Waltham Strives to Cope with Marathon Bombing

Comfort during tragic events comes in many different forms. For Lynne Yeamans, of Waltham, that comfort came in the form of a wooden pew in the Christ Church.

“In the big picture, God takes care of us … I find comfort in the wholesome[ness] of God,” she said during a Tuesday, April 16 prayer service at the church held to help people cope with the Boston Marathon bombings.

The Monday, April 15 bombing at the finish line on Boylston Street killed three people and injured more than 170. Authorities are investigating the incident but have not pinned blame on any one person or group.

As Yeamans waited for the service to begin, she spoke of an “inner strength” she found by attending the service. 

“I feel an inner strength. I feel it gives us cause to go forward. We can’t quit in the face of adversity,” Yeamans said.

Yeamans, and around 10 others, prayed for the victims killed, injured and the first responders. 

City officials also sought to put Waltham residents at ease by emphasizing what they saw as positive actions witnessed in the aftermath of the attack. 

“The Boston Marathon has always represented things that are good in this world. It is good that the international community comes together for one day in Boston for one of the world’s oldest sporting events,” said City Councillor Ken Doucette who crossed the Boston Marathon finish line seconds before the blasts. He spoke immediately before a Waltham City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 16 at City Hall.

“In the face of … [the violence] we saw shining examples of that good as first responders, medical teams, volunteers and bystanders rushed to help total strangers. I encourage everyone to remember the good that was displayed by so many selfless people," Doucette said.