While I cannot stop thinking about the victims of last Monday, the seemingly unusual cooperation and camaraderie between different law enforcement agencies and community members was also striking. It does strengthen my resolve to hammer home the point that we all benefit when we come together and work together. Neil Diamond showing up at the red Sox game was a bonus!

As we return to school, we all know how important it is for kids to see that they don’t have to be at home to be cared for, nurtured, supported, and treasured whether the subject of the Marathon arises or not. I, for one, will try to stay positive.

Read Have You Filled a Bucket Today or Only One You tomorrow and base your day on the themes and context. How many times and in how many ways can you fill someone’s bucket? Building a true sense of community is not just a good idea. It is the foundation which gets all of us, children and adults, through both relatively minor and clearly complex hardships. Bill