Wave of Emotions Engulfs Easton as Marathon Bombing Suspect is Caught

As Boston and Watertown celebrate the capture of the suspect involved in Monday's terrifying Boston Marathon bombings, Easton residents are also breathing a sigh of relief.

According to Joan Reynolds Daly on Easton Patch's Facebook page, Maguire's Bar and Grill erupted in "huge cheers and a standing ovation."

Bobby O'Donnell, a 2012 Oliver Ames graduate and student at St. Anselm College who ran in Monday's marathon, said Friday night was the best of things that could have happened to make him feel better.

"On my way home from school I listened to it on the radio the whole way down," he said. "When I got home I was glued to the TV and I was actually in Hilliards when someone walked in and said that they had the guy cornered in a boat. I was very excited and drove to my girlfriend's house. Once it came on he was alive and captured, I gave my girlfriend a big hug.  

"The feeling of joy that I had was as amazing as if I had finished the marathon on Monday. I am so so thankful to everyone who worked so hard to capture him. I still won't say 'Suspect Two's name out loud because he doesn't deserve the recognition. Every law enforcement officer involved deserves a marathon medal and a hand shake. Because of them, I am proud to say that I am Boston Strong."

Scott Aronson, said the entire week has been surreal.

Although it feels much longer, it's been just 5 days since I was in the Medical Tent at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. This has been a week of many emotions. I've had feelings from sadness to anger. It's been surreal, often feeling like I was watching a movie, waiting for the next scene or reading a book that I couldn't put down. It was difficult to step away from the technology (iPhones, iPads, radio, television). I felt that I needed to know the latest developments as they occurred.

Last night (just after the authorities captured the second suspect), I sort of felt relieved. I slept better than I did all week. However, I felt more relieved for the residents of Watertown and surrounding communities as this was their nightmare in their neighborhoods.
I don't feel that it's a time to celebrate nor do I feel there should be a Duck Boat Parade as some have suggested. It's a time to reflect. Spend time with loved ones. Thank a police officer or a first responder for his or her service. 

We must not forget the young lives lost. There were also many physical injuries suffered at the blast that will be dealt with forever. The emotional scarring, especially of the first responders may never heal. We may never get the graphic images out of our heads.

Aronson said he plans on being at next year's Boston Marathon.

"I will continue to wear my White Marathon Jacket as a badge of honor," he said. "I am proud of what we did last Monday. Hearing of the lives we saved and being called heroes has been overwhelming.  We acted in a way that was expected. We did what we were supposed to do. We all helped. I look forward to seeing my colleagues next April 21, 2014 at 8 a.m."