Still Boston Resilient

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Updated: May 12, 2015

Originally Published: April 15, 2010

“There was a dangerous person in Watertown, but the police took care of it.”

Those were my daughter’s words two years after the Boston Marathon Bombing. At nearly three years old when it occurred, I was taken aback by how vividly she recalled the unsettling feeling of being confined indoors on a beautiful spring day. I never anticipated that I would need to explain to her that there are people who can cause harm, which led us to remain inside while those responsible for our safety did their work.

As parents, our instinct is to protect our children from pain and fear, yet certain circumstances demand otherwise. We strive to make sense of the unfathomable, to ease their distress, and to shield them from the harsh realities of a sometimes chaotic world.

April 15, 2013, marked a tragic day when the lives of three wonderful individuals were lost in an act of senseless violence, throwing my community into a state of both fear and deep unity. In the days that followed the bombing, while the perpetrator sought refuge in my town, we all kept a close eye on our children. We remained indoors, prayed, and waited.

Our children, seemingly frozen in that moment, hold onto those memories. This experience has shown me that while we cannot always shield them from adversity, we can equip them with the tools to understand and navigate the frightening aspects of life they will inevitably encounter. On that spring day when we were ordered to stay inside, my daughter and I crafted a large sign thanking the first responders, which we displayed in our window. We discussed how the brave men and women of the local police and fire departments were out there ensuring our safety, and that they would continue to do so until we felt secure again. We read more stories together, curled up closer, and became a little more cautious—more aware of crowds and hesitant to let our children explore freely.

We cannot allow fear to dictate our actions, for in doing so, we risk losing the very essence of childhood. We risk robbing our children of the innocence we so desperately want for them. I know that Boston stood firm against fear; we united as a community and became Boston Resilient.

Let us always remember the poignant message from the bombing’s youngest victim, Martin Richard, and strive to impart this wisdom to our children: “No more hurting people. Peace.” In memory of Mia Thompson, David Harris, Ling Zhang, and Martin Richard.

This article was originally published on April 15, 2010.

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Summary:

Reflecting on the Boston Marathon Bombing, the author shares the poignant memories of explaining fear and safety to her young child. Through this experience, she emphasizes the importance of resilience, understanding, and community support, while also honoring the victims and the lessons learned. The article encourages parents to shield their children from harm while preparing them for life’s challenges.