Boston has become one of my favorite places in the country to visit. I love this city for several reasons. First off, as a lover of history I love the rich U.S. history represented in this city. I love the many colleges represented and the high-energy that I have seen here. As a huge sports fan, even though I pretty much despise all Boston sports teams, I love how great of a sports town Boston is. The fans are passionate, fiercely loyal, very intelligent, and in my personal experiences within the city, mostly classy. It is hard to top Boston sports fans when it comes to their deep devotion and team support. Sports is an integral part of their lives and mostly dominates their conversations and local headlines.
I first came here in 2009 because of a business conference, that is run by Buffini and Company, the business coaching network that I am a member of in my real estate career. During that trip, I actually met Brian Buffini, along with his daughter, Anna during halftime of the Wizards/Celtics game in the Garden. Yes, my Wizards (and Orioles) just happened to be in town at the same time! Brian (also a huge sports fan) and I laughed about how great it was that not only could I be there for the conference, but also enjoy two of my teams in town. I had a great plan to go to the conference, see my teams in live action, and also spend some time with one of my cousins, who was going to school at Northeastern.
With Brian Buffini in 2009 at Celtics/Wizards game!
And of course during that trip, I also made my long-awaited visit to one of the most hallowed places in baseball history, Fenway Park, as the O's were in town to play the Sox. If you have never been to Fenway, this experience alone is always worth the trip. Fenway Park has such rich history, and is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of not only baseball stadium experiences, but in all of sports.
Field Tour of Fenway Park in 2009
Also during that initial trip in 2009, I was able to experience what this great city was like during Patriots Day weekend, which commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, in 1775. Patriots Day is a great day of celebration and pageantry in this city, and always takes place on the third Monday in April. A huge part of Patriots Day is the Boston Marathon, which in my opinion is the most prestigious and best marathon in the world. Many of you know that I have done a lot of running during my lifetime. Though I haven't done a lot of races in the past few years (mostly due to my busy season of life), I love running. I belong to a family of runners. My dad has run more miles in his lifetime than most people you will ever meet. My Mom has also run several races and marathons, all across North America. My wife also loves to run. And my wife's parents have been active runners for years and are very involved in the local running community in our area. Being in town during the famed Boston Marathon is a treat in itself as the city is invaded by runners- the very best runners- from all over the world, bringing a unique and exciting energy during the weekend.
I also have good friends here that I have known for many years, as well as others that I have met from business conferences and sporting events.
I first met the Lukens' family in 1997 when I was living in Tennessee during part of my college years. Mark and Kristen Lukens had moved to TN from Boston and were active members- leading the college and career ministry- of the local church we all went to, Mill Springs Baptist Church. They were like second parents to many of us, always hosting massive events in their home outside of church services: Sunday meals, fun activities, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and a host of other things. Unquestionably some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. They love the Lord, family (have 6 of their own children and have adopted 7 others!), sharing the gospel of Christ, and building His Church. And just like most of Boston, they also love their local sports. After moving from TN to do mission work in Russia for a few years, they eventually moved back home to Boston to plant a church, where Mark is lead pastor. Spending time with them every trip I make to Boston is one of the highlights of the year. I am always encouraged and strengthened in my walk with the Lord when with them. I am amazed at how family life functions in their home, and as a young parent, have learned and observed so much from them over the years. I love how their children (all of whom I first knew when they were very young- and born!), are all close to their parents, to each other, and how much they serve their younger adopted siblings. And they have lots of fun.
Lukens Family- minus 5 of their most recent adopted children!
And on a fun side note, I also love the food here! I often tell my wife that even my regular visits to Regina Pizzeria and dessert at Mike's Pastry- both of which Mark introduced me to- make the trip worth it!
After coming back in 2010 and 2011 for business conferences (and trips to Fenway on Patriots Day weekend!), I brought my entire family for a very special trip in 2012. My father-in-law, who as mentioned was an avid runner, accomplished a bucket list dream: he qualified for the Boston Marathon! Here's the thing about qualifying for Boston: not only is it arguably the hardest marathon in the world to qualify for, but even when you qualify, you are then placed in your age group of "qualifiers", to also then qualify within that group! So yes, just because you qualify on the extremely tough front end, it doesn't even guarantee you will make the cut on that back end in final qualification! We were all so happy for him when he qualified, and then officially got in for his first ever, qualified entry in this elite and prestigious race. We immediately booked our hotel and flights. 2012 was going to be a very special family event for Patriots Day weekend! We did the Freedom Trail, went to the Aquarium, ate some great great food, and a whole lot more. I also took my wife and kids to their first trip to Fenway.
Sweet Fenway experience with Tess and the boys
After the game, Tess and I took the boys to go meet the Lukens' for the first time. As always, such a great time staying with them!
Then on Patriots Day, my father-in-law was ready. It was marathon time! And according to plan, I actually jumped in at around mile 16 and ran over 6 miles with him.
Included in this stretch that he requested I run with him was the famous "Heartbreak Hill", at around mile 20.5. Running this portion with him made me all the more aware of how incredible this race is- and how special it is to the people of Boston! The enthusiasm and support of so many thousands of spectators along the way was breathtaking. There wasn't a step we took, or a view we had that didn't include cheering spectators all around us. Among these were people in their neighborhoods just sitting outside of their homes, and many of them giving away popsicles, food, water, and beer! I can't emphasize enough how much fun this was to take in. People were lined up wanting to high-five us, (some trying to kiss us), and do all that was in their power to make this prestigious and challenging race all the more enjoyable for all the runners.
Running behind Paul as we approach Boston College
And let me also say that it was especially crucial that these many volunteers and spectators did all they could to make this 2012 race more enjoyable, because the temperatures were unseasonably hot, and downright brutal, reaching the high 80's! Definitely not ideal running conditions. Because of the heat, many runners decided to defer this race for the next year. Some had severe heat issues and couldn't finish. And sadly, I believe a few people also died because of extreme heat conditions. We were all so proud of Paul for finishing. It was a very special family memory and trip. And being there with Paul for his long-awaited Boston Marathon accomplishment, enhanced my love all the more for this great sporting event, and this great city.
In 2013, the Orioles were once again back at Fenway prior to Patriots Day weekend. It was during this series that I first met Geoffrey Beauman, a local Boston-area native who is also a die-hard Orioles fan with Maryland family connections. We sat down by the Orioles dugout, and watched the O's do what they usually do these days in Fenway: beat the Sox. In the ninth inning, JJ Hardy smoked a liner down the 3rd base foul line. Right off the bat I saw that it was making a beeline for me. I immediately reached out and prepared to barehand it as it smacked hard off the ground, and right up off the palm of my hand. Stung unlike anything I had ever felt before. What made the pain worse was that someone else got the ricochet ball! Still wish I would have been able to get that ball! But a great memory for Geoffrey and I, and our O's friendship began.
Per usual, I stayed with the Lukens' family during the weekend, then headed back into the city to enjoy part of Patriots Day, prior to flying back home later that day. But this Patriots Day, April 15, 2013, would turn into a day unlike any I have ever experienced. Having participated with my family in the marathon the year before, I was more familiar with the course and spectator spots. Right around the time when the winners would cross the finish line, I walked down near the finish line to take it in. As expected, the energy and excitement of the crowd was spectacular. It was as if all of Boston was willing these runners to finish strong down the final stretch on Boylston street. I happened to catch a few pics, which I had completely forgotten about until digging back in my photo album.
Little did I know that just a few yards to my left a couple hours later, an event would occur that would forever change this great city. I left that area shortly after to go get some food and go for a walk down by the Boston Common. Later on, I came back near the finish on the other side of the street right across from this picture, at the Lenox Hotel. A few minutes after arriving, a loud explosion went off across the street about 50 or so yards away from me- to the left of this picture I took. I'll never forget my initial reaction, thinking it was perhaps some kind of a celebratory, Patriots Day-like cannon, or something along those lines. Then within about 10 seconds, another explosion happens across the street, about a hundred yards or so away from me. We all immediately knew what was going on. These were bombs. Shock and panic ensued among the spectators as we saw the blasts right before our eyes. I was stunned and immediately overcome with the direct effect of terror as I witnessed people crying in horror and fleeing the scene. Was there going to be another bomb? I immediately called my wife. Everyone there became family. Boston became family. I prayed with people. I hugged people. I tried my best to help and encourage people. People were frantically trying to track down loved ones who were running and meeting them somewhere. The immediate response and resolve of the Boston PD and the countless volunteers, law enforcement, and responders was heroic. So many citizens of Boston were heroic as immediate unity and love ensued. One of those many heroes was a young man I met that afternoon during the frantic scramble to navigate through town in hopes of getting home that night. Because the T-lines and public transportation were immediately shut down, I then had to find alternative options to get to Boston Logan for my flight home. I was in a shop asking for input, when a young college student named Mike Muse, without hesitation kindly offered to drive me to the airport, so I could catch my scheduled flight home to be with my precious wife and kids. I will never forget Mike. I contact him every year on Patriots Day. The memory of that particular Patriots Day will forever be etched in my mind and never be forgotten. I am so grateful The Lord spared me that day and brought me home to my family. My love for the city of Boston went to a deeper level as I experienced those incredible things. Though I had enjoyed visiting this city prior to this day, I then knew I wanted to keep coming back to participate with this city as much as possible, especially during this day. The love for these people became deep, and strong. Boston Strong.
Though I wasn't able to come back in 2014 for the especially epic Boston Marathon- the great and immediate redemption from the 2013 Bombings- I was able to come back as hoped in 2015.
Once again, my Orioles were at Fenway to play the Sox during Patriots Day weekend. And once again, Geoffrey Beauman and I would hook up and watch our O's in what would become our spot: behind the O's dugout, around the 3rd base line. In the Friday night game, while cheering on our Birds and of course wearing our gear to stand out, Manny Machado tossed a ball up to me while getting the final out of the inning and jogging off the field into the dugout. I was elated and stunned, as was Geoffrey. We both laughed about how appropriate it was that after having the foul ball smack off my hand 2 years before, I now got sweet redemption! But as amazing as that was, the next day would get even better. First, Adam Jones would toss me a ball after recording the final out in between innings. Once again, both Geoffrey and I were stunned. And then, as if 2 balls weren't enough, Chris Davis would also join in on the fun and toss me one! Not only were Geoffrey and I stunned, but the surrounding Sox fans were stunned. One of them even asked me if I would give one of my balls to a kid- a Sox fan, nearby. Sorry Sox fans, but no. I wasn't going to do do this. I was going to keep the balls for my kids. Yes, 3 baseballs. I was pretty happy.
Jones and Crush on left. Baseballs from left to right: Machado, Jones and Davis.
Then to cap off the fun of getting the game balls, I would capture on video a Crush HR, further extending the O's lead, and once again leading to victory.
I stayed with the Lukens' that weekend. And I went to Fenway on Monday, and watched part of the marathon, prior to going home that night. It was so great to be back for Patriots Day weekend, for the first time since 2013. Then last year, I came back once again for a couple day weekend trip.
In January, I would see the highly anticipated movie- at least for me: "Patriots Day", with Mark Wahlberg. In fact, when I was here, either in 2015 or perhaps even in '16, I remember the buzz about Wahlberg being down near the finish line early in the morning with some of the filming. It was an absolutely outstanding and riveting movie on so many levels. From start to finish, this movie did a magnificent job of giving us a snapshot into the lives of the many people involved, recounting key events before and after the bombings, and showing how these terrorists were brought to justice. I was on the edge of my seat as I re-lived these events unfolding and recounted details of what took place in the aftermath. Waves of emotions came flooding back to me as I rooted for these terrorists to be caught, observed how these things affected the people of the city- especially those directly affected- and cried for the lives lost and injured. Mark Wahlberg absolutely killed it. The overall supporting cast killed it. The soundtrack was great. The flow and suspense of the movie was great. Again, they nailed it. I broke down and wept at the very end, as they showed the names and pictures of the victims, one of them being a nine year old boy.
An appropriate quote in the movie by one of the victims, Patrick Downes, was: "There are 3 things you do on Patriots Day in Boston: run the Boston Marathon, watch the Boston Marathon, or go watch the Sox at Fenway." So true. This is indeed Boston on Patriots Day.
And then last night after family Easter service and time together, I flew in again for a brief couple of days to enjoy what has now become a fun spring time tradition. I immediately went over to Regina's for dinner and while there, got to sit with Sean Reynolds and his crew, who work with Sportsnet Canada- the ESPN of Canada- who are here covering the Bruins/Senators series! We had such a great time. On a side note, Sean said he thinks the Caps will win the Cup, and that if they are in the ECF, his crew would be in DC covering the series. Hope to hook up at some point down the road.
With Sean Reynolds in Pizzeria Regina's
What a great city. I love the people here, and look forward to many years of enjoying this fun Patriots Day tradition. Stay strong, Boston. Stay Boston Strong!
