sweet flogging...

I was coming back from Minnesota when I finally heard about what was happening at the Gulf. Sitting at the airport terminal, I look up at the TV monitor showing CNN and I could not believe what I saw. I honestly, and sadly, discounted what I was looking at. "Oh its a minor thing," I thought. Nothing big since I couldn't really hear what was being said. Airport TV's are on mute. I can't remember if it had closed captioning but I just dismissed what I saw, like the schmuck that I am.

I got home exhausted and we started dinner. Right then, switched open the TV and whoa! To my disbelief, there it is. The tragedy of the aftermath being accounted for by the newscaster. Not even a second after it registered in my head what was going on, did I start txt messaging my friend Mel. "How are you?" I typed. To my relief, she answered, "We're all fine." I sighed and said to take good care and keep in touch.

Fast forward to last Friday, and things are just getting crazier and crazier in LA. I txt messaged her again, just for my own edification and asked --"Things are still ok with you? Everyone else? I'm worried." She answered, "Yeah, we're ok. But it's chaos in LA." I txt messaged her back and said that I'm glad she's OK and that I'll occasionally check in to make sure all is still well. "Thanks Sweetie," she answered back.

Gosh, I feel bad that it took me remembering that I have a great friend who might be lost amongst all the people in LA before I actually called. Now, I have to go and just flog myself.