I grew up just outside Boston and I was hit pretty hard emotionally by what happened last week, but couldn't really bring myself to blog about it.

    Thanks for wording it perfectly, KJ. And congrats on the beautiful house. :)

    Hugs

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