On Moving Forward

Last week was undeniably one of the most difficult weeks around here. I say around here because I recognize how much tragedy happens around the world regularly. So much hurt, so many tears, so much fear. I was repeatedly told, "don't be afraid, or they will win." There is actually little comfort in this statement - I WAS afraid. The relief on Friday night, after the suspect was captured, was palpable. I finally slept, a deep painful sleep, and woke up on Saturday full of aches, and with a headache that felt like a miserable hangover.

Moving forward. As a city, we are going to discover exactly what that means. Everywhere people are saying, "life goes on." And it does, even if it feels almost sacrilegious for it to do so. So I pulled myself off the couch, started up my dye pots again, and stepped out of the house with a little less fear. I went to Seed Stitch and picked up some Shibui for a new pattern. All I can think to do to comfort myself is make things, I truly find healing in the process.

My usual knitting group was there, everyone with pain in their eyes. All of them clearly wanting to pretend things were normal again. The "how are yous" were met with "well, you knows." How long before someone says "good" again?

Yesterday, I stood on the roof at 2:50 to honor the city-wide moment of silence. A city united through pain and heartbreak, but perhaps also through a bit of hope. We will never forget, but we've pulled together and we will rebuild.

This week, Webs is donating 5% of sales this week to Boston relief efforts. I will follow their example and donate 10% of profits on all products through the end of the month.

If you want to donate directly to relief efforts, here are a few links:

One Fund Boston - general relief fund

Karen Rand - friend of deceased Krystle Campbell. One of the less publicized fundraisers.

Bucks for Bauman - victim Jeff Bauman, the man in the iconic wheelchair photo

Richard Family Fund - To support the injured family of deceased 8 year-old Martin

Celeste & Sydney Recovery fund - victims Celeste & Sydney, mother and daughter

Patrick and Jessica Downes - Patrick and Jessica, newlyweds

Jacqui, Paul and JP - Two brothers who lost a leg

Recovery for Liza - victim Liza Cherney

Recovery for Brittany - victim Brittany Loring

Ann and Eric Whalley - husband and wife

Remy Lawler - Remy was at the Marathon with Jeff Bauman

Adrienne Haslet - the dancer who lost her foot

The White Family - an injured family of 4