Good Intentions

Killer Orcas - So I had to comment on this. Matt Lauer interviewing the spokesman from Sea World, "Had the Killer Whale given any indication prior to the attack that it was dangerous?" I suppose it is a valid question since millions of us attend orca shows every year. I know it was one of our favorite trips, as a young family, to Cleveland Sea World. The last time we went another tragic headline occurred. Remember years ago when the boat from the ski show careened out of control out of the lake and into the stands? We were at the park when that happened. That was about 16 years ago. I don't think the boat had given any prior indications of ill will, I am pretty sure the investigation was closed as "human error".

Is It Dangerous? - One of my all time favorite pictures was taken at Sea World. Our family and some of our dear friends (eight of us in all) had our picture taken on top of the giant killer whale display. We all threw our arms back like we were riding a bucking bronco across the high seas. It is hilarious. I'll have to find that picture. I remember one of the other families little girl almost fell off that slippery sucker. About ten feet in the air with no water to break her fall. But the picture was worth the trauma (it probably wouldn't have if someone had got hurt, but in the end it was just a close call).

Surprise Birthdays - I had wanted to travel all night and surprise my dad on his 80th birthday this week. But a couple of situations prevented it. It would have been nice. Cards and calls are nice, too, but greetings in person are the best. I called him instead. He had no idea so there was no disappointment, but I felt bad. One of my friends sure encouraged me. He didn't offer any consolation for making the "prudent" decision. He saw my disappointment and simply said, "I don't believe that all good intentions end up paving the way to hell."

Dying Doing What You Love - My friend's words sure encouraged me. I really wanted to do it. Some would say it was foolish to spend the money and take the risks for a 24 hour visit (They'd be right). Some good intentions end up bad decisions but they remain good intentions. The orca trainer that died this week did so doing what she was passionate about. The spokesman spoke of the awareness, interest and value that those dedicated to "training" have brought to humankind on behalf of the whales. Prior to shows like Sea World, Orcas were slaughtered by fisherman who feared the competition.

Question Remains Same - Matt's question remains a good one. Not all dangerous things should be left alone. Some should be taken on. Human error isn't always a bad thing.