It's weird to turn on the TV and see waves of police and military personnel swarming the town where my best friend lives, a place I've visited and walked through many times.

Fortunately, all my friends around the Boston area (who, despite being two states away, are the closest and most consistent friends I've ever had) are fine as far as I know.

It's reassuring and, to be honest, empowering to see the united response by the city and its residents.

You can't break that spirit.