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July 03, 2008

Colquitt is celebrating! We're all celebrating!!!

Keith Stansell, along with 2 other Americans, has been rescued today and is in route to San Antonio, TX to be reunited with his family. Keith was a US Govt. contractor, and was kidnapped by the FARC when their small engine plane crashed in the Colombian jungle. Two of the men traveling with them were executed early on. But Keith survived. Keith's 2 children, Lauren & Kyle lived in Colquitt. Now after 5 years, they are finally on their way to seeing their Dad.

It amazes me that this story, which is getting national attention, comes from this little town, the home of Swamp Gravy. His children are friends with some of our teenage cast members from Swamp Gravy.

I saw Keith's picture today on the news, and said, no, oh, my gosh, it can't be. Then I got the calls and emails from Colquitt. And yes! It was him. The last time I saw Keith's face was also on video-- a video released by his captors- it was a proof of life video, but it was made like four years ago. I was given the tape to watch for use as a possible story. His kids were interviewed by our story gathering team, as well. But I didn't know how to use it-- the story was still undone. And so immediate, so close. And who was I to write the ending- it was like playing with fate, and oh, how i wanted to write the ending- the one we all wished and waited for. I've never met Keith, only the people who were close to him, and the stories they told about him and his life. And that haunting video. I don't know how many times I watched it. "Live your lives". That's what he said to his loved ones, in the little time he had to talk on the video. "Please, live your lives". He's free now. I hope he will find a way to begin living his again. I imagine when he comes home it will feel a bit like time traveling to him- his children grown older, the world a little odder. Four dollar gas. Sorry. I often crack a joke when it's to difficult to say anything else. Keith is free. I guess that's all that needs to be said.