Boston...

I have been in a mood the past couple of days, and I am sure others have been as well, no doubt and it has taken me some time to process this all and will probably take some more. I know that I am not the only person affected, our whole city and country is, let alone the world, and even more are the families and friends of the life's lost and severely injured. When something of this magnitude happens, little things are put into perspective. It changes everything. A long line at a coffee shop changed where we were going to be, to where we are today by minutes. The sounds of sirens are still going on throughout this otherwise weirdly quiet Wednesday sunny city morning. People are subdued, but life is trying to pick up and move forward, gradually and with togetherness.  
I am not a Bostonian by birth, I am a Massachusetts girl through and through, however in all the places I have lived, I moved to Boston b/c it felt like home to me. I became fascinated with Boston early, like most kids do when you learn about those stubborn Revolutionaries beating the Redcoats to turn this wonderful country into what it is today. I remember going on my 6th grade trip to Boston, going to the New England Aquarium, answering a question correctly, getting a peck from a seal, and being hooked on marine biology from there. I remember the whole family going to the Barnum Bailey Circus at the old Garden, and having a blue flashlight toy and swirling it all the way down the Mass Pike that night, pretending to be a police car, while my Dad was trying to figure out where the cop car really was. I remember coming to Dana Farber when Sabrina was sick and hearing the cancer word for the first time in their waiting room after walking over the walkway, and I knew that we were there because they are the best at what they do.
And that last sentiment still rings true; Bostonians are the best at what we do: They are the best of friends, the best of the medical community, the best of co-workers, the best supporters, the best game fanatics, the best first-responders, firefighters, and police, the best neighbors, the best educators, the best city pride, the best at having fun, the best at being stubborn and hard nosed,  the best at coming together like family when needed, and we are the best at picking ourselves up and becoming stronger as a result. However, what this sad event has showed me even more is that we all are Bostonians, regardless of where you may call home. While such a horrible act of one or many individuals is the focus, the compassion, caring, love, and support of everyone is the highlight. The human spirit to triumph over tragedy is truly the backbone of who we are as Bostonians and a country as a whole.
To that end, I want to thank you all, near and far, for checking in moments after on Kristen and myself. You all mean the world to me, whether we speak every day or once in a blue moon. I would not be who I am today without you all in my life.
Remember to enjoy every moment, give extra hugs and kisses to those you love, and stop every now and then and enjoy life, for it can change at any moment.
Much love to all.