I grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, about 30 miles north of Boston. As a kid, it was a big event for us to drive into the city, shop at Filene's Basement and Jordan Marsh, walk around the common and ride the Swan Boats. We'd walk right past Old North Church, where Paul Revere hung the lights warning of the British coming; past Mother Goose's grave.
Later, I'd take the bus with my friend and we'd shop or go to Red Sox games at Fenway Park. I was 14 or 15, and thought nothing of getting on the bus to Boston and taking the subway all over the city.
Boston is an old city by U.S. standards, and rich with diversity. It has a beautiful harbor. It's got MIT and Harvard. Well, that's Cambridge really, but we think of it all as Boston. That's how proud we are of Boston - everything within a 50 mile radius is pretty much referred to as "Boston." It's a center for education and culture and medical advancement.
Boston folks are tough: Hey, We've got Mark and Donnie Wahlberg for Pete's sake (Well, they might be from Dorchester, but it's all Boston to us :)
Boston folks are funny. We've got Denis Leary (Well, he may be from Worcester, but same rule applies).
They're smart: We've got Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. (They're from Cambridge too, but it's still Boston : )
Boston folks love to laugh, and their humor often bears an irony born from the struggles of immigrants making their way to a better life. Originally, the Irish (Southie) and the Italians (the North End); then later, Hispanics, Asians, Europeans, Middle Easteners, you name it. A true melting pot.
It hurts my heart that this city that I think of as mine has been attacked. But it makes me proud as I see how the hospitals handled the situation with incredible grace, how leadership hasn't hesitated to take steps to keep people safe, how law enforcement is mobilized. I can see the fierceness in their faces on TV - their absolute determination to protect their city and its people.
I love Boston.
I've only visited Boston once, but I loved it. I was so struck by how helpful people were right after the bombings, running off to donate blood, putting themselves at risk to help wounded runners and bystanders. It's a difficult thing to watch on TV when you can't do anything to help.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true. Thanks for stopping by an leaving your thoughts.
DeleteBoston is a great city with strong citizens. It's sad what happened on Monday, but I imagine the city and its citizens will bounce back even stronger.
ReplyDeleteThey are so tough. You can see in how it's been handled how well they will bounce back. The failure of terrorists is really this: they only end up showing how strong, compassionate and good Americans really are.
DeleteI have family in Boston and have been there several times. Love the city and this week has really been heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteIt has. It is.
DeleteAnd my heart has gone out to the people in Texas too.
ReplyDeleteYes, what a sad week it's been.
DeleteSuch a shock to see what happened last week. Good that at least they seem to have now caught the 2nd man wanted. Hopefully the people of Boston can start to rebuild now.
ReplyDeleteI was so impressed with the reactions of the residents after the capture last night - no hatred or vindictiveness, just relief and a desire for justice and to move forward.
DeleteYes. It was quite a week.
ReplyDeleteThe worst in a long time
DeleteI have never lived anywhere near Boston, but I fell in love with the city while I was and about in a big truck years ago. Of course, I also fell in love with Philadelphia. So, there may be something seriously wrong with me. (LOL?)
ReplyDeleteBoston is a great city. I think I went to Philadelphia once -it's probably much bigger. Both have lots of history - so nothing wrong with you. That I know of :)
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