Boston rises in the wake of tragedy

“Daddy, a bomb blew up in Boston!”

That was how my 4-year old greeted me when I came home this evening.

Of course, I already knew about the horrific attacks during the Boston Marathon, first on Twitter, then realizing the gravity of the event as mainstream media caught up.

I practice in Nashua, NH, which is about 45 minutes north of Boston. But I’ve been in New England for more than 20 years, having gone to Boston University for undergrad and medical school, and Boston Medical Center for residency.

The Boston Marathon is annually held on Patriot’s Day, a uniquely Massachusetts holiday. It is a day where most everyone would gather and watch the marathon, either somewhere along the 20 plus mile stretch, or if you’re lucky, along the finish line.

Today, those at the finish line weren’t so lucky. Reports are that 3 people died, one an 8-year old. Some 150+ were injured, many critically. Those numbers are expected to rise.

Watching replays of the explosion over and over again on Boylston Street was visceral. I know those stores, dined in those restaurants, and have walked on those blood-splattered sidewalks. If something like this can happen in a Boston, on Patriot’s Day, it can happen anywhere, to anyone, at anytime.

Despite the grim news, moments of inspiration shine through. The staff in area’s hospitals, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Tufts Medical Center, are all performing miracles within their walls this evening. And the response from law enforcement agencies was calm, professional, and prepared.

Wendy Sue Swanson and Claire McCarthy provide sage advice on how to talk about today’s violence to your children. Go read them.

And also turn to Twitter, where, during a time of tragedy, a city reveals its true character.

Police react in aftermath of explosion #bostonmarathon #boylstonst (John Tlumacki photo) pic.twitter.com/pfgPjcPZAZ

— Boston Globe Sports (@BGlobeSports) April 15, 2013

<this was nice> Boston resident giving @AliHatfield & us orange juice and offering a bathroom to use #BostonMarathon pic.twitter.com/1R6p9zOeBn

— Ramsey Mohsen (@rm) April 15, 2013

Reports of Marathon Runners that crossed finish line and continued to run to Mass General Hospital to give blood to victims #PrayforBoston

— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) April 15, 2013

Thanks to generosity of volunteer blood donors there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet demand. #BostonMarathon

— American Red Cross (@RedCross) April 15, 2013