Shock replaced by resolve in the wake of Boston

By Jeff Orvis

Just over 24 hours ago, we heard the awful news of the bombing along the route of the Boston Marathon. And for at least a brief time, the economy, immigration reform, gun laws and all the rest took a back seat as many Americans came together in their thoughts and prayers for the victims and the loved ones of the victims of the attack.

With approximately 27,000 runners in the race, a lot of us knew one or more of the competitors. I immediately thought of a life-long friend who spent many summer nights of his youth running around our neighborhood just for fun. More than 40 years later, he's still running and cycling and cross country skiing just for fun. He is a veteran of the most prestigious marathon this country has to offer.

I am in awe of the great times he continues to post each year. One of the first pieces of tape I saw when I learned of the attack showed an elapsed time clock at the end of the race. I immediately wondered if that would be close to the time Terry would have posted. I owe him an apology. I underestimated him. When I hadn't heard that he was safe for a couple of hours, I decided to go on to the marathon official web site. I checked for his name. Not only did he finish, he apparently finished about 30 minutes before the bombing.

Thanks to the wonders of Facebook, his friends learned later last night that he was shaken, but okay.

More thoughts came to mind as I remembered several folks from Belle Plaine who are dedicated road runners. From contacts with a friend there, I learned that one of those men had not entered this year. But another young man, a member of the Iowa State Running Club and a Belle Plaine grad, was entered in the race. He had sent word back to his family that he was also okay.

This afternoon, Ryan was interviewed by a central Iowa radio station. The interview was posted on Facebook. The other members of his party had also finished well ahead of the blasts.

As local, state and federal officials begin their investigation on who may have committed this crime, one theory is that the person responsible was attempting to cause widespread doubt and fear in the hearts and minds of Americans. How misguided can a person or group get?

First off, what I've noticed about dedicated road racers is that they have tremendous determination. While they most certainly would mourn those lost and have concern for the injured, for many of them, it would only strengthen their resolve to run faster and stronger, perhaps as a tribute to the victims.

If the perpetrators thought they had an easy target in downtown Boston, they again were sorely mistaken. Almost every news report commented on the heroic efforts of emergency personnel and volunteers as they went to the aid of the victims. Government officials were quick to go before the media. Their set jaws showed the world they would not rest until the people responsible for this were brought to justice. You just don't mess with the people of Boston or the residents of Massachusetts.

Incidents like this remind us that this country is like one huge small town. We may be a diverse populace, but harm some of us and the rest of us take it personally.