Sunday, December 10th, 2006
I can’t shake it. I keep thinking about James Kim and the whole ordeal of what they went through and imagining how things were said or done and this and that. I keep putting ourselves into the situation and driving myself crazy with possible conversations and actions and inactions and endings.
I don’t think I’m alone.
I keep reading about it on various sites. Almost daily there is something new about it, and with each new twist or fact to the story, I find myself sinking in deeper and deeper, and being drawn closer and closer into this… I don’t even know how to call it.
Is is possible that I am mourning for a complete stranger? I think so. Very much so. And I think it’s rightly so. After all, who hasn’t been deeply touched by this tragic story in one way or another? It’s so hard even for us strangers, I can’t possibly know what it’s like to actually have known him or being related to him. Oh how I wish the family and friends of James much peace and strength to get through this very difficult time.
The grief is very different than when my grandparents passed away (they were the only two who have passed ever since I can remember), and of course the age difference sets it completely apart too. I don’t know how to deal with this and don’t want to slump much more into it. I’m afraid I might need to see a grief counselor…?! Please if anyone has any advice, I’d love to know. Thanks.
Thursday, December 7th, 2006
Words completely failed me. (Among the many googled links, you can also read more about James Kim here and here. He was a husband, a father of a 4 yr old and a 7 month old, and worked for CNET.com )
I first read about this story yesterday morning on another blog. I was very much hoping, like everyone else, that they will find him alive and reunite with the rest of the family. I’m not the praying type but I consciously looked up and said a hopeful phrase in my mind.
While I’m very very glad that they found Kati, Pennelope, and Sabine safe and sound, I, a stranger who’ve never known the man, became paralyzed with sadness and pain when the news came that they had found his body. She is now a widow, and the two small children are likely not to have much if any recollection of their father. The story is incredibly incredibly sad. It could have been any of us, it could have happened to anyone.
Hubby and I are about the same age as James and Kati; their two children are about the same age as our two kids. I just cannot think of Kati and what the array of emotions she’s going through without breaking down myself. I tried to put myself into her shoes, of going through a whole 11 days in the wilderness with two small children and dwindling hope of being found. Of keeping everyone, especially the baby and toddler warm and fed and occupied in the small confined space of their car (it’s difficult for me even in the luxury of my home with aids such as toys and computer and TV). Of the probably many conversations they had trying to decide what to do to get out, to get help. It was too much to bear even just thinking about it. My heart aches for Kati and the two children. And to think of what must have gone through James’ mind during his last hours and last minutes on earth is enough to break a heart of stones.
I know many others will feel a strong connection to this family and their painful story, especially those who are parents of young children themselves. Imagine if it were your family, how would you like strangers to send help?! Please go to their website, made by one of their friends, and consider making a donation to help their family. I’m sure even $5 or $10 will help. I will be making a donation myself. Collectively, perhaps our gestures will help ease their pain just a little bit.
