I couldn’t stop watching. For 24 hours rescuers worked to bring the 33 miners and 6 rescue workers out of the pit. For 24 hours families kept vigile. For 24 hours media personnel vied for prime photo positions and opportunities. For 24 hours, news broadcasts captialized on the opportunity to hold viewers. For (most of) 24 hours I couldn't stop watching.
I couldn't stop watching, even though the same process was repeated for each of the 39 individuals brought to the surface. The same siren sounded as the rescue capsule approched. The same cheer off “Chi-Chi-Chi, Le-Le-Le” resounded as a person emerged from the capsule. Each family member was startegically placed for the cameras to capture their reaction as they anticipated and then experienced being re-unitied with their husband, boyfriend, son. Broadcasters repeatedly mentioned the $400 Oakley sunglasses each miner would get to keep. Broadcasters crassly listed “perks” (if there really could be a perk from this ordeal) each of the trapped miners would be receiving as part of their compensation package.
Yet, I couldn’t stop watching. I would think to myself, “After this rescue I’ll turn off the TV.” Then, I would hear a bit of the next miner’s story and that was just enough to keep me watching. I think I kept watching because in some strange way I didn’t want to slight anyone. The first one rescued … the oldest one … the youngest one … the last one. None of these were more notable nor important than any other. I couldn’t stop watching because every miner had a story. Every miner was important. Every miner deserved a witness.
I couldn’t stop watching.
RAMBLINGS ... of a transplanted Iowan
October 14, 2010
October 3, 2010
Celebrating 2
Tomorrow is Jacob's 2nd birthday. But we celebrated today and as far as he knew today was his birthday. He wore a pin all day that said "Today I'm 2!".
To celebrate we all headed out for a little bowling. For my American family: we play 5-pin bowling . As the name suggests, there are only 5 pins and the ball is smaller than one used in 10-pin bowling. Weighing only 3 pounds, it has no finger holes -- instead it rests in your cupped hand. The nice thing about 5-pin is that with the smaller ball you can introduce very young kids to bowling. Don't fool yourself, though, controlling a smaller ball isn't all that easy!
First, it's important to dress correctly! A bowling shirt and bowling shoes are pretty important. Thanks Auntie Dayna for such a cool shirt!
To celebrate we all headed out for a little bowling. For my American family: we play 5-pin bowling . As the name suggests, there are only 5 pins and the ball is smaller than one used in 10-pin bowling. Weighing only 3 pounds, it has no finger holes -- instead it rests in your cupped hand. The nice thing about 5-pin is that with the smaller ball you can introduce very young kids to bowling. Don't fool yourself, though, controlling a smaller ball isn't all that easy!
First, it's important to dress correctly! A bowling shirt and bowling shoes are pretty important. Thanks Auntie Dayna for such a cool shirt!
"Form" ... negotiable.
Body "English" to help the ball down the lane ... totally necessary!
Mom needs help choosing a ball.
There were hugs for Oma when she made a strike!
We all had a great time.
In Jacob's words, "I like to go bowling!" (which is also one of his favourite Raffi songs).
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