BOSTON: Attack horrible, pointless

I don’t know if people can understand the magnitude of what just happened in Boston. It was a running race. Not a political event, had no discrimination. It was on Patriots Day.

Boston embraces Patriots Day to celebrate their pivotal role in independence. Bostonians love the marathon. Estimated 500,000 people come support it, to cheer on their friends, spouses, coworkers, support a team of charity, or just enjoy the accomplishment of more than 20,000 runners who trained and dreamed for such a moment as to finish.

It’s worse when you’ve been there. Experienced it. Seen the tears of joy from finishers, and experienced with such gratitude how amazing Bostonians are at supporting total strangers accomplish a goal. When you know people who work the finish line every year. The comical innocence of the Wellesley girls. The pomp and circumstance put on. The well-wishes of strangers.

In some way I identify with the grief of these people who just had their lives shattered. Because I know the height of joy and exuberance, I just weep at the losses. So much robbed. So pointless. So horrible.

Thanks for those concerned about my family. We are fine and safely home. But what happens in the next race? Pray down on your knees, pray. For the loss of our nation’s innocence, for the people affected by this tragedy, for the fear that now enters my heart. May God be our guide, may He give us peace and restore our nation.

MINDY NEWBY

Hayden Lake