Boston, You’re my Home. Sort of.
As a kid, when asked, “If you had three wishes…” one of those wishes was always to live in Boston.
On the way back home to CT from Boston family gatherings, I would practice my Boston accent
(which sounded more like a rogue pirate than a Bostonian). I wanted a poster of Larry Bird in those too-short seventies shorts even though I was not a basketball fan. Why? Because of the Boston Shamrock on his jacket. Even now, the “Welcome to Massachusetts” sign feels like a return home.
I have a blessed life, but at the end of it all I will regret one thing. That I never actually lived in Boston.
The events of the Boston Marathon break my heart.
Whenever things get rough—when life hands me cards I’d rather not hold—I come to whatever it is from a place of gratitude. This is one of my best qualities, I think. It has literally saved me.
The events in Boston are still weighing heavily on me, and so I look for the good. Looking for the helpers (as Mr. Rogers used to say) and there are many. I am grateful that the many people I love who were at the marathon were uninjured—even the ones that stood at the finish line and witnessed the blasts. I am grateful that others that I love were spared seeing it at all. I cry for the losses and I cry for the triumphs. And there are so many of both.
I love the phrase, “Boston strong” because it fits—-man, is Boston full of a bunch of scrappy we’re-not-taking-this kind of people; I’ve always loved that about the city. I love how everyone around you in Fenway is your best friend for the day. I love the history of Boston and how the fighting spirit of being free from tyranny was born on its street and on its fields. I love the beauty and the humor and the energy of the city. I love how I feel like I’m part of something special when I’m there. Some of my favorite movies are set in Boston: Good Will Hunting, Fever Pitch, and Far and Away. Heck, I even wrote a whole novel with a beloved Boston theme. Why? Because if you’re going to convey emotion, I believe that your story has to have threads of things you really love.
And, I love Boston.
In the midst of all of this, I am prouder to be a New Englander and an American than ever. But, as an American and a mom and a wife and a sister and a daughter, I mourn too. I will for a long while. I have no doubt, though, that the Boston Marathon will draw record numbers next year and I plan to be there to cheer on the runners. Bostonians—and others from around the world–will stand. And run. With pride and with grit.
I may not have your zip code, Boston, but I have your back. My heart is with you. Just as it’s always been.
STRONG SHOULDERS 
What a beautiful, heart-felt post. Thank you for sharing. I too mourn along with you, and I too focus on the good in people.
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Thanks, Deb! Yes, I think it’s one of the best ways to remain resilient. 🙂 Hoping to meet you in person some day soon. 🙂
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That would be great! 🙂
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Had to share this on Facebook, Lynda. It’s just too beautiful and loving to just sit here all alone. Excellent post!
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Thanks, Mary. As usual, you are a peach! xoxo
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Right there with you, sister. Let’s go together!
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Indeed! And we’ll be a mere two of so, so many!
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Perfect. Thanks for sharing your thoughts– especially your positivity.
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Thanks so much for commenting Cameron! You are also positively positive. 🙂
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Beautifully stated. It’s nice to see such a positive spin on such an awful happening. I’ve always said, if I were to live on the east coast, I would want to live in Boston. It’s a special place.
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Thank you 🙂 It really IS a special place, Rosi–agreed! Perhaps one day we’ll be neighbors there. 🙂
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Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE smartphone
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Thanks for stopping by, Betsy. 🙂
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I just re-posted via my laptop what I’d typed on my cell, which got lost somehow.
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Considering the enthusiasm for Boston in “One for the Murphys,” sometimes I forgot you don’t live in Boston. But no matter where you may be, your love and support for Boston is strong. Thank you for your beautiful post!
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HA! Thanks, Annie! Yes, I do have enthusiasm for Boston that will exist longer than I will, now. 🙂 Never jealous of others and what they accomplish, but do get a bit envious about those of you who live near The “T.” Public transportation here is two on a bicycle.
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Wonderful post as always. Being positive is what holds us all together during times like these. Thank you for finding just the right words to offer hope. (Sorry, I had trouble commenting with my cell. My words got lost in cyberspace.)
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I agree, Betsy. Staying positive while standing in the middle of horrible circumstances is so important. It does hold us together. How my heart aches, though, for the people who lost their loved ones–especially their children. Staying positive then is a tall wall to climb.
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wonderful!
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Thanks, Brook! Appreciate your stopping by. 🙂
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And as always in the face of random acts of violence come the heroes among us who wear their love and bravery on their sleeves (no cape required). Hugs to all.
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Yes, there is no shortage of heroics this week in Boston. Thank God for the selfless and brave. Hugs, indeed…
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Hey, I’ve never lived in Boston either but it is home for me too. Can’t imagine living anywhere else…well, maybe Hawaii 🙂
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Well, my family teases me because I refer to any Massachusetts town that falls east of RT84 but north of Cape Cod, “Boston.” I’d LOVE to live in a suburb of Boston. Maybe when I retire…
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Been thinking about you a lot during this whole thing… I know how much Boston means to you. It hits too close home for all of us… you put it into words beautifully.
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Thanks, Liz. Been thinking of you all, too. Tough week. xoxo
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This is really beautiful, Lynda!
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Thanks so much, Carrie. You inspire me constantly. 🙂
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I’m so glad someone else also liked “Fever Pitch”!
And I’m with you on Larry Bird’s short-shorts…
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Oh, I did like that movie, Cathy. Certainly not a deep flick but fun if you’re a Sox fan 🙂
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I’m from Connecticut and went to school in Boston. I loved the city while I was there. It’s amazing to see what a tumultuous mess two people with screwed up agendas can create.
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Yes, amazing and so very sad. Incredible, though, how the worst in humanity brings out the best as well.
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