Sad Story Here at the End of our Street
Two nights ago a 71 year old man was driving south on the road that T's at the end of our street and two motorcyclists flew up behind him, also traveling south. The man believed they were a truck and pulled over to the shoulder to let it pass. One of the motorcyclists was passing him on the left, but one was attempting to pass him on the right shoulder, hit his car and both people on the cycle died.
We heard all the hubbub, but didn't know what happened until we saw it on the news before bed. I went to bed thinking about the families of these people. I knew one had died at the scene at that point, the 19 year old girl on the back. The 22 year old driver hit a tree and died at the hospital. It was strange and awful to think of a life ending right there at the end of our street while we sat in our living room watching television. The poor man who had to witness it all and be a part of that.
I also thought of all the really stupid and sometimes downright bad things I did at that age and have to wonder why some people make it through and are given a chance to grow and mature and become more careful and attentive to the subtleties of life...and some people are cut short at such a young reckless age. The phrase "there but for the grace of God go I" ran through my head that night.
We heard all the hubbub, but didn't know what happened until we saw it on the news before bed. I went to bed thinking about the families of these people. I knew one had died at the scene at that point, the 19 year old girl on the back. The 22 year old driver hit a tree and died at the hospital. It was strange and awful to think of a life ending right there at the end of our street while we sat in our living room watching television. The poor man who had to witness it all and be a part of that.
I also thought of all the really stupid and sometimes downright bad things I did at that age and have to wonder why some people make it through and are given a chance to grow and mature and become more careful and attentive to the subtleties of life...and some people are cut short at such a young reckless age. The phrase "there but for the grace of God go I" ran through my head that night.
Comments
In other words, don't hot dog, etc. Passing on the right while another passes on the left? Not the safest thing, as you saw first hand. Not the car driver's fault, but the young man who not only sacrificed his life for his error, but that of his lady friend.
You are correct; I count the times I 'should have', and wonder "WHY, God? What IS it you would have me do with the gift you gave me back?"
Each day, each moment is so precious. Right now, going through this move, it is so easy for me to get lost in the future - and yet life is happening now, each breath, right here.
Thank you for reminding me of that today.