Resilient...United...Boston Strong...America the beautiful!!!

I was in shock when I heard the news on Monday--Boston Marathon Explosions/Bombing. My first thought was, "I hope all of my family members are alright." My second thought was for the victims of the bombing--how unfortunate and sad that this happened on a day that is traditionally a celebration for life, health, and bringing together people from different parts of the world for a great purpose. Although I had no direct ties to the current events other than the fact that I have family and friends who live nearby and I love taking trips to Boston with my family, I was in a state of sadness, fear, anger, anxiety, frustration, empathy, uncertainty, and self reflection--what's going to happen next? When will they catch the people who did this? How are the victims dealing with being witness to this evil act? What does this mean for our future--the future of my kids? Why did I decide to bring children into a world that is full of hate and evil?

As the days of this past week moved on, more horrible things have happened--innocent people have lost their lives or have been exposed to the individuals suspected of being responsible for the crimes. But, I have to say, I am so proud and warmed by the amount of support, courage, and love put forth by so many people. It allows you to see the good through the evil--and no, it does not replace the people that lost their lives, it does not replace limbs, it does not erase memory and images--instead, it provides a glimpse of hope however great or small for some people...that this nation, no matter how broken, will come together as one, and rebuild to be stronger than ever. My only wish and request (and I request this of myself as well), is that instead of waiting for something horrifically big and horrible to put aside our differences and treat one another with respect, love, and support, we should all try to do this on a daily basis. It could make America stronger and even more beautiful than it already is.

Here is a clip that I grabbed from YouTube that not only gave me goosebumps, but that glimpse of hope, that pride and warmth, and that love that I was talking about earlier.