Dr. Qad you are a true gem in the sea of humanity. I can’t imagine the gut-wrenching feeling of finding the empty kayak, I’m so sorry.
I’m also very glad you made it back safely. I took a solo canoe lesson and can’t imagine how you were able to fight the wind and chase down a kayak that was disappearing on the horizon. I would have been a casualty only ten meters out. So glad you’re still here.
The poor family. 
I realize all the accolades are probably bouncing right off of you, since, I suspect, being the man you are, you could hardly have done otherwise. So I’ll just thank, whatever Gods may be, that there are souls, such as yours, sharing this world with us. Props to you, sorry about the outcome, will remember those suffering such a horrific loss, in my prayers.
She went from near zero chance of surviving to a slim chance. Damn good work. It’s a big difference.
I don’t know why, but the last line in one of the articles above, where the dad was describing her swimsuit (black with pink and purple polka dots), really got to me.
While it’s impossible to say anything good has/will come of this, this tragedy has renewed my respect for the Lake. I am taking my 2 year old to Lake Michigan in a month and although we obviously won’t be kayaking, or anything like that, I will be sure to be extra-extra vigilant when we are in and around the water. I’m protective of her around water anyway, but this has served as a reminder to be overly protective.