The first explosion stopped
me in my tracks. The mix of
exhilaration and physical exhaustion
from completing the Boston
Marathon quickly turned into confusion.
What was that sound? Was it part
of the ceremonies? An accident?
My confusion transformed into
fright with the second explosion a moment
later, accompanied by a deafening
boom and an envelope of smoke
that engulfed the street one block
from where my friends and I were
standing. There was no mistaking that
someone was trying to hurt us.
As a research psychologist who
specializes in trauma, I am well aware
of the typical reactions people have
in these kinds of situations. So in a
way I became my own individual case
example — watching and examining
my own reactions.
My immediate response was fear
once I realized that bombs were going
off on the marathon course. But to
my surprise, I had feelings of security
and comfort as I turned some of my
attention to those around me. I felt
my friend’s hand holding on to my
sweatshirt, making sure we didn’t lose
each other. I noticed that other people
around us were also keeping track of
their loved ones as they looked for
safety. I watched the first responders
rush by us on foot and in their vehicles
toward the center of the destruction.
My observations of support and
connection only grew after my friends
and I were out of the direct vicinity
of the explosions. I cannot express
how much it warmed my heart to
receive all the messages, texts, phone
calls, Facebook posts and thoughts
of concern from family, friends and
co-workers. It didn’t have to be much
— just someone happy to hear I was
okay. Throughout this tragedy, I have
shed more tears of gratitude than of
fear. Although two people intended
to hurt us, thousands or even millions
wanted to help us. I will take those
odds any day.
The stories that have touched me
the most are those of the support and
compassion expressed among strangers.
Spectators provided food, water
and warm clothes to runners who were stopped on the course. One runner gave his medal to another runner who was not able to reach the renowned finish line.
These stories have taught me an important lesson: The support that can help people through tragedy does not only have to come from first responders, family and friends. Simple acts of compassion and support can do a world of good, even if it is for someone you have never before met.
I believe all of compassion shown by and to the people of Boston allowed the city to come out of this ordeal even stronger. As President Obama said, “this time next year…the world will return to this great American city to run harder than ever, and to cheer even louder, for the 118th Boston Marathon.” And, I plan to be there with the other runners and spectators to help make the next Boston Marathon the most memorable one yet.
Eileen Delaney, Ph.D, is with the NCCOSC Research Facilitation Department. She was one of only 125 San Diegans who participated in this year’s Boston Marathon.