Lessons from Minneapolis
Sometimes real life events stop us in our tracks. By now everyone has seen the reports of the tragic I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, MN. This event hit me personally because I lived in the Twin Cities for many years. And I have family and friends there. Of course, I wondered immediately if any of them were casualties of this catastrophic accident. My stepdaughter called me to say she was fine. And to report that my stepson and his family were also OK , even though they had just crossed this bridge a mere 5 minutes before the disaster. So far, many others have checked in to say they are OK as well.
I offer two observations.
First, the emergency response of the city of Minneapolis was incredible. Law enforcement agencies and the fire department, and rescue squads worked in complete synchrony and were on the scene within minutes. Hospitals were mobilized immediately. And most importantly average citizens helped where they could. All certainly worked well together.
Second, this event reminded me of just how fragile life is. And that the ending of day can be quite different from its beginning. I am reminded of a conversation I had with a professor of mine who told me after his wife died unexpectedly, “There were things I wished I would have said to my wife. If there is something you want to say to someone you care about, tell them. Because you may never have that chance again. So if there is someone you care about and there is a message you want to give that person, don’t wait.