In a Miami Minute Everything Can Change

So July 4th saw another tragedy involving young people in town: a horrific boat crash off Coconut Grove killed 4 twenty somethings, and left 2 more in critical condition. FaceBook lit up Sunday night -- 3 of the 4 kids were from South Miami Dade, and went to Palmetto High. D2 knew one of the girls, barely, and her mother taught at the school. Today I learned that Catherine, D2's good friend, in fact knew one of the girls quite well -- they danced together since Middle School. These things sicken us. Older folks die and it's sad, but they've lived their lives. Even my beloved father, who died too young at 63, got to have kids and grandkids and enjoy the fruits of his life's labor. But a twenty something? It's just awful. The Herald reported another awful coincidence -- the young fellow driving the boat was the son of a retired Miami Dade fireman. And not just a regular fireman, but one who captained fireboats. Apparently the young fellow was also an experienced mariner. The details will come out, but all were returning to the marina after watching July 4 fireworks. The speculation is that the boats were all racing to make it to the ramps ahead of the crowds, but at this point it's only speculation. What's real is the tragedy of the loss. So all we can do is keep on keepin on, and savoring our kids. Lightning strikes. People die. Life can be exquisite, but it can also be wildy unfair -- as it is this week to the families of these poor young people.