Tragic ending

When you go to a movie, you usually expect a happy ending. There are exceptions, of course, but fairy tale endings seem to happen more often than not.

If only real life were so simple.

Journalists learn quickly that a sad ending is as likely as a happy ending in real life. While covering car crashes, homicides, rapes, accidents, disappearances and other tragedies, we learn that the outcome no one wants can, will and does happen.

Initially, when I heard three softball players from Dickinson State University were missing, I hoped for the best. They could be out camping, partying or just hanging low. By the time I made it to Dickinson on Tuesday to report on the case, that seemed unlikely. As the day wore on, the best one could hope for was resolution for the families, so they wouldn't have to wonder anymore.

Check out this article and others at http://www.bismarcktribune.com.

There are still unanswered questions about the deaths of the three young women -- Kyrstin Gemar, Ashley Neufeld and Afton Williamson -- but the main question has been answered.

I've covered disappearances where the person who is missing has been found alive and well, or not well but thankfully alive. I always hope for one of those. But in the back of my mind, I know it's more likely not to turn out with a happy reunion.

The scary part is it could happen to anyone and usually does. There's no preparing for it, no way to ready yourself for the shock.

So, hug those close to you and tell them you love them. Because as much as we want life to be like Hollywood, it's not. Every day is precious.

Think about and pray for the families and friends of the three women. Even I, a former U-Mary softball player, will root for DSU this season and hope the teammates of Kyrstin, Ashley and Afton can rise up and succeed for their fallen friends.