Since retiring, Ive taught Navy planning to international maritime officers at theU.S.
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During a crisis, things happen very quickly.
But just because we are in a crisis doesnt mean we cut corners to save time.
I never thought I would find myself agonizing over the planning process in my personal life.
When it touches you personally, the stakes can be very high.
Mom had no food in the house and had not eaten in a few days.
She was 76 and a career psychiatric nurse who had retired from teaching part-time two months earlier.
I was 400 miles away and felt completely helpless.
I found myself confronted with a huge crisis.
Everything I had learned in the Navy kicked in.
I developed a prioritized list of steps and actions to take.
First, I needed her to besafe and free from harm.
I started with the basics, getting her food and water in the immediate and short term.
I also had to consider her monthly bills such as rent, car insurance, health insurance and utilities.
Sadly, Mom had gone to great lengths to avoid revealing the truth about her situation.
She had gradually stopped taking care of herself and no longer felt safe leaving her apartment.
She had stopped paying bills and even forgotten how to access her bank account.
She was in terrible distress but hid her problems over the phone very well.
I persisted with regular communication and was eventually able to piece together the true nature of her struggles.
