Mom was watching for updates about the Boston Marathon and celebrating Patriot’s Day as usual…even though she lives in Louisville now. There was something special about that town, the time she spent there and her BFF of more than 25 years! Mom even pulled up a picture to show us where she lived, where she walked, and her favorite places!
It was a sunny day and a beautiful day for a race. Tens of thousands lined the course. Hopeful athletes started their journey of 26.3 miles with goals of personal bests and potential wins!
The Boston Marathon of 2013 was to be unlike any before. Shortly after 2 PM, two bombs were detonated in the grandstands lining the race just a mere three blocks from the finish. Silence followed the loud explosion. Blood and body parts of innocent spectators spurted. Faces were blanked by shock. Mom talked to me in nervous sentences as she explained this to herself and me
She wondered where her BFF and family were. They always went to watch and some of her family ran the marathon. Mom tried calling her BFF but the lines were busy.
What do you do in such a time? Mom said this several times out loud. I knew she was stressed so I hopped up on the bed. She did not get my first hint. So I shoved my “tiny” body onto her lap and insisted that she pat me. (Remember how good that is for reducing stress and blood pressure?). Mom watched TV for a few more moments.
“Bella, it is really simple. See the First Responders on TV? When things go wrong, look for the helpers. Today and tomorrow if the kids as us, the focus can be ‘look for the helpers'”. We don’t have to answer big questions. We can focus on those who helped!
Woofs and wags,
Bella
Bella, My BFF 