Thank you ALL .....
Hello friends,
First, let me say THANK YOU to all of you - your warm thoughts, notes, phone calls and concern were extremely appreciated. Lynda M, thank you so much for updating everyone on the VaBoard and Tek's site. As you already know, things have been very chaotic over the last 24 hours and I appreciate all you did for me. Also, Wendy G., my redheaded twin. This wonderful woman dropped everything and ran out her door, no questions asked, to spend all of last night and today with me, just leaving about an hour ago. Love you both. 
My initial reaction (as were all the families) was utter disbelief and shock quickly followed by fear and yes, I'll admit it, a brief moment of hysteria. My husband IS MY WORLD, I love him dearly and cannot imagine life without him. The hardest part is the unknown and short of what was being released on the local and national news we heard NOTHING from the Navy for 10 hours.
The following scenario is what we were told in the family briefing this morning and being released to the media.
The USS Minneapolis St. Paul left the harbor under choppy weather conditions. Anytime a submarine comes into a harbor or leaves a harbor, one of the local marine pilots familiar with the currents, channels, etc, boards the sub and directs it in and out. After they're clear of the harbor we then need to get the pilot off the sub via ropes and a buddy system to an awaiting tugboat.
He was transported safely to his boat and our men were preparing to leave topside when they were hit by a massive wave. Four of the seven men still up above were knocked overboard. Even with their safety ropes the seas were extremely rough and they spent a lot of time completely submerged in the swells.
Sadly, we've lost COB Higgins (Chief of the Boat) and PF3 Holts. Both extremely experienced and dedicated men, with wives, children and family who loved them dearly.
Because the waters were extremely rough the submarine had no choice but to airlift the men to shore and continue out to sea. I can't even imagine the shock and trauma they must be experiencing as they go about their jobs. I don't care how hard you train for it, or how many years you've served (Paul's been in 25 years) ...NO one is ever prepared for this.
On that note, I'll end this. I still have a lot of phone calls to return (Even our renters in WA called, which was kinda funny, 'cause I can never get them to call me when the payments late, lol.) but I wanted to stop by and say THANK YOU ALL, for your concern and kind words. They truly mean a lot to me.
Lei
My initial reaction (as were all the families) was utter disbelief and shock quickly followed by fear and yes, I'll admit it, a brief moment of hysteria. My husband IS MY WORLD, I love him dearly and cannot imagine life without him. The hardest part is the unknown and short of what was being released on the local and national news we heard NOTHING from the Navy for 10 hours.
The following scenario is what we were told in the family briefing this morning and being released to the media.
The USS Minneapolis St. Paul left the harbor under choppy weather conditions. Anytime a submarine comes into a harbor or leaves a harbor, one of the local marine pilots familiar with the currents, channels, etc, boards the sub and directs it in and out. After they're clear of the harbor we then need to get the pilot off the sub via ropes and a buddy system to an awaiting tugboat.
He was transported safely to his boat and our men were preparing to leave topside when they were hit by a massive wave. Four of the seven men still up above were knocked overboard. Even with their safety ropes the seas were extremely rough and they spent a lot of time completely submerged in the swells.
Sadly, we've lost COB Higgins (Chief of the Boat) and PF3 Holts. Both extremely experienced and dedicated men, with wives, children and family who loved them dearly.
Because the waters were extremely rough the submarine had no choice but to airlift the men to shore and continue out to sea. I can't even imagine the shock and trauma they must be experiencing as they go about their jobs. I don't care how hard you train for it, or how many years you've served (Paul's been in 25 years) ...NO one is ever prepared for this.
On that note, I'll end this. I still have a lot of phone calls to return (Even our renters in WA called, which was kinda funny, 'cause I can never get them to call me when the payments late, lol.) but I wanted to stop by and say THANK YOU ALL, for your concern and kind words. They truly mean a lot to me.
Lei Lei, I am sad for the two families that have lost their loved ones especialy at this time of year but very relieved that it was not your husband.....
There is danger everywhere - even in peace times - so I think we all need to pray for our servicemen as they go about their everyday duties........
Jackie
I just got a phone call from Joann about an hour ago telling me all of this . First let me say that I prayed right away for Paul .. and I am so glad to get here and read that he is ok ... Know that he is your world ... OMG when she told me my thoughts went right to that phrase .
Stay strong .. and I truly hope you get to hear from him soon . And when you do please tell him that we love him and support him and all the others out their risking their lives for us .
Always,
Natalie
Sweet Lei...I read this late but you were still in my thoughts and prayers until I read the update within minutes of each other. Thank goodness, I would have been a wreck! I can only imagine what you were going through, Sweetie. My heart goes out to the two men and their families whose lives were lost. I know it has to be devistating. If you need anything, please let me know and I will do my best to see that you get it...Love ya bunches....Huggles, Betsy
DAMN!!! I am always a day late and a dollar short!!! I am sooooooo happy to hear that he is ok!!! I'm really sad for the families that didn't fare so well. I hope you get to hear from Paul soon, and see him really soon too!!! Big prayers still going up for you 2!!! Call me if you need anything baby!!! OXOXOXOOXOXOOX
Sharon
Sharon Lei -
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and those of the 2 men who lost their lives serving our country and their families. Often times I try and put myself in your position and others who have someone fighting for our lives and safety and although I just cannot imagine it I certainly have major respect and pay thanks in my prayers EVERY pm. I am really thrilled Paul is safe and hearing from him personally will be such an awing experience for you. I know that you are really having a time with things right now but we are here for you and love you very much. I am glad that at this time you thought to share this with us. It gives us such an eye opening and heartfelt look inside the lives of those who we really do not get to see in action but know in our hearts because of men like Paul that we are AMERICA and have rights and choices. So, I say to you thanks and to Paul and my love goes out to you and him and all the families serving regardless. You are just as powerful a "speaker" as anyone I know here and not only is Paul serving us but you do as well. I will never ever be able to thank you and him enough for your amazing and continous love unconditionally for our country and for your family here.
Always - Kat
Hugs, Hugs, Hugs, to you and all of the servicemen/families that had to endure such a awful long wait to get some information. What a blessing it is to have such a great friend as our little "Wendyjo". I hope you get to hear from Paul very soon. I have been thinking of you. Hope you doing okay.
Susan
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