Hey guys.…. I apologize before hand for this, but really just need to release some emotions. And, well, you all are sort of extended family. Last night about midnight my family and our small school received some tragic news. One of our senior boys had been killed in a horrible auto accident. Great kid, always had a smile, always willing to help out, and always respectful. He was also a good athlete, playing tailback on the football team and point guard for the basketball team. He and two other boys had gone to Troy (a town about 18 miles away) in the evening to get dinner. On the way home, the hit the back end of a disabled log truck (fully loaded) that was on the dark country road and in the middle of the road. The devastation was immediate. Both this boy and one of the others (his first cousin) were killed on impact. The other boy was air lifted to UAB in critical condition. Another car stopped to help, and one of the good samaritans was struck and killed. So, three fatalities and three more in bad condition. Crappy night.
It hits very close to home for me as my oldest daughter is a senior this year in the same class and very close to this young man. In fact, they had been dating but broke up at beginning of summer. They were still very close friends, and beginning to "talk" again. He (and most of the senior class) have spent the better part of summer at my home swimming and enjoying their last summer together before they all split for college. Obviously she is grieving and taking this hard. Normal grief things, full of "what ifs" and such. Actually, the entire school and community is taking this very hard- as is the neighboring community and school that lost the other boys. Both communities combined have less than 3,200 residents, so very close knit. I cannot fathom the pain that the parents are feeling this morning. Nor can I shake the bad feeling that while my first reaction was shock (close friend working the scene as paramedic called me to give me chance to prepare my daughters and because they hoped I could tell them where his parents were), a very close second reaction was relief my daughter was not with them. I know this is normal.. but still.
For those that made it this far, thanks for allowing me to vent. Not many people in my group that are not grieving now. Hate to add to it by voicing even this little bit. If you are the mind and faith, please say a prayer for our community, school, the family and my daughters. Regardless, please give your loved ones a hug and remind them that you love them- especially your kids. Life is fleeting. Way too fleeting....
It hits very close to home for me as my oldest daughter is a senior this year in the same class and very close to this young man. In fact, they had been dating but broke up at beginning of summer. They were still very close friends, and beginning to "talk" again. He (and most of the senior class) have spent the better part of summer at my home swimming and enjoying their last summer together before they all split for college. Obviously she is grieving and taking this hard. Normal grief things, full of "what ifs" and such. Actually, the entire school and community is taking this very hard- as is the neighboring community and school that lost the other boys. Both communities combined have less than 3,200 residents, so very close knit. I cannot fathom the pain that the parents are feeling this morning. Nor can I shake the bad feeling that while my first reaction was shock (close friend working the scene as paramedic called me to give me chance to prepare my daughters and because they hoped I could tell them where his parents were), a very close second reaction was relief my daughter was not with them. I know this is normal.. but still.
For those that made it this far, thanks for allowing me to vent. Not many people in my group that are not grieving now. Hate to add to it by voicing even this little bit. If you are the mind and faith, please say a prayer for our community, school, the family and my daughters. Regardless, please give your loved ones a hug and remind them that you love them- especially your kids. Life is fleeting. Way too fleeting....
