Abby Sunderland

Update: 6/12/2010

Thankfully, Abby Sunderland has been rescued. Alive and well, but processing the reality of a dream unrealized. There is only one phrase that I know that adequately handles this kind of disappointment.

"You will miss 100% of the shots you do not take." --- Author Unknown

This only becomes a failure if Abby quits, until then it is an educational experience. Perhaps her dream will grow into something different, but it is only failure if she quits. I think beautiful, young Abby will grow, adapt and keep pursuing her dreams... Well Done Abby!






This young lady is officially missing at sea at this moment. If you are familiar with this story, Abby is a young girl that is following her dream to solo-navigate the world in a small sailing vessel (Wild Eyes). Her emergency beacons have been sounded and they have no contact with her. The closest ship is 40 hours away and it will be several hours until an airplane can fly to her area to take a look.

Many people are saying horrific things about her parents and already thinking the worst. I have a young daughter and a very young son and quite frankly, I do not know what to think. Here is what I know from my own journey. Abby has a dream and it took flight when she was 13 years old. Now, at the young age of 16 she is in full pursuit of her dream. Abby and her dream have run into an obstacle, perhaps life threatening. Is this reckless parenting to allow a 16 year old to pursue their dream or is it the ultimate in love for your child? If she were doing something less dangerous would anyone be saying horrible things? If she were following a dream like Taylor Swift or Miley Cyrus, would we think ill of the parents?

Abby Sunderland Wrote:
"I plan to be leaving to sail solo around the world this time next year. For three years now I have wanted to do this trip, before my brother ever came up with the idea! Even though I did come up with the idea before Zac ever did, it is due somewhat to him that I am actually doing it now.

I had begun to think that dreams are meant to be no more than dreams and that in reality dreams don't come true. Then my brother left on his trip. It was amazing to see all the support that he got from around the world and to see how everyone worked together to help make his dream reality. Watching him do this really made me believe that I could too."


My feeling is that I admire Abby's parents and think what they are doing is wonderful. As a father the only thing I question is her age. I understand Abby's dream and support her 100%. I would also do all that is possible for my daughter should she choose a dream like this. However, the dream is to sail around the world alone. Is it imperative that she become the youngest? Is being the youngest to do this also part of Abby's dream? If my daughter approached me with this dream I would ask her to wait until she is 18 years old. My reasoning would be that at that age she is of legal age to make this decision on her own and she would have public and family support.

However, should the unthinkable happen and Abby is not safe her parents will come under-fire from all corners. My parents lost a son to death and he was 47 years old. I watched the heartache and suffering they experienced. Is there any difference in losing a child at 16 or 18? Is there any way to handle losing a child at any age?

Abby, I hope and pray you are safe and all is well. If you are found safe and cannot continue, I hope you do not give up on your dream or other dreams. You are an inspiration to many people. If you cannot finish this trip due to equipment failure and desire to try again, please wait until you are at least 18. It is apparent that your family loves you very much. The efforts they have made to assist you in realizing your dream is paramount. I hope your parents know that there are many people that support their efforts in teaching their children to design their lives and pursue their passions and dreams. I pray for the best outcome possible.

“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.” ---Lyman Frank Baum