Off to the Rescue

What does a girl in Ukraine have in common with two wild mustangs in Idaho? They were both rescued by my children this past weekend. My sons were driving 14 hours to bring the mustangs from a government holding facility near Boise to our ranch in Utah. At the same time, my daughter Alyssa and her husband Jordan were driving 50 hours across Europe to bring her friend Julia from the Ukraine border to their home in Bordeaux, France. Alyssa lived with this beautiful family seven years ago when she taught English in Kyiv. When she learned the family was in need, she sprang into action.     

Our family thought it appropriate to watch the powerful Disney movie "The Rescue" this weekend. It is about a young soccer team trapped in a deep cave in Thailand that was filling with water. The film's heroes are two British recreational divers who immediately fly to Thailand and tirelessly work to save the boys. When they arrive, they are initially prevented from going into the cave by officials who first want them to attend numerous planning meetings. They finally persuade local officials to let them dive after promising they wouldn't have to recover their bodies if they drown. Their decision to act with a sense of urgency, doing more and talking less, is ultimately how the boys are saved because the cave completely fills with water moments after the rescue. 

Young people like my children often set the example for bravely taking action others might consider rash. As we get older, I think we get more cautious, convincing ourselves we need to carefully analyze the pros and cons of every decision. However, there are times when one must simply step up and take action. It is an inspiring thing to witness.