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| Still from Mister Rogers |
Written by Megan Kearns.
I live in Boston. Yesterday’s bombings at the Boston Marathon rocked the beautiful city I call home.
I spent the day tweeting, Facebooking, texting and calling — getting out information and checking in on loved ones. I experienced a range of emotions from shock, panic, worry and waves of relief after hearing people I knew were safe. I woke up with a grateful yet heavy heart this morning, still drained.
But helping me get through it all is hearing about the bravery of first responders, doctors, police officers and “ordinary” people who ran toward the blast and helped those in need. It’s been humbling reading about the random acts of kindness transforming people into heroes, strangers into community. Thank you to all the amazing people making a difference. Thank you to people donating blood and offering their homes to those displaced. Thank you to everyone who’s expressed concern, who’s said they stand with Boston or that their hearts go out to Boston. We appreciate your support and solidarity more than you know.
Believe it or not, the words of Mister Rogers are also helping me get through this tragedy:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”
Media impacts our daily lives in ways seen and unseen. It entertains and educates. It infuriates and inspires. And sometimes, it can even help us heal.
Thank you, Mister Rogers. Thank you.