Boston Marathon Bombings

With the twin bombings at the Boston Marathon just a day old, the sights and sounds of the explosion are raw and seared into our minds.  How could this happen again?  We now have bombings which recently have only occurred in war torn countries like Syria, Iraq, or Afghanistan. It is too close for comfort and yet, surreal. That is until you see the carnage splashed across the news and social media outlets. 

Only then do you begin to see what these poor people went through: the rivers and splatters of blood across the sidewalk; discarded bags, jackets, and purses; blown off shoes and ripped clothing strewn about, bloody American flags trampled on the ground.  Injured people are seen: some missing limbs and others being dragged, wheeled, or carried away to emergency care. And then the surreal became all too real.

One man lost both of his legs. An eight year old boy, Martin Richard, died. His sister lost her leg. The mother has a brain injury. Two others died. One woman's two older sons each lost a leg. There are just a few of the 170 plus injuries and three deaths which occurred.

8 yr old Martin Richard, rest in peace

With the evil people of this world who seem hell-bent on destroying peace, you will still find those who outnumber them that are good people and who are willing to help. Those who actually rush into the chaos to help the victims who have fallen. Those are our heroes. I just thank G-d that we have people in this world who are willing to rush into these disaster scenes to help others. It is not something that everyone can do. I even question myself if I would be able to do it or would I just bolt?  I just don't know.

This is something we need to remember. There will always be people who will help you. You can't shutter yourself in. You can't become a hermit. If you do, then the bad guys win. You need to live your life to the fullest.

Yes, more horrific events will occur. Such is the sign of our times. But again, if some disaster or horrific event happens, there will always be the helpers.  Caring, good people will always be there. And you can bet there are more of them than the evil people of this world.

This essay was influenced by the quote below. I heard about it on the radio this morning and then found in on the late Fred Rogers's website. Make sure your kids know this.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world."  Fred Rogers   http://www.fredrogers.org/FRC/par-tragic-events.html