I woke up this morning to the bad news that the Boston Marathon had been bombed. My thoughts immediately flew to my fellow A-Z challenge blogger who runs Another Clean Slate, as she had just chosen to blog M for Marathon Monday which was all about the Boston Marathon. I knew she didn’t participate in it but I wondered about her loved ones. A quick check at her site showed me this:
Update: At this point, everyone I know who was attending or running in the marathon is safe. Thoughts and prayers to those impacted by this sad event.
Oh thank goodness. That’s good news for her. Not so good news for the two people who died and the 110 or so people who were injured though. =.(
Here is a screenshot of the CNN website. You can read the entire news on this link.
I can understand what the residents of Boston must be going through because I am no stranger to bomb hysteria. My hometown Zamboanga City was often a victim of bombings. As I said in an old post:
When I was in fourth grade, one of my batchmates died in an explosion in Fort Pilar. Then when I was in College, a series of bombs exploded in key areas, one after the other, killing and wounding a lot of people in the process. The atmosphere in the city was tainted with so much fear after that, that once, while we were having lunch in the food court of our only mall, Mindpro, we were shocked when a mass of people started screaming “bomba!” and stampeding downstairs. We did not want to join them and risk being crushed to death, so my companions and I just stood at the side, holding our breaths and each other, wondering if this was for real or just after-bomb hysteria. After a while, the matter was cleared up – some frat guy had started a fight up in third floor, someone had screamed, and some people had panicked and thought the worst things, triggering pandemonium.
So even if you or your loved ones are not victims, it can still have an adverse effect on you. I remember the painful fear that gripped me during those days, when walking from my school to the jeepney stop felt like a walk through a mine field or a real horror movie, when you’re afraid that at any given moment you could die or get injured or something. Trust me, it’s no picnic.
My sympathies and prayers are with the people of Boston. Whether or not they were directly impacted by those bombs, they are all victims alike. I hope justice prevails.
—;<@
This post is part of the A to Z Challenge, a blog hop that goes through the alphabet for all the days of April except Sundays. I have decided to go with the theme of Alliterations.
Tragically, you can never go back to the minute before the bombing. I was in Lower Manhattan on September 11 and it always stays with you. I am happy that my friends and their families in Boston are safe, but so sad for those who were not as fortunate.
I still remember September 11. We were so shocked seeing it unfold on TV. I can imagine how horrible it must have been to you who were directly affected.
Stopping by from the #atozchallenge !<br /><a href="http://jlennidornerblog.what-are-they.com/" rel="nofollow">@JLenniDorner</a><br />Caught your "N" on the facebook post.<br /><br />It was a terrible day for a city I love dearly.
I hope they recover soon.
I have never known such tragedy in my own back yard, but I feel the hopelessness and grief it creates, my heart goes out to everyone involved, including those for who it conjures up the memories of their own nasty news stories… blessings
Mine too
My heart goes out to those who are involved in this tragedy and to all who have suffered from such tragedy in the past. I'm so sorry….so very sorry
Me too =(
thank you for this post. So sad, so tragic. We must change our hearts.
Yes, we must
Never knew you had so much bombing in the Phillipines – yep like you am shocked at what happened in Boston
Not the entire Philippines, just certain areas down south.
I think the victims also include anyone who just wants to do a good thing that has benefit for the world. I hope it doesn't put people off from taking part in other events, like the London marathon that's coming up. This is just one more event that's beyond comprehension.
You're right! I really hope this doesn't do that. I really don't understand the mind of a terrorist.
It's shocking and scary.<br /><br />Do you remember Shoppers' Central's bombing?<br /><br />I remember the second bomb exploded just 30 seconds after my brother (who was working there) left the spot where it exploded. He said he remembered being thrown from his feet from the blast. <br /><br />So, like you, I feel for them.
Yes I remember! But I didn't know your brother had such a close call! *shudder*
It's a terrible tragedy, for which there can be no justification. It's such a positive, life-affirming event too – people running to achieve personal goals and raise money for good causes – only to be marred by such awful events. <br /><br />Sorry to hear you have some personal experience of this too, Dee.
Yes, so well put!
It's a nasty tragedy and also the earthquake in Iraq. Hope nothing els happens more.
I know! Fingers crossed.