No Alligators in the Boundary Waters

I hate to read the news but every once in awhile a headline catches my attention. I then get drawn into the story and fixated on it. That was the case today when I saw the news about a 2-year-old who was snatched by an alligator while wading in a lake at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

I’ve been sick to my stomach all day as I imagine the shock and fear of seeing your child grabbed by an alligator.  Then not being able to get the alligator to release your child and watching helplessly as the alligator swims away with your boy. It is such a terrible story made even worse by the fact it happened at Disney World.

I remember staying at a resort on property at Walt Disney World and wondering why on earth there was a beach near the lake with a sign saying, “No Swimming.” To me a beach is a place to hangout so you can swim in the water and I wouldn’t probably go through the hassle of getting sandy if I couldn’t go in the water. But I guess a beach is a beach and some people like to sit in the sand regardless of if they plan to get into the water.

I also remember walking with my little kids next to the water numerous times at Disney properties. I don’t think I ever thought about alligators in the water. Sure, it’s Florida, but Walt Disney World?  I realize it isn’t common for alligators to attack and kill humans but once is enough to convince me to stay away from the water. I am just so grateful it didn’t happen to my kids and my family.

The good news is there aren’t alligators in the Boundary Waters. I am reminded of how lucky we are to live in a place where relatively few dangers lurk. We don’t have poisonous snakes or polar bears and we can drink the water we paddle in.

I feel very fortunate especially with all of the recent tragedies in the world. It’s a good reminder to count our blessings and give thanks continually because everything can change in the matter of seconds.