Beth Roche

What would you like people to know about how you are doing or feeling now?

Today l and my family continue to walk forward. My daughter, our runner that day 5 years ago, had a baby boy on Marathon Monday two years after the bombing. What a way to wipe away the pain. She now has our granddaughter too. I continue to live with daily pain but have fought beyond expectations to walk normal with a bend of 145 degrees. My husband who watched this tragedy from across the street from me, on crutches epidimizes what it means in our wedding vows, in sickness and in health. This event has showed me many blessings as I have mentioned above. Human kindness and prayers have more meaning to me now. May God continue to bless all of us.

What would you like to say to the Greater Boston community in regards to the support you received following April 15, 2013?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for rallying to keep us safe and bonded with beautiful people.

Over the past few years, have you witnessed any acts of kindness on One Boston Day that touched you? If so, what were they and why did you find them meaningful?

A stranger watching me from across the street reached out to me with a letter and sent me a bracelet which I wear everyday these past 5 years. It has come to be my go to when I'm stressed.

During your recovery, have there been any specific moments that were particularly poignant or meaningful to you?

As I mentioned, my first grandchild was born 2 years after 4/15/13 on Marathon Monday, natural child birth, 21 hours of labor by our Marathon runner. Becky, our runner, moved away from Boston due to the pain of the event and guilt. After 3 years she came back with her little family. This brought us such joy. She is better.

Are there particular activities or charitable efforts in which you have participated that you’ve found to be especially inspiring or restorative?

Not enough. When I retire I will do more.