There are sorrowing hearts in North Central Texas tonight. The medical flight program where my mountain boy and I worked for almost 10 years, experienced a devastating crash Wednesday afternoon and two people were killed. The details are sketchy. But I'm sure the media will keep us informed as information becomes more available.

There is a brotherhood that exists in the circle of caregivers, especially first responders (IE firemen, police, EMTs, paramedics, flight medics, flight nurses, ER nurses, ER doctors...), that reaches beyond time and place. This accident has really touched my heart though I haven't flown for several years. It has caused me to cry and wrestle with sorrow that is out of proportion with my recent life. I have been on delivery side of "the call" where the words are "there's been an accident" so many times. I've watched people grieve over lost lives, held mothers and fathers crying for children, listened to the wail of mothers and aunts and daughters. I've comforted grandmas and grandpas. I've passed Kleenex, offered coffee, ice water and hugs. I've known grief for lives that seemed to be prematurely completed.
I know how those families are hurting.
I hurt for them, too.

A friend sent this to me yesterday. Poignant.

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.


To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.


To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.


To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.


To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to a premature baby.


To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.


To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.


Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when

You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.


Go hug and kiss those you love.
Tell them how much they mean to you.