I just want to post a quick note to let you know that Bill and I are totally okay here in Boston. We were very near the explosions. Bill had finished the race and was in the recovery area (maybe 300 yards from the bombs). I was with the father of our friend Lindsay heading toward the family meeting area. The explosions were confusing because they sounded like they could have been celebratory blasts of some kind–although it was difficult to imagine why they would have been happening at that point in time. It was only after we got a little closer that we realized the area was in chaos.
We tried to quickly get out of the downtown area, but the green lines on the subway (the ones we needed) were shut down, so we just took whichever line was available and found ourselves in the Italian district where we sat and had a drink and watched the news. Later, we made our way to our friends’ hotel in the north end of Boston and stayed there until things calmed down and our friend could drive us back to our car which was outside of the city.
Right now, we’re at our hotel and everyone we know is accounted for and doing well. Our hearts go out to Boston, to those who’ve been injured, and to the families of those lost. Thank you to all who have contacted me on twitter and facebook or by text or email. I so value you as part of my community and appreciate your love and concern.
So happy that you guys are safe and sound!
Oh, Cami, my heart is so heavy. An event that many aspire to for months and years, marred by such tragedy. A joyous, unifying experience turned into a scene akin to a battlefield.
I’ve dreamed of running Boston since before I even started putting one running shoe-clad foot in front of the other. At one point, I envisioned that dream becoming a reality this year. I’ll be taking my guys on a “field trip” to Boston later this spring, and had all sorts of notions that if, just if, I qualified, they’d be on the sidelines cheering me on. Needless to say, for the first time ever I’m glad of not achieving my goal. To think that a boy the age of my youngest had his life cut short right there at the finish line…oh, my. There are no words.
My best to you and Bill and all the rest of our local runners. Hope to cross paths with you soon.
Hugs,
Colleen
Thanks Colleen. This is so very, very sad. Yes, I’m glad you and your family were safe and sound at home this year. In future years (when you do come to run your race here), I suspect the finish line in Boston will be the safest one in the country.
Hugs back to you. -Cami
I’m so glad to hear it. I didn’t know anyone that I’ve ever actually met in person who was there, but I had been in touch with so many runners via blogging who were there yesterday. I’ve been thinking about all of you and wishing you safety.