My haunting
“What is the hold up?” As I sat in the line of traffic, I fumed. We had been in stop and go traffic for 35 minutes and I had enough. I mentally tried to readjust the strict after TKD schedule I kept.
Ty and A were quietly reading in the back. Toby was passed out in his car seat. Great now Toby won’t sleep tonight. Ty only looked up from his new Ant book to ask me a few questions. Could be worse. They could be arguing.
I picked up my cell to alert hubby to the frustrations of being home late and noticed my cell phone was dead. Not only could I not contact him, but I couldn’t leave myself a Jott to remind myself to Start! Charging! My Phone! Already! Ironic?
Soon, we inched up to a church and I saw police lights flashing and yellow tape. Finally, we can get past this accident and get home.
I looked over to the accident and gasped. It was a motorcycle accident. I looked at the ground and saw the blood. I saw the sneaker across the way. more blood. The helmet. under the back of the car. More blood. Immediately, I began to cry.
The site of the accident alone was enough to send anyone into tears. For days as I closed my eyes I could see the scene. Every time that site haunts me I think of my brother. He is close to age of the victim and has had a few motorcycle wrecks.
Not only do I think of the blood, the white sheets draped over the car, or the mangled cycle pushed up onto the sidewalk, but I think of my selfishness. How important I thought my schedule. How dare traffic mess up my plans! How important I thought myself. How uncomfortable to sit in that traffic!
Yes, it was so uncomfortable to sit in my nice air conditioned minivan. Meanwhile, a young man was fighting for his life. My kids were sitting comfortably and safe reading and sleeping. Meanwhile a family was finding out that their beloved son was dead. While I had a little pity party, a family faced planning a funeral.
Whenever I think of this scene I cry, still. As I type tears choke up in my throat. I cry for this loss of young life. I cry for the family and their grief. I cry because I was so arrogant with my small issues.
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19 Responses to “My haunting”
February 5th, 2008 at 11:04 am
This is a gorgeous post! What a sad reminder about what is important!
Mama Zen’s last blog post..Can You Spare Me Some Good Vibes?
February 5th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I do it too. When I get held up in completley backed up traffic fustrated and impatient. My first thought it, come on, I have things to do. Then my guilty second thought is, my God, take your time…if that was me, I’d want them to do whatever was needed to get me and whoever out safely. Then as I sit there listening to a song for the fourth time I say a silent prayer that they’re ok. How sad for that family.
Lynsey’s last blog post..Confessions…
February 5th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
What a sad and beautiful post.
Sometimes it takes someone else’s nightmare for us to realize our own dream.
LunaNik’s last blog post..Lonely Girl
February 5th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
What a horrible and sad story. Sometimes it takes something like this to take a step back and slow down and remember what’s important and to be thankful for what we have.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I was that selfish person once. The one who was fuming about being delayed. Then a good friend lost his 25 year old in a car accident that shut down a major city freeway for an entire afternoon. Now, instead of fuming…I just pray.
Momo Fali’s last blog post..Oprah Cliffs Notes
February 6th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
so sad. momo fali’s comment is one I will remember……
candace’s last blog post..I worked the pole (I mean the poll)
February 6th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I’ve been that selfish person before. I think most of us have at one time.
Andrea’s last blog post..Arachnophobia!
February 7th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I really try sometimes to realize that my problems, in the grand scheme of things, are minute.
Gina’s last blog post..No Wishes Here
February 8th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I’ve been grumpy lately - thanks for the gentle reminder…
nutmeg’s last blog post..More on what happy looks like?
February 8th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
What a powerful post! An incredible reminder of what really is important.
My hubby rides a motorcycle to work and it scares me each morning and evening. I make him call me when he gets there and before he leaves to head home.
I
CableGirl’s last blog post..FlashBack Friday - The Kiss
February 8th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Well written.
Blog hopping–HP
Sarabeth’s last blog post..Bypassing that which does not fit
February 8th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
That really put it all into perspective… beautiful post.
blog hopping = etcetera
Tara R.’s last blog post..Harbingers of spring
February 8th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Wow, incredible post. Thank you. How true. How true.
Maureen
Blog hoppin’
February 9th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Thanks for the reminder of how precious life is, and how easily one can get caught up in one’s own little inconveniences.
Pomtini’s last blog post..We interrupt the regularly scheduled Fashion Friday
February 9th, 2008 at 12:01 am
What was it my mom always used to tell me?
There but for the grace of God go I.
Wonderful post.
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..Story Time With Zoë—Volume II
February 9th, 2008 at 12:19 am
How humbling this type of reminder is. Thank you for reminding me to slow my life down a little.
Blog hoppin’
Margarita Miss
Miss’s last blog post..Leap of Faith #1: Trust
February 10th, 2008 at 10:41 am
You’re tagged!
Mama Zen’s last blog post..A Quick Email
February 10th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Wow. Way to put things into perspective for all of us…..
julie b’s last blog post..Growing Taller
February 12th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Such a beautiful post. I’m so sorry you had to experience this. Thank you for sharing.