After the Tragedy in Boston, Can We All Share a Collective Hug?

What is there to say? Yesterday's terrorist attack on the Boston Marathon felt like a punch in the gut, largely because our country has dealt with so much tragedy recently, but also because it just left us feeling helpless as we watched the horror unfold on television.

Even though the attack was tragic, we also can't ignore the good that came out of the insanity yesterday. Nurses and police men and women ran immediately to help the wounded, tearing down barriers and using their own clothing as tourniquets. Marathon runners ran to nearby hospitals to donate blood for the wounded. The despicable actions of a few, were met with courage, love and care from the majority at the marathon.

The feeling of helplessness still persists though. It's a weird sensation in a small world. You feel as though you need to do something to help or even that you should have been there to assist in some way.

With the lack of an immediately tangible response to this event, perhaps the best thing we can do is just to be gentle with ourselves and each other. Resolve to care more about the people with whom you interact. Take care of yourself and those around you. Appreciate your life and try not to take it for granted. Too many people have their lives cut short. Do what will make you feel better about the world in which you live.

We would like to say that this will be the last time any of us feels this way, though we know it won't. As corny as it sounds, all we can do is offer words and thoughts of peace and love to try to outshine the dark deeds that are done in this world. We have to remember not to take life for granted and to just love one another. Some days it's harder than it would seem, but we can all at least try.

Also, If you need a pick-me-up, you might want to read comedian Patton Oswalt's poignant response to the Boston tragedy. His words really provide some much-needed catharsis.

Our hearts go out to Boston.

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