Having to explain bombs and terrorists were not in my plans for happy family fun-day vacation week, but that is what my 7, soon to be 8 year old got into today. Duty calls, and I birthed an old soul. "Why did someone set off bombs in Boston?" (he had heard two women talking about it at the park)
I knew he had friends that were at the Marathon, and on Monday shit was going to get real once he was back in school- I had to fill him in. I needed to prepare him- he was a deep inquisitive kid, and despite my best efforts to keep it light, he was onto me. Q&A didn't go quite as I planned... he wanted answers, real answers (hey, me too)... "Who are they? How old? Can I see a picture of them? Why? Why? How? Why?" (Meanwhile, I left out the part that a boy his age and 2 girls close in age to his cousin, and a cop were killed-because his imagine is a rival to mine.)
His questions were intense, and exhausting... but I realized that he was much smarter and in tune than I wanted to give him credit for.
I have no idea what this situation is like in the rest of the country or the air play you are seeing. Here it is 24/7-we don't even see weather reports on the local news channels.
I also still have no idea what motivated these guys to do this, and having to explain it to a child is even harder. I know answers will come to light over the next few days- hopefully.
As I typed that last sentence my husband just walked in the door from work an told me they have the second suspect in a boat. I am relieved. SO very relieved. My son is relieved, more importantly.
I just want peace. For families of those lost and hurt and the families of the suspects. I am sure they hurt right now too.
No more hurting people.
We need to listen to this little angel's message right now. Praying for Boston and no more hurt.
