The Aftermath, Boston Bombings

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?

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