Thinking about the legacy of James Kim, and Jimmy Valvano.

As I ran a hot shower this morning, attempting to warm my 35-year old bones, I could only think of one thing. James Kim. Is he warming his 35-year old bones this morning?

By now all of us are familiar with the plight of James Kim, the technologist from C-Net who has been missing for a week, somewhere in the wilderness of Oregon. His story is a touching one, and hits uncomfortably close to me. I wonder what I would do in a similar situation.

We were all relieved to hear and see that his wife and two young daughters were found, alive, a couple days ago, and their story of survival is a remarkable one. It’s the kind of clear-headed, ingenious, smart, and practical skills we all hope we have if ever having to deal with something like that. Which does give us some hope — Perhaps James is similarly clear-headed.

I must say, though, that it looks bleak. We’re told when we are little that, if we get lost, stay were we are. It appears that James was just venturing out for the day to find help, and that was several days ago. Him not returning is a bad thing.

As I hugged and kissed my children and wife goodbye this morning, I wondered what James said to his wife and daughters when they decided he should open the car door and venture forth. The things that go on in those moments between people, between husband and wife, between dad and kids. What would you do? What could you say?

Now my music is playing (Boards of Canada, if you must know), the hot tea is brewing, and I’m sitting in a comfortable chair typing on a comfortable keyboard. I can’t help but think that what gross excess I’m stewing in right now, compared to James Kim. His comfortable chair is empty, his comfortable keyboard unused. Sadly, it would appear that he won’t be back. We hope, though, that the same sort of common sense and hefty dose of chance that kept his family alive is still working for him. I hope that, if the man is religious, that his god is looking out for him.

I was watching the Jimmy V Classic on ESPN last night and was reflecting on Jim Valvano’s life, and the life of James Kim. I remember watching JimmyV coach, his remarkable strength and courage, and listening to him speak about his cancer, and his admonishment to us:

I just got one last thing, I urge all of you, all of you, to enjoy your life, the precious moments you have. To spend each day with some laughter and some thought, to get your emotions going. To be enthusiastic every day and as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing great could be accomplished without enthusiasm,” to keep your dreams alive in spite of problems whatever you have. The ability to be able to work hard for your dreams to come true, to become a reality.

These two men have put me in a strange place. I hurt for them, their families today. I sympathize (something I’m not real used to) with their families. JimmyV’s been dead for 12 years, and his legacy is stronger than ever. What will James Kim’s legacy be?

Both men would have, I believe, the same message. It’s certainly changed how my life will be lived, at least in the short term. Savor these moments and the people around you. Call your mother. Hug your kids. Kiss your wife. You can’t be sure when you will see them again.

UPDATE: Kim’s body was found on Wednesday, 6 December 2006.