We all learned a lot and were humbled by this trip. Everyone needs to know how to use the Zoleo - and I will NEVER trip again without it. The detailed trip plan (with all contact info) that I have a habit of sending to my brothers and parents came in CLUTCH. Big thanks to my brother for taking point, keeping everyone in the loop, and consoling Grant when he was by himself at Sawbill. My wife is an absolute superstar, and a fantastic teammate. We team well in a crisis, and without much discussion a plan was hatched - she took care of E and S - I got the teens and the exit. We both agreed that we needed to focus our energy and stress on those specific assignments, and tried to “shut the drawer” on stress/worry of the other’s responsibility – easier said than done, but it was effective. I'm grateful for her, and I know I'm a lucky guy. The teens developed a lot of character, worked through a really challenging experience, and took nothing for granted. Every single one of them were rock stars. The older girls were amazing with the youngers and their old man. The EMT's were amazing, comforting, and they deserve praise and support. Sawbill's immediate response to Grant was, "how can we help?". I feel so comfortable and trusting having him work there - even more so now. I'm thinking of doing some refresher first aid courses, I'm depending on training that's more than 20 years old. I guess I should be signing my kids up too. The teens are feeling even more confident in their skills - my oldest daughter (almost 17) and her best friend have a Sawbill permit for later this summer...and Grant is going in with his HS buddy next weekend. While my gut reaction is to keep them close, I'm now pretty darn confident they can handle a crisis and whatever the BWCA throws their way. We'll be base camping at the magical Sawbill campground, monitoring the girls closely as they head back down the Lady Chain. I’m meeting with Grant’s buddy in a couple of days, where we’ll review the route, have him try the Zoleo out, and talk over what to do if Grant gets hurt. I'm sure we'll worry, but I'm also proud of the young women and young man my kids are blossoming into. Brave and capable.

First thing my wife said to me when we met up at the cabin? "Next year we're going to the F*CKING BEACH." I think I better listen. And I think everyone should take a Zoleo or similar device. And review your emergency plans. And hug your loved ones more. And be kind, because a lot of kindness is what gets us through the hard things. And maybe I should patent the "pottycoat". Stay safe friends, and enjoy that sweet fruit that is life.