Facing the Unknown

Problems, trials and difficulties, we cringe at the thought of going through these instances, but these occurrences are indispensable parts of our lives.  Every one of us, eventually goes through tough times that pushes us to our limits, and test our characters, in the process in the form of problems in finances, relationship issues or emotional scars that are brought to surface again and again. These may happen to bring about self-realization and to mold our characters, but at times, these may be due to our shortcomings and recklessness. Whatever be the cause of the tribulations in our lives, we must be prepared to face the future with boldness.

Recently, a French woman endured what may be the heaviest burden she had to carry in her entire life. Mrs. Evelyne Colombo and her husband Christian Colombo, both who are experienced sailors, ventured on a journey to see the world together.  Little did they know that in the deep waters of the coast off Yemen, one life would be changed drastically forever while the other will come to an abrupt end.

It was September 8 that SY TRIBAL KAT, boarded by Christian and Evelyne Colombo, was attacked by suspected pirates. Although the couple was able to send a distress call to EU NAVFOR (European Nation Naval Force) Flagship FGS BAYERN, the pirates succeeded on boarding the yacht and captured Mrs. Colombo. After being in the hands of the pirates for two days, Evelyne Colombo was rescued by EU NAVFOR with the help of French warship FS SURCOUF and Spanish warship SPS GALICIA. Exchange of fire ensued and the liberators succeeded in retrieving Evelyne Colombo. It was later confirmed that Christian Colombo was killed when the yacht was assailed.

The incident may be viewed by many as a victory due to the Mrs. Colombo’s unharmed release and the capture of the seven pirates. But taking a look in the point of view of the widowed French woman, she may have thought that it would be much better had she been killed with her husband than going through the dread and sorrow of being kidnapped by merciless pirates alone and living a life without her beloved. Who knows what distress she was going through on her repatriation to France alone? When she left with her husband at the start of their trip filled with hope and excitement, did she imagined that she would come back home by herself with fear and grief in her heart?

To be in her shoes, it is hard to imagine how to push through during those times when it seems that your sanity and faith is being tested.  Losing the person that you love more than anyone in this world is hard to take and it takes a long time to heal the emotional wound it brings. What more if the manner of losing the one you love is in a way that will haunt your dreams forever?  Will you survive, stand firm and push through or will you succumb to the pain that will be your downfall?

Some may say think that the couple brought the ordeal upon themselves. Even though the couple are aware of the perils of sailing through the ‘famous’ Gulf of Aden and everyone advised them not to go, they insisted to push through their desire to ‘get out of the box’ and see the wonders of the world. 

Being able to do things does not mean that we should do it. We should realize our limitations and understand that we can’t do it all. Life has its own problems, let us not create more that will add to our burden.  Let us keep our eyes open and our minds sharp and working so that we can navigate away from the quicksand of life. In times that we fall, let us look for the positive things that we can pick out and learn from the negative situation. Focus on the good things, the things that you still have instead of focusing on the things you lost.  

Living life is like crossing a bridge with a thick fog cutting the visibility of your course, are you brave enough to face the unknown?