Ever since I can remember I've gone with my grandparents to the U.S.S. Indianapolis reunions. When I was younger, all I really knew was that in WW II my grandpa was on a ship that was sunk by a Japanese submarine and that my grandpa survived, but as I grew older I learned more details about the event. I don't think my grandpa likes to talk about what happened because it brings up too many bad memories. Sometimes he'll tell his story to large groups, but I wish he would talk to me about it so I could learn more about what actually happened to him. I'm very glad Doug Stanton wrote "In Harm's Way" I know other books exist about the Indianapolis but I hear this one is better and more informative than the rest.

When my grandpa was on the Indianapolis he hadn't met my grandma yet. It's weird to think how one event can affect so many people's lives. If my grandpa hadn't slept on deck the night of July 28th, 1945, he probably wouldn't have survived because the torpedoes hit the area where his sleeping quarters were. And this event would have caused both my mother and me not to exist. This shows how much one event can change so many lives. So, even though the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis was a very tragic event in our history, it makes me believe that everything happens for a reason and that life shouldn't be taken for granted. I believe people should live every day to the fullest because you never know what will be your last. If my grandpa's horrible experience has taught me anything, it's that life is special and not to be wasted.