This is Megan writing this, although I'm sure my sentiments can be echoed somewhat by Kelsey and Marcus, as all three of us spent our college careers in Boston.
In our little corner of Boston, where you can hear Red Sox fans sing Sweet Caroline if you open your apartment window, one thing is clear. Boston is united. It's people are artists, teachers, lawyers, financiers - all working together to preserve the unique history and spirit of this town. It's impossible to walk through the back bay without hearing an instrument play or a voice sing, or seeing someone decked out head-to-toe in Red Sox apparel. You want to experience Boston? Try going to Beacon Hill on Halloween, or make a reservation in the North End to impress your date. Walk the freedom trail with your family. Sit by the reflecting pool at The Christian Science Center at sunrise. Frolic through the commons. Jog around the fens. Take a treck out to Publik House and try one of their insanely delicious beers served in it's authentic glassware. Or join thousands of people in celebrating Patriots Day and watch the marathoners cross the finish line.
What happened yesterday was horrifying. Marcus and I sat together, here in New York, glued to our computers, praying that our friends and families were ok. Having graduated from college only last year, most of the friends we know were in Boston, watching the marathon. Some of the people we know were at the finish line, but thankfully all of those people are alright. Although I do not personally know anyone who was injured or who perished, my heart was in Boston yesterday. With the spirited amazing people who ran towards the ruin to help save lives. With the people who graciously opened up their apartments to house or feed marathoners who had nowhere else to go. With the marathoners who ran past the finish line and to the nearest hospital to donate bood.
If you really want to experience Boston, you need to look no further than yesterday. We on The Mechanical team are so inspired by all the people who stepped up and forgot about the danger in order to help others, and by those who immediately began fundraising efforts to help those affected by the tragedy. I know a handful of runners who are already pledging to run next year's marathon, and I know more will join that pledge. Although the city of Boston is often recognized by it's landmarks, on Monday, the people were the true Boston. I know the city and its people will come back, stronger, and more united.
Our hearts are with those and their loved ones who are struggling. The Mechanical team sends its deepest sympathies to everyone who was affected by yesterday's events. We have been writing a musical about the aftermath of senseless violence and brutality - about what it means to be a person and to be alive.
Our conclusion thusfar has been that humanity is not about what we have, our careers, our posessions, none of it. What distinguishes us as people versus any other being (mechanical or not), is the passion and love with which we relate to each other. Yesterday's events hit home for us, because it couldn't have made that truth more clear. I think all of us hugged our loved ones a little tighter last night.
We are so thankful that those we love are alright. We're deeply shaken by the events, and are sending all the love and support we can to the Boston area.
