Birthdays and Priorities

Today started out as a good day. It is my granddaughter's 2nd birthday.

Then at the start of the school day during zero period advisory, a former colleague from Darrington school district persistently sent me an email and two phone calls. Eventually reaching me, she informed me that there had been a Seattle television news station report that my granddaughter, her brother (my grandson), my son, his wife, and his wife's father and mother were all missing at sea near the San Juan Islands.

The day turned into a nightmare -- a horrible, horrible dream that couldn't possibly be true.

Distraught in my vice-principal's office, feeling his hands on my shoulders -- listening to him praying outloud for both for strength and calmness for me as well as for the eventual safety of Tony, Robin, Michael, Jennifer, Ethan and Makenzie -- which seemed futile -- already too late for them. Assuming that the Seattle television station would be careful not to report prematurely, I accepted the worst and immediately was unable to stop imagining my grandkids in the water facedown -- bobbing up and down with the ocean waves till washed ashore along the rocks. It was more than I could bear.

After contacting my wife, my parents and leaving a message for my daughter -- I finally had the presence of mind to track down the phone number for the Coast Guard station on the San Juan Islands. After what seemed an eternity from waiting on hold, I was told eventually that all had been found and all were safe.

The day went from being good, to a nightmare, to a relief.

A substitute teacher had been requested, and it was recommended that I still take the remainder of the day off. I moved slowly, re-connected with Annie, Hillary and eventually Mom and Dad. I spent an hour in a coffee shop -- feeling the numbness slowly wearing off. Hours later -- even now -- the numbness is not fully gone.

As the numbness continues to erode -- what remains is an all too gut feeling that what matters more than anything else are our relationships -- with family and friends. Earlier when I thought I had lost 6 members of our family -- I thought of so many things I wished I could -- should -- have said.

I am one of the fortunate ones. For me, it turns out it is not too late. I get a second chance.

To Makenzie: blessed happy birthday.
To Tony, Robin, Michael, Jennifer, Ethan and Makenzie: I love you -- and I thank God that you are all safe.
To all of you that I sent this: I love you too.

As I weigh the cost of the bluntness of my emotional forthrightness, I hope it does not leave you feeling uncomfortable, but rather re-affirmed on what is likely most important to you as well.

You too have opportunities available to you with your families and friends.

Kim