I didn't run today. And I certainly wasn't in Boston today. But my heart aches and my head is spinning for all those that were. What should have been a happy moment, one they had trained for through blood, sweat and tears, also ended with blood, sweat and tears.
I cannot imagine that moment, of being so close to the finish line and in such imminent danger. I hope I never have to, and I wish those people never had either. I have already had friends reach out and tell me that I'm never running another race again (not true, I'm doing the Tar heel 10 Miler this weekend) but I don't know if it will feel the same. Will I cautiously approach the crowds of people that should be cheering for me? Will I be fearful as I cross the finish line? I don't know. I hope not, but it's hard to say.
I love running. It's my go-to activity for basically every emotion that goes through my body. When I'm sad, happy, excited, anxious, whatever... I run. We can't let fear take that from us but dear Lord, we have got to do something with this world. Is this really what humanity is coming to? We're trying to hurt each other aimlessly? No war, no vendetta, just mean-spirited? I hate it. I hate it with every ounce of my aching heart.
I want us to find peace and happiness and hope. I want us to build a better world together. Isn't our generation supposed to be the one for change? Let's make it happen. Let's build a world on togetherness and love. Let's fight for the things that matter like equality and freedom, and lend a helping hand to strangers. Let's give more than we receive and never go to bed angry. Let's love big and hold our loved ones a little tighter tonight, and every night. Now is the time for change. Now.
