It's amazing how courage comes to the fore when it's really needed.
And you were so young. I can imagine the pilot and neuro leveraging their age and experience in trying to persuade you to stop in Miami. Then leveraging Rose for it too.
In so many ways, you were lucky that Ron was among your friends. Imagine the path your lifes would have taken if he hadn't been there to consult!
I agree with Shad. Genuine adversity builds wonderful people, but I also think the challenges of your childhood gave you the depth of character and preparedness you and Rose needed so much of during those hard days.
Please thank Rose for agreeing to share such a personal story.