Yesterday was “Patriots’ Day” here in the United States. In Massachusetts, a state holiday. The running of the Boston Marathon. You know the rest.
And today, just like after so many other similar days, we’re reeling.
Newtown. Aurora. Oklahoma City. 9/11. Boston.
What can you do?
What can I do?
Today you can know this: in the face of unimaginable horror, there were still more who tried to help than did not.
There were still more who rushed to the scene than ran away.
There were still more offering tips than the phones could handle.
There were still more who watched in sadness and wondered what can I do?
And that’s when the anger came. Anger that someone – identity unknown – wants us all to live in fear. To be afraid to run.
Not happening, coward.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- The Red Cross says the best way to help right now is to get in touch with loved ones through its Safe And Well Listings. The organization is not asking for blood donations at this time.
- The Salvation Army is offering food, beverages and crisis counseling to survivors and first responders. Find out how you can get involved here.
- Some marathon runners are stranded in Boston and in need of places to stay. Find out how you can offer housing here.
- Anyone with info about the incident can call 1-800-494-TIPS.
This Patriot stands with Boston and I am not afraid to run.
image courtesy of http://candykizzes24.tumblr.com
Oh, I yearn for a kinder, gentler world. Thank you for the reminders and info of how we can react.
Yes, I do as well, GS. Hugs to you in Texas! MJ
Reading this post, teary-eyed, MJ, knowing how much it means to you to be a citizen of our country. These are trying times to be sure, and my heart aches.
We have to focus on the positive, as you said. Sometimes it’s easy to see, sometimes we have to search for it. But it’s there.
It breaks my heart but yet it ticks me off, too … I came to this country with $178 and a guitar, full of hopes and dreams, and I don’t like it when someone tries to take us down or make us feel “less than.” For every cowardly act on or around Patriots Day, there have been multiple deeds of good. I really do believe that the Devil wants us to give up, to stop believing in the good, and to think there’s nothing we can do. Not. So.
Hugs
MJ
Sad day, but rejoicing at the spirit of all of the patriots that helped out.
Amen to that! MJ
Heavy hearts here in Canada. We are praying for all of you that were affected and encouraging you to stay strong.
Thank you; as a citizenof both Canada and the USA, I appreciate your kind thoughts and, as a Patriot in this great land, I accept them on behalf of all those who were hurt or worse. MJ
Thanks for the reminders of the good parts.
Sometimes they are hard to find but we must look, don’t you think? MJ
What a great way to use your blog – helping bring together those in need and those who want to help!
I couldn’t take the helpless feeling, this seemed like the only alternative 🙂 MJ
I choose to run with you.
🙂
Way behind in my reading, but of course I read/watched these events unfold on the day…unbearably sad, and yet, as you said, there were so many people who rushed to help. That is good in the midst of evil, and the positive that comes out of the tragedy…the best of the human spirit always overcomes the worst in the end! ~ Sheila
Indeed; a terrible day, and not the first … and surely not the last. but the good still lives in us and no force of evil can squash it. Not. One.
MJ