I was shocked and saddened to turn on my computer tonight (Wednesday) and learn that Natasha Richardson had died as a result of a ski accident on Monday.  

First, for whatever the reason, I’ve always been drawn to her.  She always seemed like such a nice, normal, down to earth woman.  A woman with a very easy, kind smile.  And of course her refined British accent always perfectly complemented the whole picture.  I particularly loved her in The Parent Trap, although she was one of the grande dames of the stage.

I’ve been closely following the story – as her death resulted from a ski accident.  And as my family skis nearly every weekend, I’m always gripped with fear when I hear these stories.  My first assumption was that she must have hit a tree.  But then I read her fall occurred during a skiing lesson, on a beginner’s trail.  She seemed relatively OK after her fall.  Despite flying her down to NY, I assumed she was most likely recuperating, on her way back to normal.  

So you wake up one morning and decide to take a beginner’s ski lesson while your husband is working in Montreal.  You end up dead.  An event that didn’t seem to be in the realm of possibility.

This is only another reminder that we need to enjoy each and everyday.  All my thoughts and prayers go out to Natasha’s family as they try to sort out this untimely tragedy.