Thursday, February 17, 2011

Still


It's been six days and Bobby is still missing.

It's kind of like an elephant in the back of the room - it weighs heavily on each person's mind, but no one really wants to discuss it. It's a pretty emotional situation for a lot of people on Mackinac Island. There are only about 500 of us here year round, and while not all of us were friends with him, we all knew him. He was Bobby Roach; just an average guy - he had children, he was a volunteer firefighter, he worked hard, and he played hard. And while I honestly didn't know him well at all, Bobby Roach was as much a part of the island landscape as Sugar Loaf or Arch Rock. For many people it's hard facing the possibility that he - an employee, a good friend, and a loved one is gone ... forever; most likely through the ice late Friday night. The search has been called off and while we are all hoping for a miracle, the chances that we'll actually get one are slim to none.

The island will get through it, somehow we always do. We're a tight knit community and tend to pull together in times of crisis. We just seem to have had more than our share of them these past few years...

10 comments:

Nanci said...

So sad to hear he still hasn't been found. Prayers to you and the islanders as you continue to hold out hope. It's very heartwarming to hear people pull together and pray from one another even when you don't actually know them. Love and hugs.

Melody said...

I kept checking back each day Liz...hoping for good news. Continued prayers.

denice@inkstitch said...

Prayers going out for you and all the islanders, and especially for his family...

Diane said...

Oh my, I just got caught up on your blog and saw the last one and my prayers are certainly with his family, and everyone on the Island. Take care.

Elizabeth said...

My heart aches for his family and the whole island. My prayers are with you all. I hope by some miracle he is found safely.

Ellen said...

Oh that is heartbreaking! And scary for everyone who crosses that ice. My thoughts will be with you and all the islanders, especially his family.

Loralynn said...

So sorry to hear this. I was really hoping. It's got to be hard on such a close knit community as yours. My thoughts are with his family.

Michelle said...

Prayers are sent for his family. He sure sounded like a awesome guy.

Anonymous said...

As beautiful as the water is, it can be very scary! I hope this story ends well.

Tim said...

I hate those snowmachines. They are dangerous. Seen a lot of stuff in the operating room that was snowmobile related.