Clik here to view.
Monday's explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon shocked and stunned the entire country. Many people from across the nation spent the day frantically checking in with their loved ones who may have been in the city or near the explosion.
The awful events that killed at least two and injured over a hundred people resonated here in Chicago as well, with several people saying that even a thousand miles away, they were far, far too close. Even if our loved ones weren't injured, someone else's were, and it could indeed just as easily have been ours.
We reached out to our readers on Facebook; here's a sample of what they shared with us:
--
"They should have had bomb dogs. Pray for the runners of the Marathon, the workers, and their families. This bomber(s) knew that families and children would be there and deliberately tried to kill them."— Deborah Cinfio, Wheaton Patch Facebook
"Support and staying positive. Those first responders seemed to come out of... the marathon runners themselves."— Carol Gog, Woodridge Patch Facebook
"It is very scary—too close to home. Several friends were running today and the waiting to hear of their status—thankfully all are OK. Gives one a sick feeling... wishing I was back in my hometown of Elmhurst right about now!"— Sarah Conley, Elmhurst Patch Facebook
"My husband had finished the race and was two blocks from the explosions on his way back to the hotel. So scary." — Kim Peters Lutz, Glen Ellyn Patch Facebook
"My daughter, Amanda now lives in Salem. Today is her birthday, so she went to Boston to shop, since her business was closed for Patriots Day. Her tweets were so heartfelt since she was right on Boyleston when it all happened. So blessed that she is safe and got on the train ASAP, but is a day not to be forgotten. — Sarah Tannehill White, Glen Ellyn Patch Facebook
"First and foremost, my heart goes out to the people of Boston and all those personally affected by this tragedy. Secondly, I am appalled that we let something like this happen again on our 'home turf!'" — Tracy Rankens Meyer, Naperville Patch Facebook
"My family is safe, but this makes me sad. Boston is a happy place for me! Patriots Day was always a great celebration! When I saw my Facebook friends posting about the Marathon this morning and some headed for the Sox game... I was nostalgic. Thoughts and prayers to all! — Rosemary Sedlak, Naperville Patch Facebook
"Stunned. Why? What sort of pain must one be in to inflict this sort of thing on others? — Lynnie Ley, Darien Patch Facebook
"I'm sick to my stomach... I can't wrap my head around the meaness and cowardice of whom ever is responsible for this. We can only pray, and pray hard that they are caught and serverly punished. I think the death penalty should be brought back for the hannis crimes that are going on... Something has to be done. I wish I could be the person to have the answers. Our nation need help."— Debie Childers, Downers Grove Patch Facebook
"Are there any safe places anymore? Sadly, these events aren't even shocking anymore. Our poor children." — Donna Jauregui Zloza, Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Patch
"Thoughts and prayers are with Boston Marathon runners, families and all involved."— Laurie Craig, Oak Park-River Forest Patch