Explosions at Boston Marathon Finish Line

I took a refrigerator break today from working on a post about my name dyslexia: Was I introduced to this woman as Kristen or Kirsten? Is this guy John or Jim? Are you Bill or Bob?

Then, while stuffing a stuffed grape leaf into my mouth over the sink, I hit the radio button; that’s how I found out about the explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line.

I phoned my daughter, who had friends running. I also emailed her to stay home and stay safe, since Washington, where she and I live, was put on high alert. And then I turned on CNN and watched the scene at the marathon’s 4-hours-and-9-minutes mark play and replay.

The rhetorical question to myself was: In light of the tragedy in Boston, how can I publish my trifle of a post about name dyslexia, which—on a day that felt safer and less heart-heavy—might make some readers smile?

The answer to myself was: I can’t.

I reflected on past shocking tragedies and the ways in which TV shows that were usually lighthearted handled the immediate aftermaths. After 9/11, Paul Simon performed “The Boxer,” on Saturday Night Live, as Mayor Rudy Giuliani and members of the NYPD and NYFD looked on.

While the nation was still reeling from the Newtown murders, SNL departed from it’s typical comical opening, and instead, a children’s choir sang “Silent Night,” which felt appropriate.

Then those members of the New York City Children’s Chorus shouted out the show’s time-honored introduction: “Live from New York, it’s `Saturday Night!'”

Later, the chorus returned to join musical guest Paul McCartney in a rendition of his “Wonderful Christmas Time.” Despite the dreadful juxtaposition of the Newtown horror with the premise of a show like SNL, they did a good job of striking the right tone.

Even Survivor had a moment of silence in tribute to the Newtown victims on it’s three-hour finale last December.

What else is there for me to say in light of the horror of today’ apparent terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon finish line, except that my thoughts are with the explosion’s victims and victims’ loved ones?

Concluding as always, but toned down a bit, with news of my new memoir:

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Consider giving my new memoir as a Mother’s Day gift.

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