Magda's Lesson: Vigilance

Everything had to happen exactly right for everything to go horribly wrong.

One family was just trying to run a business. The Hedges of Niagara Falls ran a camp specifically for children of Polish descent, advertising across state lines and offering an opportunity of a lifetime for a modest price. One family was just trying to offer their child something special. The parents decided to stay in America in order to offer their child a better education. The camp seemed like a good idea: their daughter would see wondrous things and make new friends.

Each had good intentions; but as we know, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Now both families have been thrust into a hell they never imagined.

Ten days ago an innocent summer camping excursion ended tragically for twelve year old Magdalena Lubowska. Magda, as she is known by her family, attended a two week camp run by the Hedges family in Niagara Falls. Though the facts of how and why are still being investigated, one fact remains unchanged: Magda is gone.

The Hedges´ twenty-three year old son led half the campers on a hike near the Lower Niagara River. The rest of the campers reportedly struck out on their own, ending up off-trail and down by the swift moving waters.

Magda, 500 feet off the marked trail, climbed onto a rock to stick her toes in the cool water at the edge of the river near the notorious Whirlpool Rapids. Losing her grip, she slipped into the swift tide and was quickly carried out seventy-five feet before being pulled under by the currents. Witnesses reported "it happened so fast", "there was no time". Like a whisper she was gone: a bright light snuffed by the unforgiving waters of the Niagara River.

Yesterday a body was recovered, so the family´s thin veil of hope that perhaps by the grace of God Magda is alive, is slipping. Those who know the Niagara River and her Whirlpool Rapids know that she is selfish and doesn´t often give up her conquests.

That doesn´t stop the legal buzzards from circling like carrion crows. Already, both families have attorneys who are busy pointing fingers at who did or did not do what.

The Lubowska family lawyer, Gus Michael Farinella originally called for the immediate arrest of Mrs. Hedges and her son for criminal acts. The Hedges´ lawyers are madly defending their position and the conflict is getting uglier.

Magda´s mother, the attorneys, the press and others have all stood outside the Hedges home. The Lubowskas bivouac in a hotel room while awaiting any news on the fate of their lost daughter. Both families are forever entwined, forever changed. They are both consumed with sorrow and guilt--the would haves, could haves and should haves; all moot points now that Magda is gone. While the attorneys choreograph the next act in this tragedy and keep the parties inflamed, the fact remains that this accident was preventable.

The Hedges should have run their camp properly by obtaining the correct permits and following codes. They should have taken in less campers and acquired more and competent staff to watch over them. They should have done a lot of things differently, and I am sure they now wish they had done so. The Lubowskas should have investigated the camp more thoroughly. They should have checked for references more diligently, and perhaps looked for camp that is certified or registered with the American Camp Association.

As the attorneys scramble for "justice", we all know there is no justice in the loss of a child. Though the legal system is adept at convincing others the Green Poultice will cure all ills, there is no amount of money that will bring back Magda and her innocent smile.

Increasingly overlooked, common sense on everyone´s part, including Magda´s, could have averted this tragedy. This is a horrible, unexpected accident resulting in the death of a child. She could have been anyone´s child. Right now she is everyone´s child.

Each of us is bound to protect our most valuable resource: our children. It is simple: without our children, we have no future; and, without our future, we cease to exist.

This is our poignant lesson from the beautiful, short life of Magdalena Lubowska.