On April 15, 2013, Jeff Bauman's life changed.
You would be hard pressed to find someone in Massachusetts, or even the United States who doesn't know what happened to him.
And his inspirational memoir begins with that moment: "I know exactly when my life changed: When I looked into the face of Tamerlan Tsarnaev. It was 2:48 p.m. on April 15, 2013—one minute before the most high-profile terrorist events on United States soil since September 11—and he was standing right beside me."
But despite what happened that day, the Chelmsford resident is still very much down to Earth, positive and "stronger."
Saturday during a book signing at The Paper Store in Shoppers World in Framingham for his New York Times Bestselling book Stronger, he still seemed surprised to see so many cameras to greet him when he came to sit in a seat.
Bauman would remain in that seat for two hours - the same seat Bruins legend Bobby Orr sat in a couple of months earlier which made Bauman happy when he discovered that fact - as hundreds of individuals came by to have him sign his inspirational memoir.
He smiled, chatted, shook hands, and personalized each book he signed. He also gave out a few hugs, signed a cast for Ryan Swift, a Framingham youth and autographed several marathon bibs for runners, who will participate in the 118th running of the Boston Marathon on Monday.
But during the book signing, Bauman started to learn another life lesson.
He started to realize what most parents learn that you will no longer be the focus of everyone's attention. Bauman and his fiance Erin Hurley, 27, are expecting their first child this summer.
As individuals came to see Bauman to autograph and personalize their book, several bestowed presents on the 28-year-old. Except the presents were not for him but his new child. As parents learn quickly, once a child arrives, life focuses on the child and not you as a parent.
Bauman, who has grown to adapt to change and to continue to thrive, already was excited about his next role as parent.
Jo-Anne Baxter, Director of Public Relations for the Boston Children's Museum, stopped by Framingham Saturday afternoon to have Bauman sign her book. The Walpole resident also gave the couple a year's membership to the Boston Children's Museum and a Children's Museum onesie.
Amelia Valente and her mom Leah of Milford also gave a gift to Bauman. They gave him a pair of Red Sox booties for their soon-to-be born child.
Bauman told many who asked about his plans to be in Boston for Monday's running of the Boston Marathon. He told them there is no other place he would want to be.
Editor's Note: Originally posted at 1:30 a.m. Updated with more photos.
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