Unfortunately a Sad Story
Posted 09-07-2010 at 11:04 AM by Nancy's Virtual Office
Hi Everyone
I am writing today about a subject that is non related to the VA industry but I really wanted to write about it.
It is unfortunately a sad story. Last week a young man was killed here in Alix in a car crash. There was a group of them in two cars, alcohol and speed were both factors in what happened. They are young and invincible and nothing could happen to them playing tag down the highway, it was only fun, so they thought. Then a deer crossed the road, causing the first car to slow down and the truck rammed them from behind. Neither Doug or Chelsea had seat belts on and were thrown from the truck. Doug was killed and Chelsea has spine and brain injuries (although they both seem to be treatable, thank goodness).
Now a devastated mother, father and family have to put the pieces back together again. We are a little village of just over 800 people, so we all know everyone, and Doug was the brother of our son's best friend so it has even brought it closer.
Doug was just getting started in life. He had a girlfriend, just started a business with his brother and looking forward to the future. But it must not have been enough to sway him from the decision to drink and drive, and now his light is gone. He will always be remembered here as a fine young man, who was kind and generous but had made one fatal decision in his life.
I am writing this in one way to help set things straight in my mind and perhaps lighten the sadness. But more importantly to send out the message how devastating drinking and driving is and that we are not invincible. I am sure we have all been touched in some way from this but if we know anyone who might have a tendency to be in this situation perhaps we can relay this story.
I am sorry to be down with this post as I like to be a positive person and perhaps this is not the right place for it, but I really wanted to write it. Thank you for listening.
I am writing today about a subject that is non related to the VA industry but I really wanted to write about it.
It is unfortunately a sad story. Last week a young man was killed here in Alix in a car crash. There was a group of them in two cars, alcohol and speed were both factors in what happened. They are young and invincible and nothing could happen to them playing tag down the highway, it was only fun, so they thought. Then a deer crossed the road, causing the first car to slow down and the truck rammed them from behind. Neither Doug or Chelsea had seat belts on and were thrown from the truck. Doug was killed and Chelsea has spine and brain injuries (although they both seem to be treatable, thank goodness).
Now a devastated mother, father and family have to put the pieces back together again. We are a little village of just over 800 people, so we all know everyone, and Doug was the brother of our son's best friend so it has even brought it closer.
Doug was just getting started in life. He had a girlfriend, just started a business with his brother and looking forward to the future. But it must not have been enough to sway him from the decision to drink and drive, and now his light is gone. He will always be remembered here as a fine young man, who was kind and generous but had made one fatal decision in his life.
I am writing this in one way to help set things straight in my mind and perhaps lighten the sadness. But more importantly to send out the message how devastating drinking and driving is and that we are not invincible. I am sure we have all been touched in some way from this but if we know anyone who might have a tendency to be in this situation perhaps we can relay this story.
I am sorry to be down with this post as I like to be a positive person and perhaps this is not the right place for it, but I really wanted to write it. Thank you for listening.
Total Comments 4
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Hi Nancy
I just wanted to say that I understand a little about what you're going through. For the last 8 years of my police career I was a traffic officer so I was the person attending the scenes of these awful accidents. We all used to get so cross because in the blink of an eye lives are snuffed out and/or changed irrevocably. The devastation can be catastrophic to the surviving family; it's so senseless. For the last 4 and a half years I have been a Funeral Co-ordinator and Funeral Director (part time whilst I get the VA business going), so I've gone from being the police officer knocking on peoples' doors at 3 in the morning to give them the 'bad news', to helping them to arrange the funeral and offering a lot of support. Sadly a lot of people suffer from what we in the police over here call, "It-wont-happen-to-me Syndrome". So they just pop down the road without their seatbelt on, or just have "one for the road" in the pub saying, "I'll be alright, I've had a big meal", etc. No you won't be alright! And most accidents happen on roads you are familiar with, regardless of whether your concentration is lessened by drink or drugs. I can't say anything to take away your pain - the only thing that works is time and that's something no one can give. You can help the family (as I'm sure you are) by not being a stranger to them. So often we hear that no one is talking to a bereaved relative because they don't know what to say. I think you did the right thing writing about it - I sincerely hope it was cathartic for you. |
 
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Nancy,
I am glad you wrote about this. This is a very scary thing to see happening and unfortunately it has been happening for years and will continue to happen because like Diamond said people tend to have that "It-won't-happen-to-me-Syndrome". I hope that writing about this has helped you at least in some small way and yes time is what everyone needs in these situations. As I said before I am glad you wrote about it and perhaps someone will benefit from it. Please know that my prayers are with these families and yours as well. This has obviously touched in deeply and I will remember you in my prayers. We too recieved sad news. Very sad new. One of my sons teenage friends cousin committed suicide. I do not yet know the specifics and I did not personally know the young lady, but my son has been greatly affected by it. So much sadness in the world today I think, but we can and must go on with our lives and do everything possible to make this world a better place even if it is only in our own backyard. Please take care and let me know if you need anything or need to talk. Rhonda |
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Nancy, I am so sorry to hear that you have been through this devastating heartache. My 10 year old brother (my older brother at the time) died when my father's car was hit by a drunk driver. As we understood it, the accident paralyzed the drunk driver's wife. It is a pain that has stayed with my family for years.
A point that you brought out that's important to remember is that some of these kids who drink and drive aren't bad kids who set out to ruin their lives. They just have a lapse in judgement that affects their lives forever. However, your speaking out against such things serves as a reminder to everyone that drinking and driving do not mix. Thank you for taking the time to write about your sadness. I hope that speaking out against it has helped to lessen your sadness, if only a bit. Janet |
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Thank you everyone for your thoughts and wishes. Life is moving forward for everyone but it will not be forgotten.
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Recent Blog Entries by Nancy's Virtual Office
- Perservance and Your Dream Will Get You Where You Want To Go (04-19-2011)
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- Unfortunately a Sad Story (09-07-2010)
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