City councilor: 'It's okay to be sad and it's okay to be angry'

Ed. note: City Councilor Matt O'Malley, himself a Marathon runner, posted the following on his Facebook page tonight. Reprinted here with permission.

In 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010, and 2012 I took a right on Hereford and then a left on Boylston. After running 26 miles, seeing the finish line of the Boston Marathon ranks among the greatest feelings in the world. Last year, in fact, I videotaped the final 2/10th's of a mile and uploaded it to Youtube. I wanted to record the feeling of pure bliss.

I am equally sad and angry that someone has sought to destroy that.

It is beyond difficult to comprehend how some coward could commit the acts of today. To understand how someone could attempt to destroy this uniquely Boston tradition strains all credulity. This is the only sporting event where EVERY spectator is rooting for EVERY runner. Joy, camaraderie, and fellowship is shared among all participants: athlete and fan alike.

Today, I was a fan. I waited at Cleveland Circle and saw most of my friends pass by. I was waiting for Dick & Rick Hoyt, a father/son duo who are counted among my heroes, when I heard the news of what happened.

Last year, I was a runner. I remember seeing my friends along the route, and then meeting with more friends and family at the finish line, yards from where bombs went off.

My heart aches for all today. I'm thinking of the runners, feeling so great for reaching their goal. I'm thinking of the spectators, feeling so proud of their loved ones for achieving it.

I'm not arrogant enough to offer any great insight into what happened today other than this: it's okay to be sad and it's okay to be angry. We will find whomever did this and they will be brought to justice.

We are strong. We are resilient. We are Boston. The greatest city in the world.