I get defensive when people talk shit about Boston. Yes, we may be a people of poor fashion taste (I hope I'm not considered part of this "we") but that's because we have too many important sports teams to represent through our clothing. Yes, Boston can be a bit small at times. You can't so much as walk into a bah and not run into someone you know, whether it's a friend of a friend, a friend of a sister or what have you. Yes, Boston may only have three seasons; fall, winter, summer, but Boston summers, if you get the chance to experience them, are the best around. There's nothing more relaxing than taking a stroll around the city, grabbing a bite to eat/drink, basking in the sun near the Charles, and enjoying the pleasantly cool, refreshing nights that this city offers. Yes, Boston may be a little old fashioned, with its strict nightlife rules and regulations that sometimes induce drunken logic to be correct. And yes, we're aware that the MBTA sometimes (lesbihonest more often than not) sucks balls. And yes, there are times where I hate this city because it's so small, the rules are so strict, it's a taste too old fashioned for my liking, and the winters are long and cold.

But please, make no mistake (despite some of our flaws) we are a proud city. The pride that we all share to be Boston-bred is un-measurable. I recently took a trip to the other side of the country and instantly connected with a couple in line that was from a few streets over. You can't mistake that accent for anywhere else in America, and you most certainly can't mistake the confidence when telling someone abroad that you're from the city that raised me.

To the unknown people affiliated.involved.behind the tragic events that have plagued such normally jubilant day of relaxation and welcomed friendly-competitiveness, I pity you; for you have no idea the city that you're messing with.

You messed with a city that hosts thousands of college students from all across the globe. You messed with a city where seven degrees of separation is a vast overstatement. You messed with a city who regularly rallies after sports games, and you think this incident is going to go quietly? Justice will be served, we assure you.

To all those affected by today's events, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I can't count the times that I've dropped my father off at work, paces from where these incidents happened. I've stood in those very stands on numerous occasions to take part in the Boston Marathon. My mother was in the front row earlier today and left fifteen minutes before tragedy struck.

Today, usually a day filled with happiness is now replaced with grief and heartbreak.

If today has taught me anything, it is to always remember those you care about. Do not take them for granted, because you never know.