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What the Boston Marathon Bombers Will Never Understand

By
Real Estate Agent with William Raveis Real Estate

I am sitting in my home in Boston contemplating what I can possibly think, or do, or say right now. An eight year old child is dead, another adult is dead, and nearly one hundred injured.

Two or three bombs exploded in Boston today, likely to be an act of terrorism.  More bombs which failed to explode were found.  This all happened during the Boston Marathon, a 117 year tradition of international proportions.  

Growing up in Israel in the 1980's, I am used to news of bombings.  From early in my childhood I learned to spot suspicious unattended items in public and out of place cars.  I have no need to ask why these things happen and who would do such a thing.  

But it doesn't get easier, it gets harder every time.  One day I will need to explain bombings of civilians to my children.  They will have to be vigilant about suspicious objects, they will have to learn that war is an international affair which takes place outside your door.  This saddens me.

What the bombers of the Boston Marathon fail to understand is that as they look for symbolic places and events, they turn those places and events to points of strength and beacons of heroism and kindness.  With every act of terror, the best of the American people comes through.  This thought helps me cope.

I love this saying by Mr. Rogers.  When you watch the news tonight, look for the helpers and be inspired and grateful.

Comments (37)

Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Ruth, this is a very thoughtful post from someone who knows of what she speaks. Will remember Mr. Rogers' quote. Sharon

Apr 16, 2013 11:33 AM
Melissa Zavala
Broadpoint Properties - Escondido, CA
Broker, Escondido Real Estate, San Diego County
Ruth: I like your idea of focusing on people doing incredible things, and hope that everyone in your brood is okay and safe.
Apr 16, 2013 01:00 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M
Ruth - What a wonderful way to look at this tragic event in the light of hope.
Apr 16, 2013 02:52 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Ruth... a very touching post. When things like this happen you really feel like there are no words. As a New Yorker, I went through the same gamut of emotions on 9/11... and they still come back to haunt me from time to time.

Apr 16, 2013 09:25 PM
Cassandra Boyes
Orchestrated Designs - Barrington, IL
HSR Certified Home Stager, Staging Barrington-Lake Geneva, www.orchestrateddesigns.com

This is beautiful Ruth, and I'm so sorry for the sadness that has hit your home. I agree with you though-times like these are when we see our strength as the American people.  *Hugs for you*

Apr 16, 2013 11:44 PM
Ruth Lerner
William Raveis Real Estate - Brookline, MA

Thank you for the comments, everyone.  Boston is stronger than this, and if history and sports are any indications, we don't get bullied easily.

Apr 17, 2013 01:03 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Still thinking about everyone in Boston- what a great city full of spirit and strength. We've seen the very best of so many Americans.  I loved this post Ruth, there are helpers everywhere.

Apr 18, 2013 03:43 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hey, Ruth!

 

I included this post in today’s Last Week’s Favorites.  Please drop by and check it out, and and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

 

 

Apr 20, 2013 11:38 PM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I am sure glad Patricia put this in her weekly summary...I would have missed it! Thanks for sharing!

Apr 20, 2013 11:55 PM
Ruth Lerner
William Raveis Real Estate - Brookline, MA

We had a tough, wild, and exhausting week in Boston.  Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. 

Apr 21, 2013 12:02 AM
Brad MacKenzie
Brad MacKenzie - Duxbury, MA
Turning Houses into Homes on the South Shore

So glad it's over. Did you see Neil Diamond yesterday at Fenway?  We are stronger.

Apr 21, 2013 12:18 AM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

Very inspiring post Ruth, well placed words to bring a growing sentiment among us. . I'm truly proud and lucky that I have chosen the USA as my home . .nowhere else!

Apr 21, 2013 12:36 AM
Helen and Larry Prier- Re-Max Gateway - Residential Real Estate
RE-MAX Gateway- Residential Real Estate Sales - Anacortes, WA
Anacortes & surrounding Skagit & Island Counties

It is a pity that life has come to this. However, the reality is with us now and we have to be vigilant. In an emergency it seems all but a few lend a helping hand and that is what makes us great!

Apr 21, 2013 02:16 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Lovely post! I can't imagine living in Israel where sadly things like this are just a part of life. Terrible events and I'm so glad it seems that they caught them. 

Apr 21, 2013 05:11 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Ruth, Beautifully written! There are heroes that walk among us everyday and that explains so much about what makes America great. The best to you!

Apr 21, 2013 05:17 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Ruth - Yes, there were many helpers.  It was so inspiring to see them not running away, but running to help the wounded.

Apr 21, 2013 07:57 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

Ruth, my sister lives in Concord and her daughter lives on Somerville. Boston won't let this or anybody push them around. What a great city! S

Apr 21, 2013 11:43 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

You can't stop true desire to be kind! :)

 

Love and light,

Laura

Apr 21, 2013 01:20 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Ruth, I know finally it's over for us living in an around Boston. However, some lives will never be same!

Very rightly said...

"With every act of terror, the best of the American people comes through."

Apr 21, 2013 01:32 PM
Ruth Lerner
William Raveis Real Estate - Brookline, MA

Thank you everyone.  I've read and been touched by every single comment.  I am proud to be part of this community which to me represents a slice of America.  What a great place we have to call home!

Apr 21, 2013 11:49 PM