Boston Marathon Tragedy: Look For The Helpers

I was shocked and saddened today as news of the Boston Marathon tragedy started to roll in. All at once I felt deflated. Is this our life now? We can't even celebrate life and run a marathon without the risk of a terror attack?

Then a different urge overtook me: the urge to help. And I saw it in many, many different people today.

From the helpers at the marathon who ran toward the explosion instead of away from it, to the people around the country who did what they could from their computers. Social media exploded with everything from requests for help, calls for information, to requests for blood donations. The police reached out to citizens for help. And ordinary citizens found ways to help any way they could.

This was a case where social media truly showed us what we can be capable of, even when we're half a country away and stuck in our chairs. We can band together and make a difference, no matter who we are or what we're doing.

A picture of Mr. Rogers immediately started circulating on Facebook shortly after news of the tragedy broke, and I think the quote used perfectly codifies what I'm trying to convey. From Fred Roger's 'The Mister Rogers Parenting Book' the quote seems particularly comforting today:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, 'look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' "

Today amidst the terrible tragedy and horror, we saw the helpers. Thank you, to each and every one of you.

And from everyone here at 95.7 KEZJ, our hearts and prayers go out to those hurt and lost in the Boston Marathon Tragedy.