Like most others here my first thoughts are with the families and the men that survived this event.
Some things in life have move risk than others and yet we are still drawn to them... maybe because the risk makes us feel alive. I understand the risks of this sport (and my choosen profession as an military member) and do what I can to mitigate the risk. Ultimately, I accept that someday this may be my fate too. But that is no different (in my mind) than driving a car, riding a mtn bike, riding motox, going to war... the list goes on. Some have more risk than others but the result is the same. For some, the level of risk is the reward and to those that dare to experience this, I salute you.
To lay your life down for your brothers is the ultimate sacrafice and there is no greater way to go from this life to the next! I hope someday to be given the chance to make that choice. I'm not saying I have a death wish, but rather, I choose to LIVE life to the fullest while I'm here. Death will come, no dought. And on that day I hope I have the currage that these men showed and the presense of mind to know what to do. I'm speaking of those that passed AND those that survived.
To the survivors, you made the right decision. In the fire service you'll hear them say,"risk alot to save alot." That means to risk for nought is foolish. The survivors made the hardest decision they will ever make in their whole life... it was the right one in this case. You will likely question that your whole life but know that all of us believe you made the right decision. I hope you find peace.
And my last point. OT, please stop your rant. We know you were hurt. This community felt for you at the time but you are wrong by lashing with your words at people who don't deserve your acidic tongue. You have an opinion, we've heard it, now let the rest of us offer our thoughts without your thoughtless, hurtful comments. I'm never a fan of censorship but in this case I wish you would exercise some self-censorship and control.
Peace to the families of those lost and those that survived.
Hauler
