Deeply moving observations from near the finish line

My dear friend Laurel McAndrews was saved from the terror at the Boston Marathon finish line by a split second decicion. Here she touches on what she plans to do now.:

As I left Boston this morning, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to be walking myself out of the city today. I came to Boston to support runners in accomplishing a monumental act of athleticism. I left having borne witness to violence against others there for the same reason. And this morning, I value the implications of a split second decision to avoid finish line congestion by moving to a location a mile away, just about 20 minutes in advance of the events.

As I watch yesterday’s coverage, I’m affected by the images of the explosions on the sidelines and of the injured being wheeled from the scene. The majority of these individuals were not runners, but fans. And were it not for the dedication of those fans and many more around them, I would have undoubtedly have been standing at that finish line cheering runners as they hit that 26.2 mile mark. These individuals, like me, were there on Boylston to support family members, friends, and thousands of runners, all sources of inspiration, who those on the sidelines will never know.

As I learn more about the injuries sustained yesterday, I’m beyond grateful to be able bodied today. I vow to put my legs to their best use, on the running trail and on the sidelines, to push my limits and stand in support of others as they do the same.

I feel blessed to have witnessed such greatness and to have been spared from the violence against others like me. I’m humbled by the concern from hundreds of family and friends. Thank you for your calls, texts, emails, tweets, messages, and for relaying news between one another. May your sentiments of encouragement be felt by those at Mass General and at hospitals all over Boston today.