A Grim Reminder

   One of the reasons I went out to run tonight was to try to clear my head. Today I learned that one of my coworkers, a woman about my age with a husband and two young kids, was in a horrific boating accident over the weekend. One of her legs was amputated; the rest of her is in poor shape too... she's very lucky to be alive. She's such a good person. I just can't make sense of it.
   It shook me up in part because of my upcoming trip; and because I nearly had the same type of accident: pulled under the side of the boat last year in Playa del Carmen. The boat was rocking violently in the waves as three of us held onto a thin, loose rope (more like a string, really) along the side of the dive boat, having just surfaced. We were waiting our turns to board. As the boat rocked up and down, it created strong suction pulling me toward it and downward. Had I not been wearing a fully-inflated BC it may have taken me. Even so, I couldn't wait to get on that boat, and I was the last one. After that, I made sure to head to the ladder sooner.
   I'm thinking of Lindsey's accident as a powerful reminder to be vigilant and cautious at all times, and not to approach the back of the boat near the propeller, especially when the conditions are rough. Meanwhile my thoughts and prayers are with her. She is a very smart, confident, and resourceful woman with a good sense of humor, and though all these will be tested, I know she has the strength to overcome.

Thinking of you, Lindsey!