Pacific Palisades, Brentwood Patch Readers React to Boston Marathon Bombings

Monday's explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon shocked and stunned the entire country. Many people from across the nation spent the day frantically checking in with their loved ones who may have been in the city or near the explosion.

The tragic events that killed at least two and injured over a hundred people resonated here on the Westside of Los Angeles as well, with a few Pacific Palisades and Brentwood Patch readers saying that even thousands of miles away, they were far, far too close. Even if our loved ones weren't injured, someone else's were, and it could indeed just as easily have been ours.

There were 11 Pacific Palisades runners and 14 Brentwood runners listed as registered for the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Here's a sample of what they shared with us, including this detailed account from a Pali resident:

Hi Matt. I grew up in Boston's South Shore, went to undergraduate and two graduate schools in Boston, and lived there most of my life up until a few years ago when my family and I moved to Seattle and then here to Pali. My mother's apartment building is right at the finish line. She was at work in the Hancock Tower in Copley Square when the bombs exploded, and is fine thank heavens. She could not return to her apartment until this morning. She spent last night in a hotel, which her employer very generously paid for.

My brother and a long time family friend went to the Red Sox game (Green Monster -- excuse me, Monstah -- seats, sweet!) and they are fine, too. Took them a long time to make it back to their respective homes.

My sister who lives in Beacon Hill happened to be traveling out of town, so she's fine, too.

We have many friends and family who either ran the race or were watching along the route, including near the finish line. We are very relieved to know all are accounted for and fine.

Our hearts break for the families of the victims of this senseless tragedy. We're sending all our love, light, prayers, and healing energy to our forever hometown, the greatest city we know, dear old Boston.

LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER - BOSTON YOU'RE MY HOME!!!!
- Anthony Boomer Dell, Pacific Palisades Patch Facebook

Dell also shared this photo slideshow from Buzzfeed about what makes the city of Boston wonderful. Hope you enjoy if you have New England roots:

I know of 2 who finished the race before the bombing and are fine. - Robin Ashby, Pacific Palisades Patch Facebook

My husband and I are both from the Boston area (north shore + south shore) and had friends who ran or attended the race. Thankfully all are okay. - Stacy McCoy, Brentwood Patch Facebook

How are you feeling about the events of this week?

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