Bluebird Meadows of Stevensville, Michigan

The week’s vacation at the cabin had almost been ruined by the rains. After three days of continuous downpours, the rain had stopped. There was still a dense cloud cover but this was good enough for Adam Sampson to hit the lake for some bass fishing.

Adam said good-bye to his wife and daughter as he gathered his gear and headed toward the awaiting boat. His wife Susan understood that Adam needed to get out fishing and she was looking forward to taking young Becky to town for some serious Saturday shopping.

The fishing wasn’t very good. The rains had turned the water cloudy and Adam couldn’t seem to buy a bite. Still, it was good to be out in the fresh air, feel the old motor push the boat and try just about every lure in the tackle box.

Adam had fished until almost dusk and was rounding the point of the lake when he could see flashing lights near his dock. Odd to see lights like that - they looked like police car lights.

As Adam neared the dock, he could see that it was a police car and there seemed to be an officer on the dock waving his arms across the lake toward Adam’s boat. The policeman picked up his bullhorn and called out "Mr. Sampson . . . Adam Sampson!"

Adam didn’t answer because he could barely hear the officer over the noise of the motor. Adam waved his arm in acknowledgment and pressed on.

The bow of the boat was soon angling toward the dock. The policeman guided the boat safely against the dock. Before Adam could turn off the motor, the officer excitedly reported "Mr. Sampson, I’m Officer Carter. There’s been an accident involving your wife and daughter. You need to come with me to the hospital."

In shock from the bad news, Adam awkwardly climbed out of the boat and joined the officer on the dock. "Are they hurt?"