A little over a week ago a father was driving through the city with his two children. His son of five years with his bouncing head of red curls. His eyes that sparkled with a smile with what seemed to be continuously. A truly joyful child. His younger sister of two who like most sisters resembled her brother in many ways. Same red hair, same sparkling eyes. Both were just glad to be out with their father enjoying an afternoon.
Stopped at a stop light waiting for the red to turn to green so that they could continue on their way home from their time together, they enjoyed the few moments that it gave them to just sit and enjoy each other’s company. Brother and sister glancing at one another on occasion as siblings do. The father facing forward listening to the giggles and playful sounds his children made. All not knowing what a precious moment they were truly involved in.
Within an instant the tranquility and joy that before was so obvious and welcomed was cut short and turned to a darkness that would eventually consume so many. From behind a speeding pickup came. It barreled up the off ramp towards the back end of the waiting SUV which housed the happy family. It did not slow as it approached the car. It continued until it rammed into the back end of the stationary vehicle.
Without any warning lives were changed. The truck spun around after it hit the SUV eventually landing to the side of the road. The front end smashed. The driver unconscious. The SUV stood motionless. It had been thrust forward by the jolt. The back of it was no more. Pushed into what before was the middle. Emergency vehicles were quick to come to the aid of those in need. Police to investigate the accident, Firemen to help free those who may be trapped, and Ambulances to rush those hurt to the nearest hospital. The father was taken with cuts and bruises to the hospital for observation and review. The little sister likewise was taken to the hospital as she was in the back seat and sustained much of the force which struck the back end.
The little boy with the bouncing red curls and the sparkling eyes that smiled before would smile no more. His tiny body lay motionless. Crushed and mangled by what had just occurred. His life with those who cherished him so would be no more. No longer would his father hear his laughter, his mother hold him close as he fell asleep at night, his little sister grow up and enjoy the wonderful gifts that only an older brother can bestow. He had passed.
The man who drove the pickup: He was injured yet not to the degree as the others. He was taken to the hospital and later released. When told that a five year old boy had been killed due to his negligence, he stated… kill me now. He failed the sobriety test which was given to him on the scene and later was found to have prescription drugs in his system as well. He drove with a suspended license which should have kept him off the road all together. Although his life of freedom was all but ended, he had experienced over 60 years of life prior. Yes he is in jail awaiting trial. Yes he will pay for his actions. But at what cost?
The father was released from the hospital with minor injuries. The sister still lies in the hospital in serious condition. She is still not aware that her brother will no longer be with her. A family has been changed forever and at no fault of their own. All because one person decided to get behind the wheel when he should not have.
16 comments:
This is so horrible, but happens too often.
I am sitting here crying for both families. I wish that they could make it mandatory to place devices in cars and trucks that would only start the vehicles up if you breathe into them and you were clear of alcohol. How many people do we have to lose to drunk drivers.
Thank you for posting this. It is a terrible story, but one that we must remember.
Willow
Oh, gosh. what a horrible story. One that we hear of all too frequently. Too many people drink and get behind the wheel. Remember that mother who was drinking and smoking marijuana on the Taconic Parkway who killed all of those children? And her husband kept saying "My wife doesn't drink", but the evidence was there. We have just had a couple hit and runs over here. Not too long ago, it was a pregnant woman who was killed. They really have to toughen up these laws. These guys and gals who drink and drive seem to have no fear.
Mary
Same story here in Santa Fe. A family who's daughter played basketball but was injured when to see the game anyway. Mom, Dad and 2 sisters going home from a winnin game for "their" team. Parents survived, girls both dead. The man who hit them was similarly driving on a suspended license, in a new truck (how did he buy it without a valid DL?) He was out of jail awaiting trial on another DWI crash where he injured a family of 5. Why do we, the people, put up with this? Why arem't we all working with Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, MADD, any way we can? This is the state where MADD was started but our statistics are the third worst in the US. It's not up to the elected officials....that's a laugh, We....not anyone else have to stop this now.
These families will be forever changed. I will keep them in my thoughts.
I wish they could do something about drunk drivers. But even the ignition locks that will not allow a car to start until you breath into them, aren't fool proof. Many people just get someone else to breath into them.
Maybe someday we will put an end to these.
We need much tougher laws !
~gut wrenching reality of the world we live in...so many lives that have been taken and still people choose not to change their ways...they think there are invincible to such events...how many more have to suffer till it comes to an end...thank you for sharing this story...maybe just maybe it will touch the hearts of some who choose to do this and hault them from continuing...many prayers and blessings for this family...brightest blessings~
I so agree with you Linda. Adams story is but one in a sea of so many. I do not know statistics yet I think I can safely say its a daily occurance.. Not only should we not drive in such a state, we should not allow others to either. even if it means turning them in for thier choice. I know that the wheel of life is ever turning and that good can come from this tragedy as it already has yet at what cost. The life of a vibrant little boy. It just doesn't seem fair.
My heart, thoughts, prayers, and energies go out to this family now...such a senseless tragedy.
It is time for laws to be enacted that put these people who have no regard for the sanctity of life in prison the first time around!
Thank You for bringing this to light...we all must do so in whatever ways that we are able.
Oh my goodness! How sad! Such a loss.
What a horrible tragedy! And to think that this happens everyday to families. I too think that if someone has a DUI they should have to pass a breathalyzer test before their car will start. No pass no go! I really don't want to hear about their rights, driving is a privilege not a right. This is a problem that should be not so hard to fix or at least slowed down. My heart goes out to all involved everyday in these tragedies.
(((HUGS)))
So sad...loss is difficult to deal with...so many times, it splits families further...One drunk driver off the road, but there are many more...be vigilant when on the road...drive safely...we all die, but hopefully not today...
... Gods, everywhere I turn today the emotions come pouring out of me, after being pent up for so long ...
I have a 5 yr old son, and a 2 yr old daughter. I have a vivid imagination. The problem here isn't that I can't even imagine... it's that I can imagine far too well. *wipes his eye*
So incredibly sad - beyond words. A boy who worked for us at the store, hit a telephone pole one night and his friend in the passenger seat did not make it. He wasn't drinking - just driving too fast. Still, he didn't want to live afterward. Such tragedy from one bad decision.
I just have no words....I'm sitting here with tears and goosebumps. How very very sad and so tragic...
Our laws are not stiff enuff...so many with suspended licenses still drink and drive and we need to stand up and start screaming!!
This is so very sad. Life is so very precious--all it takes is one single moment to change everything forever.
Oh my... I got goosebumps while reading this story... How irresponsible some people can get. Imagine the pain this father will carry in his heart forever, and the guilty.
I got super-worried when I knew that Lucas used to go from his dad's city to his dad's girlfriend city, 15 minutes away, seating on the front seat! Imagine if something like that happened... I forbid him to travel again that way.
May the Goddess bless this little girl who alone now.
Stories like this are all too common, unfortunately, and let me tell you...they make me hold my own children a little tighter every night.
:(
RIP little boy with the red curls and shiny, full-of-life eyes.
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