The recent plane crash that killed four prominent men on their way to the Notre Dame versus Clemson game has really taken a toll on my emotions.
This is a picture of me speaking and one of the men who perished, Scott Bibler, while we worked with his students at Tippy Valley.
This man I had worked with and I had great respect for him as an educator, counselor, coach, and a man. The other three I did not know, but I know the communities they're from. I haven't met a person I didn't respect. Small town Indiana - Tippecanoe Valley and Warsaw are two school communities I know very well.
Reflecting on this the past 15 hours I'm hurt, I'm sad, I'm angry. I'm angry that they chose to fly and put their lives at risk considering the weather that has brought 6-8 inches of rain and heavy winds. The visibility was terrible and four men in a Piper.
As a pilot, I remember my instructors Jason Kubicek and Cash McLaughlin say, if you want to get there on time you drive. If you want to get there fast you fly. They were always cautious and it ended up we drove a lot instead of flying my plane.
They should have know better. I'm a bit angry, but that doesn't negate the respect I have for them and the sadness I feel for their families. This is terrible.
I was actually planning on renting a plane today after my program and flying in for the game. My girlfriend is there and our friends are there. I decided on Tuesday because of weather that I wouldn't fly.
The thought I am having is that life is so much bigger than who we are or who we think we are. Life is everyday and we are just a part of God's plan.
I hope you live everyday to the fullest. Love each other unconditionally. Give of yourself to your neighbors in time of need.
After all, we are promised nothing. In the meantime though, our choices and our attitude create our legacy.
RIP gentlemen.