One Boston Day 2020

It is without a doubt a much different One Boston Day this year.


Last year, the Boston Marathon was run on 4/15th. In years past we gathered as a Boston Strong community with commemorations, services and activities to embody the spirit of One Boston Day with a day of Service.

There are no gatherings allowed of more than 10 people and we are asked to maintain social distancing at all times.

But the Spirit of One Boston Day lives on as each of us in our own way pauses to remember and reflect. Ruth Anne and I did 3.15 miles on 4-15... a walking meditation to reflect, remember, focus on kindness and peace and noting the resilience that makes us all #bostonstrong It was a cool morning so I wore my 2009 Boston Marathon jacket.


We reminisced about our 2009 Boston Marathon run. We recalled how, for the first time in 2013, I felt ready to return to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel to celebrate Marathon Monday with the Spaulding Race For Rehab Alumni only to have what was a day of celebration and triumph turn into tragedy and trauma. But we also talked about resilience and strength for different experiences we have endured through the years.

As we approached the one year anniversary of 4/15, I was inspired to write this poem that seems particularly fitting for today:
Light Always Wins

In their flower beds
awakened by the warm Spring sun
they shiver
unexpected wind chill
mid-April in Boston
we shiver to remember
one year ago
what a difference a year makes
turn over from Winter to Spring
slow
is it always this slow
or a gentle reminder
we are still healing.

Mother Nature has her own rhythm
trust in the Divine
taking time
remember
roots extend deep into earth
we were shaken
we rise

eager to shed our coats
vibrant colors of the soul
radiant
reflecting resilience
invincibility
light always wins.

My friend posted this on Facebook this morning from Boston 25 News:

Even in times of darkness, the sun always rises. Like the sun, we will rise out of the darkness as we have before. We are in this together. We are Boston Strong and so much more. As you go about this One Boston Day differently than you expected, be kind. Drop a 💙💛 if you vow to spread kindness.

So while this One Boston Day is unlike any other, so too was Marathon Monday 4/15/2013 unlike any other.

Seven years later we are Boston Strong and we shall be Boston Stronger once this pandemic is in the past!

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website to learn more about my inspirational journey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the Boston Marathon and beyond!

My books are available on Amazon.