Marathon Monday has always been one of my absolute favorite days in Boston. I would like to say that it still will be, but it’s hard for me to say that it won’t be dampened by the events that happened this year. I want to say that my heart goes out to the victims, their families, their friends,  ALL  responders, the runners/walkers/wheelchairs, and anyone who was affected in any way at all. It is one of those times in my life where I feel like there is nothing big enough that I can do to help anyone. But, my heart is with all of these people and I will never forget the acts of kindness and bravery that took place last week. Events like this really mess with me. I think it’s because I am so naive and sensitive. I just can’t wrap my head around why things like this happen and I start to obsess over it trying to make sense of it. But the fact is there is nothing that can make sense of it. It was an act of hate and of terror. Good people can never make sense of that. What I do know is that I have never loved the city of Boston more in my life. I always say that I could never move away from here and after last week that just clarifies that for me. In a time where I was so sad and so confused I was able to find comfort in all of Boston’s government, law enforcement  and our president. Everyone put politics aside and came together as one to heal. I felt so much love from people that I don’t even know and never will know.

This weekend was a weekend of healing for me. I watched suspect #2 get captured while surrounded by friends, on Saturday I celebrated Eric’s grandmothers 82nd birthday by having our first cookout with family. On Sunday I had all my 2013 brides over for a jewelry party/brunch. It was at that brunch where I took a step back and looked at all my girls mingling around with people they didn’t even know. Everyone had a smile on and they were laughing. Right then I realized that the world was okay. And that things were going to slowly go back to “normal”. Last night as the sun started to get golden and Eric mowed the lawn I laid down on the deck and took deep breaths of the fresh cut grass. I took it all in. I felt so lucky. I felt so lucky to be a Bostonian. I felt so lucky to be safe and sound with my family and friends. And I felt peace. For the first time since Monday I felt peace. Looking up at the sky with the trees starting to bloom I smiled and promised myself that I will do my best to pause everyday and take in the scent, the sound and the peace because we are so lucky to have it. Whether it’s the sun twinkling behind the trees, the smell of rain on warm pavement, or the feeling of wind blowing through your hair. Just pause and be thankful that you are here to take it in and be grateful for every second of your life! I am going to end this post with a quote that I am in love with and try to remind yourself of it.

“BE IN LOVE WITH YOUR LIFE. EVERY MINUTE OF IT.” – JACK KEROUAC