An open letter from the family of Lingzi Lu

As the conclusion of the Boston Marathon trial reached us across the ocean in China, we have felt emptiness along with great sadness for all who have been affected by this reprehensible act. On that April day just over two years ago we lost our only child, our daughter, Lingzi.

She was the light of our lives. Our hope is that no one ever again experiences the suffering and inhumanity of that terrible day.

Throughout the trial, we had to relive the horrific details and images of that day, mixed with the displays of cynicism, hatred, and intolerance. At the same time, we were reminded of the policemen, firemen, first responders, health care professionals and complete strangers who bravely risked their own lives to save others during and after this event.

Thank you! You are the true heroes of that day and you have reassured us with hope and instilled us with the courage to move forward.

During the darkest days and nights since the passing of our dear daughter Lingzi, we have been gifted with an unending river of love and kindness from the Boston community and people from all over the world. We are humbled and forever grateful for your continued generosity, support, and encouragement.

We extend our gratitude to the US Department of Justice and the Federal Judiciary for their relentless and exhaustive efforts that went into applying your country’s principles of justice, resulting in the verdict by the jurors, who had to make the most difficult decision of their lives.

We also wish to thank the board of trustees, staff and students at Boston University, the leaders of the Boston Athletic Association, Lingzi’s 2014 and 2015 Boston Marathon runners and many others who have personally reached out to us to help spread her love and passion.

Lingzi’s long-held dream was to come to study in America, to meet new friends, and to broaden her horizons. She was an optimist and a happy young woman who loved life, loved people and appreciated their different cultures. Lingzi was positively affected by the people, places and experiences she had in Boston and New England. You mattered to her and she loved you all for helping make her dream come true.

We know now more than ever that her spirit is alive and well. Our everlasting hope is that her dream continues to live on in all those who dream big dreams and have the opportunity to make the world a more peaceful and better place.

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