Prayers for my old hometown, Boston, Massachusetts

via Polyvore

I had a post all ready to go...
But it seemed so trivial and superficial.

Instead I will pay respect to a city that had such a great impact on my life.

A city I fell in love with when I was 18 years old...

I want to pay my respects to her and her people... 

She's a resilient city. Her people are strong. Their patriotism is unwavering. Their loyalty to their city and her teams is unrivalled. She's a beautiful, colorful, historic and kind city. Her residents are colorful and kind. To live Boston is to love Boston... to love her ways and to love her people... her devoted people... her fiercely devoted people... her fiercely passionate people. 

I lived in Boston for over 5 years. I spent 4 formidable college years there. The memories created over those 4 years are some of the strongest and best I've ever had. I am sure that my college friends agree. She's a vibrant, and yet somewhat easy-going city, devoid of the insane pace New York seems to possess. Perhaps this is because she is an old New England City.  She is rich in history and culture with some of the best museums, shopping and dining in the world. Her beauty is rivalled by none.

I left Boston many years ago but a part of me never left. A part of my heart still remains. If you've ever spent much time there you'll know exactly what I mean.

I can tell you this. Bostonians are strong. They may be slightly shaken but they are resilient. They are a good and proud people - some of the best and proudest I have ever met. They will not let this terrible act of terror and tragedy stop them in their tracks. I can also tell you that if any city can handle these horrific events with grace and dignity can, this city can.

My heart and prayers go out to the city of Boston and her residents and to all the visitors from around the world. My heart breaks for the little boy who was killed while cheering his father on... and his mother who underwent emergency brain surgery and his 6 year old sister who lost her leg... and to all the others who were killed and injured. At the same time I am relieved that my family and friends who reside near the where the bombs went off are all safe and sound... 

XOXO,

Jessica