'Strangers Have Become Family' for Shelby Township Runner in Boston

Nancy Smith previously had run 12 Boston Marathons, but nothing compared to the race she participated in Monday.

Smith, of Shelby Township and a third-grade teacher at Roberts Elementary, was four miles from the finish line when the blast rocked the event. She never made it to the finish line, but through the generosity of strangers, fellow runners and her hotel, she was able to inform others that she was safe while being comforted.

The following is a letter Smith shared with Patch: 

This was my 13th Boston Marathon and certainly a life changing experience.
I have received many communications asking about my safety.  I thought I would share with you what I have shared with others.

I was at mile 22 when the runners around me started saying something about a bomb that went off at the finish. We continued running the course since not instructed to do otherwise.   Then when I got about 1.25 out, police motorcycles and undercover cars went by us on the course.   .25 mile later we were told we had to get off of the course.   (We were not given any directions on where to go.)

The other woman beside me and myself stayed together and went into a nearby Starbucks.

Because I have been plagued with a running injury, I carried my cell phone. Thank God! We used my phone to try and text everyone. (Initially no calls were going out.)

Someone at Starbucks bought us coffee and water.

We tried to walk back towards the finish area which is also near my hotel. Everything was closed down. All of the hotels around the area were in lock down.

While trying to still get back to the Marriot Copley, my hotel, I met this wonderful couple who live in Boston.
This kind couple took me to their apartment and fed me.  When my hotel opened about 2 hours later, they walked me all the way back to it.

The Marriot Copley, where I am staying, provided a complimentary buffet dinner to all guests at the hotel since most of the area around us was barricaded off by law enforcement.

Everyone in Boston has been so supportive and kind!  Strangers have become family.

Plans are still to fly back to Detroit later today.

Truly our lives are a gift and not to be taken for granted.
Thank you for all of your prayers!

Nancy