Tragedy in Boston

Today was an awful day in Boston as I am sure everyone by now knows. Bombs exploding at the Boston Marathon finish line and at the JFK library injuring at least 73 and killing three. Horrible. My daughter, who lives, works and studies in Boston, called me to tell me she was okay. I was unaware of the bombs until her call. I have grown to love Boston as she has been living there (or close by) for the last 7 years. A city without that big city feel. Even though we joke about the crazy drivers and the Boston accent I like it. And now. Well now it isn't the same. I hope it can be determined who orchestrated this (although I have my own opinion I will wait and see if I am correct). I hope who ever it is is persecuted and jailed. I am sorry for those who died and their families, for those injured. I am thankful that there were so many first responders at the scene so quickly. While I am saddened by this tragedy I am also mad. Mad that this has happened. My daughter has always felt safe in Boston but now that feeling has been compromised. For her and for so many. My prayers are with those families who are suffering.

Another one down

On my journey to read a book a week I finally finished My Beloved World, Sonia Sotomayor's bio. Very good. Really very good. Very well written as to be expected, entertaining and insightful. Ms Sotomayor's journey to becoming a Supreme Court Justice was not an easy one but her dedication to learning and overcoming many obstacles is impressive. A glimpse into what it takes to even be considered for a position on the Supreme Court. Wow. I am not one to read many biographies but this was well worth it. In fact it was a library book and I returned it 5 days overdue because I had to finish it. I then picked up Wonder a YA book.. The book tells the story of a young man born with a facial deformity who has been home schooled for his entire life until he enters middle school. The story is told from different perspectives- August the young man with the deformity, Jack and Summer, two students who befriend August, his sister and well that is as far as I have gotten. It is the story of bullying and how people react. I am intrigued and saddened as I am sure anyone who reads this will be able to think of a situation in which a simple act of kindness could have made a difference but wasn't done. The author, J. Palacio, has called the book "a meditation on kindness" and it is about acceptance and tolerance. Can't wait to finish it.