Meghna Reflects On 2013

On my walk to work every day, I pass by front doors still adorned with blue and gold ribbons from the marathon. One of those doors is across the street from a playground where, on warmer days, children no bigger than 8-year old Martin Richard romp and play. Martin was killed by the bombs, as were Lingzi Lu and Krystle Campbell. Hundreds more were gravely wounded. We will always remember them.

But as 2014 approaches, there's another fact about that day that deserves to be remembered. The competence, cooperation, and compassion that thousands of people showed that day. In the instant after the the explosions, civilians jumped barricades to help, strangers held their own shock at bay to comfort the wounded, public servants and medical teams — everyone from hospital receptionists and janitors, to chiefs of surgery, worked tirelessly to save lives.

In other words, Boston worked, and it worked exceptionally well. So well, in fact, that in Congressional hearings months later, lawmakers and disaster response officials alike wondered if Boston's response was exceptional in a way that other cities might not be able to match.

Let's hope not. Instead, let's consider it an example of the great and positive power we, as a deeply rooted and caring community, have. That is the lesson I take forward into 2014, and it's also why we here at Radio Boston are all privileged to be working for you. Thank you for a tremendous year, and we wish you nothing but joy in 2014.