Turn, turn, turn

It has been a hard week. Here on this beautiful island paradise, two young girls (13 & 14) died tragically Sunday (9/23). Seems they went for a swim in an area known as "tubes", which is part of a 74-mile irrigation system on the Northeast side of the island. There are siphons along the system which work the same way a gas siphon works - if there is no air in the tube, and the outlet is lower than the intake, then the water can be "carried" over higher elevations. This is how water is pumped around that part of the island. Problem is, and my heart is so heavy because of this, the siphons are not screened in any way to prevent a person from being sucked into it. That is apparently what happened to Lucille and Cherie, and they were carried through an airless tunnel over 500 feet long. They had no chance. I cry for their mommies. My heart breaks with theirs.

At school the next day, counselors came from other area schools to be there for the other students. They had to relocate the counseling area from the library to a larger room because there were so many grieving friends. The news that night mentioned Cherie's MySpace, so I went online to see. She was just the typical girl, with lots of friends...who are so sad right now. They keep leaving her comments about how much they miss her and love her. Yesterday's comments were of her friends telling her that they are going to her funeral. Not something 15-year-olds should be dealing with. One comment was from a girl I know well. She was born the exact same day in the same hospital as my daughter K, and they were close friends during elementary school. Her profile, which is private as it should be, shows her location as "in my car" rather than her city. I hope she's not living in her car. She's 15 years old.

So, I'm a bit on edge emotionally. Life is such a trip sometimes. And I must say, there is a little activist person inside me just itchin' to come out. I read about those open irrigation ditches, and I wanted to scream! Why why why don't they just screen the siphons? Something so simple can save lives. Could have saved those girls' lives. Should have. Still should. So when I regain my mental composure, I will inquire about that. I just don't know where to begin.

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

I am reminded to cherish life - all of life. My life, family, friends, strangers - all life, precious.

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