Books for Boston

As a runner, the bombings at the Boston Marathon last week deeply affected me. When I think about how many times my mother, my husband, and my kids have been waiting for me at the finish line it makes me sick to think, "That could have been them. That could have been us." It's always heartbreaking to witness this kind of tragedy, but this time it seemed personal.

I have been restless since last Monday, trying to figure out what I can do to help. Can I do anything? I don't live anywhere near Boston. I don't personally know anyone who was injured or traumatized by being there when the bombs went off. What can I do?

Here is what I can do. Here is what we can do. We can hold our children a little bit tighter and snuggle with them a little bit longer. We can be a little more patient and a little more kind. We can give to those who need help. We can give to the victims and to their families. We can love and support each other.

My thoughts and prayers are particularly with the Richard family, who lost their eight-year-old son on Monday.

This week I am holding a Book Drive in honor of the victims and their families. 100% of the profits from all book sales through Tuesday, April 30, will be donated to The One Fund, a charity established by Boston officials to help the people most affected by this tragedy.

So do your family a favor. Get your hands on some new books. Snuggle up and read them together. Learn together. Chat about what you read. Life is precious. Honor those in Boston by giving them a helping hand while simultaneously strengthening your own family relationships.

The online Book Event can be accessed here. Enjoy and God bless :)