Dear Kid,

On April 19, 1897, John J. McDermott of New York won the first Boston Marathon with a time of 2:55:10.

Today, 117 years later, we are watching and listening as the police chase down the brothers who set off the bombs at this year’s Boston Marathon.

In 1897, 15 runners started the race but only 10 finished.

This year, 23,181 of runners participated. Many finished, but many were stopped before the they could reach the end by the dreadful, horrific explosion of two bombs. Three people are dead; 170 are injured. The victories (Lelisa Desisa won the men’s race in 2:10:22 and Rita Jeptoo won the women’s division in 2:26:25) were largely overlooked. An entire city, an entire country is taking note of Patriot’s Day in Boston in a way we should never have to.

I wish for you — and the whole world — that we will find an end to violence and destruction. And live in a land where we are free to run.

Love, Mom