Like the rest of us, I grieve for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, and am thankful for the rapid response of the health care providers who were suddenly thrust into a scenario resembling a war zone.

I found out about the attack moments after the bombs went off, by turning on the TV. I had come home early from the clinic, because our census was low. Earlier in the morning, I told my coworkers that my cousin was running the Boston Marathon. Now I wondered where was he? Were he and his partner safe?

You can imagine my relief when he quickly responded to my text, “I’m ok.”

I called my Mom, to let her know too.

Soon afterwards, my cousin posted the same message on Facebook. Dozens of friends and family expressed relief.

I am grateful for the safety of my family. My heart breaks for those who were not as fortunate, and are suffering still. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the teams responding to this senseless emergency.