You proved something to us. We’re mourning our 3 dead and 176 injured. And those of us who weren’t there when your bombs went off are watching news coverage of the medically trained marathon volunteers as they rush in to tend the wounded, as well as the many other runners and spectators putting their fear aside to help however they can. We’re learning of the two soldiers just back from Afghanistan who rushed in to put pressure on wounds, then ran to the hospital to give blood. We‘re hearing about the many faiths who are organizing an interfaith prayer service for the victims. We see law enforcement agencies from all levels of government working together to aid victims and find clues to who did this terrible deed. We’re finding out about people from as far as California, at our nation’s other coast, mobilizing to offer assistance in Boston. We’re listening to government leaders from the President on down speaking with determination, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Yes, you got to us. You got to our spirits and hearts, to the soul of America. You brought us even closer together as a nation, as a united people. You brought out our compassion, not our fear. You emphasized our oneness, not our divisions. You caused us to focus on what is right and good, not on what is selfish, jingoistic, or evil.
I doubt that that was your intention.