THE DAY BEGAN......
Early morning texts, TV broadcasts....followed by.....
Laughter, cheering, high fives, eating in the Pru, leaving a surprise present, hugging strangers, jumping up and down, saluting soldiers, cheering USA, getting text alerts from Stu, Phyll, Dave, Kyria. Taking pics, texting friends, posting to FB, wondering what to eat for supper, thinking about beach in FLA, About how FRIGGIN' excited I am to run Chicago marathon this yr (with Nancy coming as support staff), and to get ready to try a tri (first more pool swimming)......
TODAY I WILL NEVER FORGET....
Two bombs exploded...the 2nd bomb nearer to us. We were standing just before the finish line after mile 26....we ran for our lives. My life flashed. I'm still in shock and didn't sleep well. After I got separated from Cindy, Gina, and girls, I ran frantically up Boylston to Mass Ave.
AND THEN I BOLTED ........Stu! Stu! I know you're near mi 25!!!
Ran in my Bjorn clogs....who knew I could sprint 1.2 mi to find Stu at mi 25. OMG....I found him! I found him!
AND TO MY FRIENDS and FAMILY...
THANK YOU! For loving me and searching for me. Your calls, texts, (no cell service, shut down so everything came later) FB messages....I'm overwhelmed.
Here's Nick and me (Gina's son) who kept saying how do you run 26.2??? My answer....you plan, train, and surround yourself with support. It takes a village.
T ride from Malden, then lunch at Pru. Rachel isn't in pic but after lunch we dashed to leave a surprise for Dave.
Stu and I outside main MIT building. We ARE smiling. Waiting for dad. Lots of memories going to MIT as children with dad....lab....sporting events....playing racket ball/handball/squash....skating on outdoor rink.... 
Let me leave you with this......
A Prayer in the Aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing
Click:
Oh my word. I am sick knowing you were there and happy you found Stu and are safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen. It means a lot.
DeleteSo happy Stu has you for a sister. I will never forget this. Today is worse, physically and mentally for me. I am in shock. I feel bad for the kids, the poor 8 year old who died, the injured, the runners who did not finish (even though they DID run the Boston Marathon regardless and I still find them all amazing), and everyone else who was affected by this. I still cannot comprehend what we all went through. Thank God we are all safe. That's the most important thing here and we must remember that. What a sin to Stu and all who trained so hard for this. I just cannot stand this feeling. We will all be fine, though!!!! Jill, you really are the best. Dave, I am glad to hear that you were okay as well. Thank you so much for my hat. I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteBest picture ever of you and Stu in front of MIT! Love it! Love seeing the smiles after such a traumatizing incident!
ReplyDeleteThere are no words,,,, so glad to see that smile!
ReplyDeleteJoAnne
I was so worried about you guys and I'm so thankful you all are ok. I can't imagine how terrifying yesterday must have been.
ReplyDeleteI stole that last hat for you..I was faster than the old lady who was reaching for it. It was a day for the books..glad everyone came out of it swell. I just canceled my Vegas trip in May with my family and coming out to race/volunteer at the Boston Police Run to Remember. I need to give back..they took care of me really well before during and after the crisis.
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe your pal spotted me at the 7 mile marker..I mean the crowd was huge and I was on the other side of the street..I noticed she was wearing the 2007 BM jacket...well done that was a tough race in that weather.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are your bro are okay! I can't imagine the fear you must have felt. I was so glad to get that email from you that day!
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ReplyDeleteIt was a traumatic event for all....even for marathoners who had no clue what was happening when they crossed the 1 mile to go sign and was anticipating their celebration only to see runners walking back on the course and telling me the marathon was over. Great foresight by Jill to come out to find me. Relief on my part to reunite with my family. I told my girls who were upset..."Your Daddy will run the Boston Marathon again and you'll get to see me finish."
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