[E. Pluribus Unum]

I said that she could lose her life.

So could you.

Today.

Three minutes from now.

Life is temporary. Your idea of making the most of your limited time may not correspond to someone else's. Get used to it.

[DJ MacWoW]

Me: I said that she could lose her life.

You: So could you.

It won't be through recklessness just to be famous.

[carton253]

I'm glad Abby is alive. I've read the thread and the arguments seem to be divided into two camps: those who think 16 year olds lack the capacity to make this type of decision (life and death) and therefore need parents to forbid them from their dreams (or whatever) and those who believe that the family is well able to assess the maturity and skill level of the 16 year old.

I come down on the latter camp. Freedom to chose, freedom to dream, freedom to pursue... and an attempt to circumvent the globe and, maybe, set a record is not a wrong choice, but her choice that she should be allowed to make.

If some think that this would make me an irresponsible parent... that's fair. I understand their point of view. But those same detractors do so in a vacuum. They only think they know Abby and her parents and their motivations.

Thank you, Lord, that Abby is alive. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to challenge nature and, more importantly, to challenge ourselves... whether we be 16, 36, 66, or 106.