What. A. Week.
As I’m sure many of you reading this can't help but thinking after this week, this world is in a constant state of flux. People are awe-inspiring one day by showing their beauty and heart-breaking the next when revealing their malice. I began my week like most lately, as a New New Yorker, trying to maneuver through the crowds, avoiding touching anything with my hands on the subway and taking in the tall buildings on my walk through Rock Center to work. Then, I saw the news in Boston. Having lived in Texas when most other attacks like this have happened, this was a different experience for me. The tension felt higher here, obviously because of past threats and realities. It hit much closer to home this time, literally and figuratively, especially since one of my best friends lives one block from the marathon’s finish line. I realized I’m now a citizen of this big city and was hoping for comfort for those who were harmed in another.
I became a Texan again on Wednesday night, after watching footage of the explosion in West, Texas. I pictured myself near there, driving to Austin again as I had so many times before. I felt like the girl in the small town again, unable to imagine such an event happening to those that I love.As I’m sure many of you reading this can't help but thinking after this week, this world is in a constant state of flux. People are awe-inspiring one day by showing their beauty and heart-breaking the next when revealing their malice. I began my week like most lately, as a New New Yorker, trying to maneuver through the crowds, avoiding touching anything with my hands on the subway and taking in the tall buildings on my walk through Rock Center to work. Then, I saw the news in Boston. Having lived in Texas when most other attacks like this have happened, this was a different experience for me. The tension felt higher here, obviously because of past threats and realities. It hit much closer to home this time, literally and figuratively, especially since one of my best friends lives one block from the marathon’s finish line. I realized I’m now a citizen of this big city and was hoping for comfort for those who were harmed in another.
Realizing I can never begin to make sense of it all or try to understand why things happen the way they do, I see now what many others have already figured out: nothing can stop the spirit unless you allow it. I saw footage of Bostonians getting together and doing anything and everything they could to help. I saw friends on Facebook posting messages and getting groups together to drive down to West, Texas to offer their support. I witnessed all kinds of people in all types of places uniting to prove that kindness always prevails.
I think Mr. Rogers put it best: “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."
Love you Schmem. I'm so happy that my favorite Bostonian is safe and sound.
Til next time.
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