Parents

Today at 2:00 pm people in Whitehorse will gather for Benji Correos' celebration of life. For those who live in Whitehorse, Benji's story has been in the papers, on the radio, and talked about in line ups of coffee shops and the aisles of Extra Foods.

On Thursday afternoon Riverdale commuters were probably silently cursing under their breathes as traffic was significantly slowed while police cars and fire trucks parked along the bridge and peered into the Yukon River. By Friday morning, most of Whitehorse had heard about the tragedy that had delayed us by a minute or two.

Benji Correos was with his family playing near the Yukon river. His 7 year old son Myles slipped and fell into a exceptionally high and fast-moving river. Benji and his wife Josie jumped into the river to save Myles, and while Josie was caught up on rocks - Benji was able to get to Myles. Benji managed to keep Myles above water long enough for some friends to grab him and bring him to shore. Tragically Benji had been under too long and fell unconcious. His body was retrieved almost a week later down river from the site.

I hope that everyone takes a few minutes today to think about Benji Correos and his amazing act of bravery. But, I also hope people take a moment to think about their own parents. I have no doubt that my parents, faced with the same circumstances, would have jumped into the river without hesitation. And while I am exceedingly grateful that this has never had to happen, I am also grateful to be so loved. I pray that someday, when I have children of my own, I will understand that kind of love and selflessness.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Correos family.

Sierra posted this on Aug 29, 2007 from the livingroom | | permanent link