In the blink of an eye

Yesterday Aggies all over the world met to celebrate the lives of other Aggies that have passed away in the last year. Muster is, for me, one of the most meaningful and touching traditions of Texas A&M. I was thankful that the Oahu Aggies A&M Club organized a great Muster, which sparked so many emotions in me. I was excited to meet other Aggies out here in HI. However, most of all, I was looking forward to celebrate the life of Dan Barker, and honor him and his family by lighting a candle and answering "here" when his name was called.

Thinking about Muster and everything that the tradition represents is so much harder emotionally this year with the unexpected double heart attack that my dear friend, and fellow officer's wife, Chrissi Baerg suffered this weekend. After the EEG today, the tests showed that

 Chrissi's brain is not functioning enough to keep her lungs and heart functioning (without the use of machines). I have been struggling all day, as I know so many of our submarine family members have, with the reality of losing a dear friend. How could something like this happen to someone so young (31) and vibrant? Could she ever regain enough use of her brain to be able to live a normal life? The prognosis for Chrissi could not be more devastating. Her body is signaling that it is shutting down by spiking a fever and her heart is back to a racing pace. Today her husband and the chaplain had to explain to their children that mommy's not coming home. How does one put that into words? How old will the kids be before they fully understand what is going on right now in their young lives? Will the kids remember how

 FANTASTIC their mother was? Chrissi was full of life - and then some. Always optimistic, and there to cheer anyone up; automatically lighting up a room just by walking in it; fun-loving and caring; one of the best moms that I have ever known. Chrissi has an amazing family that is here in Hawaii figuring out the logistics of the situation, and spending every moment with her in the ICU. In the blink of an eye an amazing wife/mother was lost. In the blink of an eye...

Please continue to pray for Chrissi and her family (pictured below).

In sadness,

RAWE