I don't know about you, but when I was 16 I was gossiping about boys, going to TCBY and crimping my hair. I wasn't setting out on a solo mission to circumnavigate my boat around the globe to break a record. That was the intent on January 23, 2010 from Marina del Rey as Abby Sunderland (16) and her boat Wild Eyes departed Los Angeles County. There is something cool about this story, but something crazy too. The Abby Sunderland articles I read a few days ago haven't been replaced by another media story, so I'm thinking we should talk about it. (Click here for one of her blogs.)
How many years of experience allows someone to be an expert in their sport? Is this something you gain by peers or determined by yourself? You would want to be considered an expert if attempting to do this right? I believe the law states we are adults when we turn 18. Did I mention Abby is 16? Yes, that's right I did. (Oh, that smells of judgment on my behalf...I'm actually not completely for or against this....I'm riding the fence.)
While not throwing any stones or placing judgment it's difficult for me to understand how at 16 any parents could allow their child to do this. Believing in your child is one thing, wanting the most for your child too, but if the worst were to happen isn't there something in our system that could possible charge them with a crime for allowing this to happen? I'm not joking nor do I want or believe this should happen, but seeking emotional revenge does happens. Where would the responsibility fall?
On Abby's blog, in one of her last entries, she said that minutes after boarding the rescue ship she received calls from reporters. Continuing in the same sentence she said "now that something bad has happened". Without having the complete story I wondered how much attention she tried to get before she began? Visions of another reality show are danced in my head or should I say spinning out of control...
What are your thoughts?
For the record... I think Abby is an amazing young girl and I am impressed by her drive as well as her attitude. She made up her mind to do something and she is doing it, well tried to do it. When her plans failed she had a great attitude about not only seeing what she did as a success, but she recognized her accomplishments without worrying too much about criticism. She is a young girl to admire!
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6 comments:
I think it was brave that she wanted to do this, but I have to say as a parent, I would of said NO. I mean alone at sea to go around the world in a tiny boat? I'm sorry but in my eyes that were not using their best judgment. Yes you should stand behind your childs dreams, but not at the cost of their life.
I think she is amazing and brave, however-as a parent-there ain't no way! :) I'm incredibly over protective at times and even though my kids are super young, I think I'll feel the same at 16. No way I'd let my kids put themselves in any danger!
I followed her blog from the beginning of her voyage and was blown away by her maturity, tenacity, skill, and intelligence. While I don't know if I could have done the same in their shoes, I admire her parents for teaching her, trusting her, and letting her pursue her dream. She did not fail in her quest. Her vessel failed her. In days of old, young people were married, raising kids, crossing the prairies in covered wagons at that age. I feel we coddle our kids way to much today and don't give them credit for what they are capable of accomplishing! Kudos to Abby and her family that she is more interested in sailing than chasing boys, wearing makeup, or playing video games. This is a girl who will NOT still be living at home and sponging off her parents in her late 20s. She has way too much grit and spunk. I have no doubt that if her mast had not broken off in the storm, she would have completed her trip! Look how far she travelled, and not without other challenges! (On the Abby Sunderland website, there's a map under "Where's Abby?" She's one amazing young woman
Everyone has made valid points! I can not say where Abby will be in 10 years from now, but she will have this to look back on as a success.
I think she has spunk too, but I wonder how much her father had to do with it. Her brother made the trip, and her father did as well when he was younger.
I just think it would've been better to not do it during the heightened storm season, but I'm not a sailor. That and I've heard her father has been trying to get a reality show.
I'm just glad she's safe and sound. That is all that really matters.
I think it is very impressive that she took this on and has handled so much. Such a mature, brave voyage, especially when I look around and see young 20 somthings that can't even muster the ambition to pay their own car insurance or bill's let alone, spreading their wings and SURVIVING on their own.
The parent aspect? Initial gut response, no way. But the parents did have a point, everyday everyone that drives has the potential for catastrophe. I thought about my 13 year old in a canoe on a creek that we know has alligators - but that is familiar to us. So sailing is familiar to this family - it is what she breathed, what she knew. So no judgement here. :) Glad she is safe!
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