After taking a few pictures in the family meeting area we
headed out to find warmth and food.
We were saturated with the excitement of the crowds and the
victories that were achieved.
Limping and cold I was so thrilled to have accomplished my best
marathon time.
I was not prepared for the emotional shift that would happen
just minutes away.
We were just a block away at the Prudential Center, heading to the food court to get some lunch. Andy and I separated to get our lunch. Andy took the boys and departed to the right
and I made my way through the crowds to the left. The food area was a enormous
square with one wall made out of glass and a door heading out into a courtyard. There
were hundreds of people between our two destinations.
“May I get some Clam Chowder?” I asked the man in front of
me.
BOOM!
The walls shook and the man placing my order looked towards
the courtyard windows. He glanced back
at me in confusion and another BOOM followed. This time I followed the
direction of his gaze and witnessed birds flying away and several people
pointing.
Still unaware of the events that had taken place I looked
around and watched chaos erupt.
Hundreds of people were now running and screaming “Bomb,
BOMB!”
I was frozen and alone, from my family. I had no idea what had happened to
my family or where they were. Panic and confusion circulated the hall.
Not knowing where or when the bombs were going off next I hunkered
down behind a wall trying to remain calm. Many people were taking cover, crying
and distraught.
I fearfully raised my hand screaming “ANDY”. Cautiously, I
lifted my head to look for my family.
“Andy, ANDY …” I cried.
I desperately searched all over the dining area for my boys and
for Andy.
I saw Andy on the other side by the glass wall waving, I
could hear the fear in his voice as he screamed “ANITA ,ANITA!"
As low as I could, I quickly made my way to them.
Alec was pale and frightened. Austin showed courage and
honor grabbing me with both his arms trying to protect me from the unknown. Now together, firmly Andy yelled “Stay HERE, DON’T Leave. Do You HEAR ME? Don’t LEAVE.” And just that like he left out the glass doors. Even though I knew Andy was going to investigate and make sure we were safe to leave I was so fearful of loosing him again.
Placed in the corner together we huddled. At this point
hundreds of people were dispersed and scattered.
After what seemed like forever Andy came back and lead us
outside.
It was surreal, ambulance and police were racing the streets.
Andy tried to listen and hear the responses to the people
around us. We were all trying to put the pieces together. We headed down to Bolyston
Street being instantly directed by police and city officials to exit the city. “YOU MUST EVACUATE THE CITY!!” They shouted.
My body was shaking even with Austin’s hand grasping mine.
Unable to walk I asked Andy to please stop. Scared, confused
and exhausted We headed into a Dunkin Donuts.
They were unaware of the events that had just taking place and did not
understand our panic. Just trying to make sense from senselessness I sat down
and sipped a cup of coffee.
Runners began trickling in. They were coming in alone,
without family, without medals and without their food bag that we received
after finishing to help recover. They were shaking, dressed to run but not anything else they
were shivering and distraught. I got to see my family. They brought me warm
clothes. I had water and food from finishing and Andy had a cell phone. They had nothing, but fear and confusion.
Heartbroken for them I got up and started purchasing them
warm beverages and offering them food from my food bag.
I learned these runners not only never saw their family or
friends but they also did not get to finish their race after months of
training.
The owner came out from the back and began learning of the
terrible events. She was wonderful pouring hot drinks and helping in any way
she could. She was even offering her phone but the city had turned off all
phone service, no calls in and no calls out.
This kindness was displayed in so many ways. One of the
gentlemen sitting there overheard that the trains were not running. He offered
us a ride to our hotel on his way back to New Hampshire.
We decided to get out the best way we knew..by foot.
3 miles to a working train station out of the city. We took
the RED Line out of Cambridge and got out of dodge.
This tragedy is now said to be the worst terrorist attack
since 911.
How could something so amazing be hijacked in seconds by evil?
How could something so amazing be hijacked in seconds by evil?
The crowds hold over 500,00 spectators, 38,000 runners all
overwhelmed with joy, excitement and cheer. The emotion is elevated closer
to the finish you get. People are cheering you on like a rock star, calling your
name and encouraging you and just like that it is depleted by
corrupt hearts and evil intentions.
My heart goes out to the families that were engaged in this
tragedy. My heart is broken for you. The
city of Boston is coming together as a community to offer love and support to
those hurt in any way.
Again, so very overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages and
love that has been expressed. Thank you for the continued prayers and
support. We are thankful for Gods
sovereign protection.
"You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah." Psalm 32:7
Anita
Thank you so much for posting this Anita. Hearing about it on the news doesn't come close to how real your words just made this for me. I am saddened and just sick about this horrible act. So happy that your family is safe....and at the same time saddened that you all had to experience this, especially your young boys...so innocent. Again, thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, You are welcome. God is So good. I am thankful he gave me the words to say. You are too kind~
DeleteThank you for sharing. I felt as if I was there with you - you captured the panic, fear and confusion so well. I am so sorry that your family had such a moment of celebration taken from you, but we know that no man can truly take away our joy or peace! Those are fruits of the Spirit who strengthens and encourages in a time like this. Continued prayers for your family.
ReplyDeleteI have seen God encircle this entire event. I have witnessed Gods Healing powers to his security and comfort. I am both humbled and Grateful for his hand on my family.
DeleteI believe it has so much to do with people like you and the others that have continued to pray for me and my family.
God uses the Ugly to Beauty. I have been blessed to watch this. It hurts in so many ways but I have witnesses so many going to Him in prayer from these tragic events.
I pray We will all continue to seek him.
Thank you for all you words and support. It means so much.
Anita, thank you for sharing. I know that this couldn't be easy for you. So thankful for Gods protection over you and your family. My heart is broken for the city of Boston, the loss of life. The enjured who will never live life the same ever again. For the runners who's dreams were smashed, who were robbed of the finish line, who didn't recieve their medals. My heart cries out for them. I'm wearing my half marathon shirt today to show support for Boston and our running community. We won't give up we won't give in.
ReplyDeleteI won't because I'm The R.A. Rebel
Therarebel.com
Debra,
DeleteYou have spoke my heart and written so well. I am very happy you wore your shirt and showed such genuine love and support.
"Never, Never, Never give up.."
That is what us runners stand for...For endurance, strength and stamina. We do not quit, we run through many obstacles both physically and mentally. What a great metaphor.
Thank you for the support and comments,\
Anita
Nita,I'm relieved that you and your family are okay. I was actually quite near your location when the bombs went off, so I can definitely relate. Once you've had time to reflect, I will want to interview you for my Michigan Runner magazine article, if that's okay. Let's follow up soon. Anthony
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony, I wanted to try to meet up. Things went south so fast. The rest of the day was sabotaged by the ugliness of intentions.
DeleteI am so happy to hear that you made it out well. How was your race?? We are staying in Niagara till Thursday trying to recover a bit of lost laughter and joy.
I would love to follow up.
I spoke of you and all your information you gave e to many first timers. Knowledge is as powerful as those that use it. I took all your advice with great weight.
Look forward to hearing from you,
Anita
I am so glad you are OK!
ReplyDeleteThank You Melissa, Praising God with gratitude. Praying for those hurt so badly.
DeleteI would like to follow your journey but I can't find the "follow this blog". I am so thankful you and your family are ok. I just want to give Alec a hug.
ReplyDeleteHi Stacy, I think You can go to "Follow this site".
DeleteI know, I just keep hugging him, Alec. He is still so little in my eyes. With the horrible event I saw him fearful and shaken, This hurt me so bad for him.