Boston Marathon, a year later

For the past few days leading up to Monday's big race, helicopters--security patrol--have been scrolling the Boston skies. It's a return to sounds from last year when our town went on lock down and my country watched from the internet wings. Those ch-ch-chuffing motors above my roof unsettled me a bit until I went downtown to Copley Square and saw the city sidewalks shimmering with pedestrians in an exuberant expression of happiness and hope--people walking five abreast on Newbury Street, every outdoor cafe brimming with runners about to take the stage; families with kids scattering on the asphalt byways.

The weather obeyed, too. The Boston Garden resumed its hosting activities for ducks, picnickers, swan boat drifters, and trees releasing their stunning magnolia blooms. It's that time of year. We made it. We're at it again.

Magnolia tree on Commonwealth Ave.

Later in the day, riding on a (very) crowded trolley, I met this lovely couple from Wisconsin. The husband, Randy Zemlicka, has run 32 marathons. His goal, he said, was to run a marathon in all 50 states. This was his first time in Boston. Randy was born with a congenital heart problem and has undergone multiple surgeries including a recent implant to help with pacing. And, here he is, ready to go. What a smile! I also learned that Randy is running for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a partner for young cancer surviver, Ames. Sitting behind Randy and his lovely wife are their daughter and son-in-law who have come along to cheer him on. It's stories like this one that are recharging our city this weekend. We are celebrating our humanity. Thank you!  Learn more about Randy's inspiring story by clicking this link. 

Here's a few more photos from Saturday's stroll around Copley Square and Newbury Street. Enjoy!

Mr. Copley wearing his Boston Marathon colors

The Finish Line