The reports of the tragedy from Boston have served as a powerful reminder that in one quick moment life can be changed. On Monday as reports of the bombing hit the news we immediately had a phone call from one grandaughter wondering if we had heard from another grandaughter who was in Boston for the race. Thankfully, after a few phone calls, we learned that she was safe. She was back in her hotel before the explosion happened. Then a cousin reported on Facebook that he had crossed the line about ten minutes before the blast. He was safe as well. But for many people death, injury and trauma have marked them and life, in that one moment, changed and will never be the same again.
There is a precious quality to life that in the day-to-day routine we do not always appreciate. In those times of aggravation, in the flashes of anger and frustration, it is hard to realize that this moment, this very moment, no matter what else is going on is rich and wonderful. Life is a gift and it is often only when illness, injury or calamity threaten that we fully appreciate the wonder of it.
The events of Boston have shown that the hunman spirit is resilient. They also proved that people will help one another even in the face of threat and danger. Monday gave me a moment to stop and remind myself of how amazing and precious each moment of life really is; a moment to say, “thank you God”.
