Home At Last: Martinez Hears From the Hern Family

Looking exhausted but strong, Alan and Katherine Hern stood before a line of television cameras and reporters at City Hall Plaza Friday morning and said their 12-year-old son Aaron is recovering nicely, but still has six or more weeks of recovery before he regains full mobility.

It was 18 days ago that Katherine was nearing the finish line of the Boston Marathon when one, and then two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing two and injuring hundreds of others.

One of those injured was Aaron, who suffered serious wounds to both legs, and a punctured ear drum.

As his parents described the events of that day, both at times were near tears. But like the athletes they are (Alan is a PE coach at Alhambra High School, Katherine a marathon runner), both remained firm in their resolve to tell their story, and thank the community and the nation for the outpouring of love and support.

Several fundraising events for the Herns have already occurred in Martinez, and several more are in the works.

“We cannot tell you how much it means to Aaron and us to have the community step up and essentially take care of us in our time of healing,” Alan said. “Physically, Aaron is recovering by leaps and bounds. It’s good to be 12 years old.”

“Take your kids to the park, to our libraries, to our pool here in Martinez,” said Katherine, her voice breaking. “Take your kids to a ballgame. Listen to all the children. And listen to music. Music is therapy.”

When Aaron was initially brought to Boston Children’s Hospital, Alan said he spent his first few days in the intensive care unit, hooked up to breathing tubes and other devices. He was eventually moved to the main unit, where he was visited by First Lady Michelle Obama and members of the Oakland A’s. Now, Alan said, he’s home and anxious to return to normal. He had 86 staples removed from his left leg.

“I think the hardest thing for him to handle is the attention,” Alan said. “He doesn’t feel he deserves it.”

Aaron is expected to return to Martinez Jr. High in the near future. Principal Helen Rossi said she hopes to make his return as low key as possible.