Praying for Boston, praying for Martin's family

Martin Richard was eight years old. Like any kid, he was excited to get his ice cream at a sporting event. In this case, it was the famed Boston Marathon, which his dad has run before. This time his dad was not running because of injury. On Monday, April 15, Martin still had his ice cream in hand when the first explosion hit. His family was leading everyone away from the building when the second explosion hit and killed him.

I am deeply saddened by the events that took place at this year's Boston Marathon, but I couldn't help focusing on this little boy. Builder is only a year older. His sister, who's critically injured along with their mother, is six, only a year older than my Ballerina. Going to a sporting event as a family is something we do, something we have done, something that we will continue to do - although it will never be the same. 

I pray for the Richard family, for the continued recovery of Martin's mother and sister, for Mr. Richard, for the older brother who watched his younger brother get killed. For grandparents, aunts, uncles, classmates, teachers. I pray that whomever orchestrated this cruelty not only gets justice, but feels remorse and understands, truly understands, the suffering.

Martin Richard was always outside playing some kind of sports, whether it be basketball, hockey, or soccer. He loved to ride his bike and climb trees in his backyard. Builder does too. My mother used to say, when one is a mother, one has all the children of the world. I think now know what she means.