Boston Marathon bombing leaves nation breathless

Pardon the terrible pun, but the events happening in Boston as well as the explosion in Waco, Texas really have me shaken up.
I’m not even trying to make light of the situation. This is seriously the first time I have really felt affected by a disaster like the Boston Marathon bombings.
I drive around town and I see the flags at half-staff in honor of those who lost their lives and the tragedy that struck this county.
Two misguided brothers decided to make an act of terror, for what? What were they trying to prove? What they did prove is that citizens of the United States know how to band together and take action when the situation calls for it.
I was looking for more information on the bombings and found a two news stories that I found incredibly touching.
The first is that five dogs who all worked at Newtown to comfort those who were suffering from the school shooting traveled to Boston to comfort all those who were affected by the blasts.
I have never really thought of dogs traveling to different cities to comfort those who are affected by tragedy. The fact that these dogs and their handlers were willing to travel to visit those who were affected really touched me.
I don’t really have anything more to say on the matter without sounding redundant so I will comment on the story that really got to me.
However, before I go into that particular story, I do want to comment on the politics surrounding this situation. I haven’t done enough research to be educated on the backgrounds of the two men who committed the crime, but I have seen pictures of them.
The one that the authorities were looking for during Boston’s lockdown looked like a little kid. He had a baby face, one that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to commit such a heinous crime.
I almost feel bad for him. He seems like the type to have followed what his older brother told him just because, without asking any questions.
I’m not saying that what he did is acceptable, nor is it forgivable, but I can only wonder what is or was running through his mind while the aftermath is taking place. His brother’s dead. If I were in his shoes, I would be terrified.
I’m deeply saddened by the events that took place and I’m mad that they happened. They shouldn’t have happened and the men responsible for the bombs going off should be apprehended.
When I came across the story of Jeff Bauman, I was kind of in awe.
Jeff Bauman suffered severe injuries to his legs that resulted in amputations below the knees. What gets me about his story is the man who jumped into action to save him. In iconic pictures from the blast, there is a man in a cowboy hat running alongside a woman pushing Bauman in a wheelchair.
The man in the cowboy hat, Carlos Arredondo, can be seen literally pinching Bauman’s femoral artery closed in an effort to staunch the bleeding.
I’m a little squeamish myself when it comes to those types of things, so I couldn’t imagine the type of character Arredondo has in order to jump over the barricades, run straight to the blast, create tourniquets for a man trying to stand but has lost his legs, and pinch his artery all through instinct. It’s just mind boggling to me.
Due to the actions of Arredondo, as well as those on standby to take care of the victims of the blast, Bauman was able to survive his horrendous experience. He may be a few inches shorter, but he still has his life.
It’s stories like Bauman’s that make me proud to be an American. Despite the blast that shook our nation in a way that felt similar to that of 9/11, we all have seemingly come back together to support and take care of one another. I could not ask for more.