I’ve been following the story of the missing Kim family since it first appeared in the news. James and Kati Kim, and their two young children, were on a work/play trip in Oregon when they went missing shortly after Thanksgiving. Kati and her daughters were found - I believe it was nine days later - with the family car by rescuers, but the search for James has been ongoing. He had attempted to go for help. They ran the gas on and off to power the heater, then burned their tires to stay warm. They ate what little snack food they had in the car, melted snow to drink, and Kati nursed both girls, to which a hospital nurse had credited the girls’ good health too.
Authorities found what they hoped were trail markers left by James, reportedly a pair of pants and parts of a map. I read that they just found his body about an hour ago. He didn’t make it.
I don’t know the Kim family at all, but they’re San Franciscans, and they’re a family, and they have two young kids, about as far apart in age as my two munchkins so this story has brought me to tears multiple times. To think about what you would do in that situation, how you would handle it, how to make that heart-breaking decision of whether or not to separate from each other to go for help. To second-guess yourself, no matter what decision you make. I can’t imagine what Kati, her children and their families are going through.
Kati lost her husband and those two girls lost their daddy. It’s terrible. It’s awful. There’s no way around it. I hope they find some comfort in knowing how many people are thinking of them and praying for them.
Also, they own Doe, a clothing store in Lower Haight, and Church Street Apothecary, a boutique in Noe Valley. It wouldn’t hurt things to patronize the stores in order to help support them. You can also go here, and donate through a website their family has set up.
Ohmygosh, I was following this story so closely, too. I was stunned to hear the news about an hour ago.
Made me cry.
kristen, i had not read extensively on the Kim’s until your post. this story is overwhelming and truly moving. my oldest daughter, abby, saw me reading the story and began asking questions…intrigued by the fact that 2 little girls were also involved. “What are their names?” she asked. “Where is their daddy?” etc. I told Abby, “This daddy gave his life for his family, just like your daddy would do…This is the kind of man that you should marry one day.” What a beautiful picture…and like you said, I can not imagine what it was like for them trying to decide to divide up. He hiked over 10 miles. I have no idea how he kept moving. and honestly…I would not have known to light the tires on fire. would you? Thanks for your post and links…i really want to pray for this family and their devastating loss…in a husband…and a son.
did you see this?
james kim, you will be missed
the family i am staying with out here is actually in some way connected to the Kim family. From what i have learned of him, James was an incredibly good man. Keep praying for his immediate family and those who loved him! what a tragedy…