Dear Boston, a letter of condolence and hope from Montreal

Today’s Daily Post deals with the art of the open letter, one of my favorite genres. Below is an open letter I wrote to the City of Boston in the wake of the Marathon Bombings.

Dear Boston,

On behalf of all Montrealers let me express my sincerest condolences for yesterday’s tragic events at your esteemed marathon. For as long as I can recall, the passage from winter through spring and on to summer has been marked by three sporting milestones: the Masters, the Boston Marathon and the Kentucky Derby. Sadly, henceforth, your marathon will evoke memories of a different nature as well. But I have no doubt whatsoever that you will rebound from this horrific nightmare; after all you’ve withstood fires, the British and even molasses.

But I have no doubt whatsoever that you will rebound from this horrific nightmare; after all you’ve withstood fires, the British and even molasses.

It has often been pointed out that our cities share much in common: our populations are similar, but we have an edge in actual city residents; both historic cities are chock-a-block with universities and colleges, giving them liveliness and character, but are also delightfully working-class; we both have a strong Catholic base; the two cities have shown an expertise in creating modern architectural masterpieces yet maintaining the historical splendour not only of the waterfront, but the entire urban area.

Montreal and Boston are also sports cities; prior to the Expos arrival, and in the wake of their departure, many of us were and continue to be loyal Red Sox fans. In addition the Celtics and the Patriots have many followers here. You will, of course, understand that this appreciation for your sports teams does not extend to the Bruins. C’mon, you didn’t really think we could go that far did you?

You will, of course, understand that this appreciation for your sports teams does not extend to the Bruins. C’mon, you didn’t really think we could go that far did you?

So when your marathon was marred by an egregious and despicable act of violence we felt for you. Naturally we were concerned about our own who were participating in the race, but it was as though a small part of us had been touched. The 9/11 attack on New York affected people around the world to varying degrees, but your tragedy seemed to hit home.

Your strength of character, from Southie to Beacon Hill, will see you through this calamitous day and on to better times.

I don’t doubt for a moment that next year’s Boston Marathon will be bigger and better than ever, if a little sad. Your resilience as a city is etched in the many monuments and statues that dot your downtown core. Your strength of character, from Southie to Beacon Hill, will see you through this calamitous day and on to better times.

Godspeed Boston.