I grew up with running; it defined me. Most of my family has run the Boston Marathon. Crossing a marathon's finish line is a seminal moment.
Running is sacred, and life is sacred. Running is everything that is good about living: freedom, power, love, exhilaration.
I have never been hit so hard by an act of violence as by the bombing of the Boston Marathon. Terrorists seek to destroy that which is perfect and pure.
In the midst of joy, the best kind of pain, selfless cheering, lifetime dreams realized, they shattered America's most famous run. They tore into our consciousness and culture, and our passions.
In 20 years, I hope that victims and runners will have found peace and refuge from this tragedy. Most of all, I hope we continue to respond with love and support, instead of hate and fear.
Samantha Hawe
Salt Lake City