Why Boston @ 26.2?

For the first time I want to know why.

On 9/11, I knew why.

But right now, I don't know why.

I can't even speculate.

I knew it was within the realm of the possible; few things aren't, but not our Boston Marathon.

Last Saturday, before race Monday, I stood on the START line.

26.2 miles away, my nephew stood on the FINISH line.

This time, I bought no newspapers.

I didn't obsess over CNN.

I didn't flinch at too-close-to-be-normal aircraft.

I took the train as usual.

I gave a nod to the cop I almost walked into after passing through the fare gate.

I watched the national guardsmen on subway platforms.

A part of me wished I still was in uniform.

I listened to the misinformation by the media.

I watched the suspect / bomb threat drama at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, across the harbor from the building I'm working in.

I am reminded that it did take a decade to get Osama, so while we should be vigilant, we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves.

I laughed on the way to South Station as a large brother on a little scooter was blasting hip-hop on Atlantic Avenue.

I heard President Obama and First Lady Obama are coming to Beantown tomorrow for the memorial service.

We won't panic.

We won't turn on each other.

We will continue to live.

We will continue to love.

We will be different, but we will be better.

We will persevere as we have since the Revolution.

We will run the race set before us 'til completion.