EP #1449: Trauma Recovery Self-Care: Surviving the Boston Marathon Bombing

"Health Power"

Lisa is joined by Meghan Zipin who talks about her experiences of being in the bombing at the Boston Marathon 10 years ago this year. Meghan Zipin has a Masters in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University (2006). In 2013, she earned her MBA from Boston College. A survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing. Today, she writes about motherhood, trauma, healing and relationships. First Light, to be published in April 2023, is her first book. Meghan lives on eleven acres in New Hampshire with her husband, three curly-haired boys and their dog, Oona.
April 15th, 2013 is a day that will not only remain memorialized in the hearts and minds of Bostonians, but that of the entire country. We watched in horror as two bombs detonated near the finish line of the iconic Boston Marathon, claiming the lives of 3 innocent victims, and injuring hundreds more. The first successful domestic terror attack since 9/11 culminated with a massive search for the bomber, forcing a lockdown in Boston and neighboring communities. Next month marks the 10th anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing. For marathon runner Meghan Zipin, a survivor of this tragic event, it was a day that shaped the rest of her life. As she approached the finish line, two of her closest friends were there, running alongside her for the final stretch, ready to share in her accomplishment. In a matter of seconds, what should have been a joyous celebration, instead turned into something entirely different. In Meghan's own words, "Those girls were blown up, suffering life threatening injuries. The weight of guilt is insurmountable." But, from almost every tragedy, inspiration can be drawn. In the courtroom, as part of her victim impact statement, Meghan told the bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, "I know one day I'll be a better mother and my husband a better father because we will show our children all that is good in this world; all there is to be thankful for." As part of her healing journey, Meghan has authored First Light (April 15, 2023), a collection of poetry that serves as a personal timeline from the time of the bombing to her healing and becoming a parent. This collection is a tribute to the commitment she made in the courtroom and a testament to the idea that we can keep going.