A lot of you might know that I’m from Massachusetts, so you can probably understand that I’ve been glued to the television recently. The bombing at the marathon and the subsequent shootout and manhunt were hard to avoid, even in Florida. They were everywhere. Watching the news teams across half a dozen networks cross-checking with one another, getting things wrong, exaggerating, recanting, apologizing, re-reporting–it was nerve wracking.
Worse?
Waiting on Monday for the phone calls, text messages, and Facebook updates from people that I cared about was agonizing. But you know what? It didn’t get easier when I had everyone safe and accounted for. The people that were affected telling their stories, sharing their fear, and, most of all, helping each other, only made it more important that I stay updated.
When the thousands of photos and video clips flooded the FBI, when people responded and pitched in, and went above and beyond what was called for, I wanted to know more. I wanted to help.
I’m nowhere near Boston. I should be, but I’m not. It’s impossible not to feel helpless when you’re 1500 miles away from the place and people you love in a time like this. What could I do? I posted links to the Red Cross on Facebook and urged people to help.
They didn’t need the urging. Seriously, I’m sure you’ve all seen the reports of people doing everything they could for each other, opening their homes to victims and police officers, feeding and hydrating law enforcement during the manhunt. It was amazing to me what people will do if given the chance. Being able to see the good in people in the face of such horror tends to lap at the cynicism in me just a little.
Now, for those of you who don’t think there’s much left to do, that everything is wrapped up and over, you’re wrong. Those people injured and killed at the marathon are going to have incredible hospital bills, living expenses, and the like. There’s this charity on InktothePeople.com and there’s one day left to order a “Boston Strong” t-shirt, $15 of the $20 goes to the victims of the marathon bombing. Ready?
G&L’s three-year anniversary is on Tuesday, and I’m going to ask something of you. If you’ve ever enjoyed Goggles & Lace, if you still read in spite of my sparse updates, or if you just feel like offering up a random act of charity, order a “Boston Strong” t-shirt. I would be really moved if any of you ordered one of these t-shirts, a fantastic anniversary gift to G&L.
Be awesome, and pass the link along to others! There’s one day left! I already ordered two, one for myself and one for my mother. I’m excited to be able to wear it around Jacksonville. Take a lesson from Boston, everyone; it’s only $20.
Thank you all!
