Just sitting here watching the wrap up after sitting here, glued to the tv and following updates on my phone all day of the events in Boston.  WOW!  What a week it's been!

In many ways I'm heartened and humbled at the American spirit.  I'm also comforted at the great police work of all the departments involved at the quick resolution.

However, I can't help but sit here and think about what drove these guys to do this horrible act.  Here are two men who had everything going for them.  One spoke three languages (heck, I'm still trying to learn English!) and was a successful boxer with aspirations of making the US Olympic team.  The other had his whole life ahead of him raised in America, a good wrestler, less than a year ago went through the rigorous steps of becoming an American citizen and enrolled in college to become an engineer.  Both by all descriptions were good people and gregarious. All who knew them were shocked they could do such a heinous act. What changed and triggered such a murderous rampage?  Was it religion (both were Muslim)?  Hopefully answers are forthcoming.

My thoughts and prayers and with the victims and the families of those who were injured and lost their lives.  It was so senseless and my heart goes out to them.

I am also thinking those in West, Texas where a fertilizer plant exploded causing deadly damage and injures more than 170.  Thoughts and prayers are with them as well.

And I have to say that no matter where you live, first responders do not receive the recognition and honor they deserve!  My definition of a hero is the one that knows the danger yet runs to the rescue without regard to their own safety.  That is what they do for living for such a minimal wage.  I remember a fire at my house. My daughter and I were running to get out and these guys pull up, put on masks and go into a house that reached temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees to put it out and be sure no one was left inside.  They do these acts and much more every day!  We owe them such a debt!  Let me say here (I know I don't say it enough).....THANKS!

There's still a lot of healing to do for the victims and families.  Once the cameras and media are all gone and our attention is directed elsewhere, let us resolve that we'll be there to help and encourage them every step of the way!

Kurt