James Kim, an editor of cNet, was found dead after leaving his stranded family in search of help. I didn't know James Kim, and I hadn't really read his work, but his story really resonated with me. 

You can read the appropriate background of what happened, but the outcome is more serious.

If you're a husband and a father you can relate to what James Kim went through. You made a mistake and got lost, stuck on a road in the middle of nowhere. You recovered enough to do the right things to protect your family, but each day takes a way hope. It's soul crushing.

On that ninth day he made the decision to leave for help. Yes, some could argue he should have left earlier, but would you? Not if you were smart. Staying with your family and your only source of protection against the elements was the right move. But, and I stress you need to put yourself in his shoes, when that ninth days comes and goes without any sign of anyone looking for you, you know you have to do something.

In looking at the maps of where the Kim family was located, you'll see that help wasn't going to wander by. Prior to making the decision to leave his family for help it sounds like he did everything he could. Burning the tires for warmth was ingenious. His wife's decision to nurse both children was very intelligent. 

As you look through those maps you'll see that James Kim walked a long distance in the open weather without proper protection. To make it as far as he did is a miracle.

My wife makes fun of me when I insist we bring bottles of water and a blanket with us on trips in cold weather. She laughs off the suggestion of keeping first aid kits in the car. After this I don't think she'll chuckle that much.

It's funny how much this story affected me. Sure, we both work in the technical field, but it was more than that. It was knowing that as a father and husband we're driven to protect. This drive pushes us to compensate for mistakes we make, but it always shows the love we have for our families.

James Kim loved his family, and it showed.  

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