...my family (inc. my Jetta)
...my friends
...my Samir
...my apartment
...my job
...my books (obviously)
...the food in our pantry
...the opportunities presented
...the desire to do more
...the ability to dream
but most importantly
(because there's always one thing more important than others at any given moment, even if it does change daily)
...that my brother wasn't in the car.
Last night my brother went out drinking. He got home safe, his friends did not. Sober, Justin drove home past midnight. Around 2:30am he got a call. Two of his friends, one of which being his best friend since age 10, were in a car accident. They were driving drunk. At the hospital two hours later they both died.
It's something you hear about, are warned about, but never think will happen to you or someone you know. Because you are more powerful, smarter, better, safer, immune.
They were stupid deaths - avoidable and reckless. It wasn't just that they were drunk, they also weren't wearing their seat belts. Two simple suggestions ignored. But I can't be too angry at them.
I can't imagine being Justin right now - how much pain he's in. He didn't come to Thanksgiving dinner at my grandparents house, of course; he stayed at home, protected by Jetta. I called him when I thought he'd be okay to talk and he was, to a point. I'd never heard him cry so much. I felt helpless, but at the same time like my heart was torn apart, aching and aching. For him, for his friends. It was his best friend. At the hospital at 4am he watched him die.
I cried a lot this morning, for Justin at first and then for my friends. Each tear rolling down represented another one. They're okay, yes, but will they always be? Being Thanksgiving, I didn't want to call them with a sob story, so I started texting each one. I wanted to let them know I cared. I wanted to let them know that I was thankful to have them.
And I am. Each one - I wouldn't be the same without them. And I wouldn't' survive without them. (Just as I am thankful to have you, each and every reader)
But above all - I'm thankful Justin wasn't in the car. Because that - that I don't think I'd be able to write a blog post about.
12 comments:
That's so terrible! =( Your brother must be really distraught, I can't even imagine. But at least he's okay.
That is terrible...Thanksgiving weekend is notorious for accidents like these. It could honestly happen to any one of us. No one can say they are careful about drunk driving 100% of the time. My thoughts go out to your brother and his friends' families.
I'm so sorry that your brother had to experience that. The holidays are always tough - especially when you have a constant reminder of something that happened.
But I'm so glad for you, and for him, that he's okay physically.
Sounds like your brother may have a guardian angel looking after him. He will always remember his friends, especially every time he takes a drink and gets into his car. I will say a prayer for all of them.
I'm glad to hear your brother is okay.
what a sad story. i'm happy your brother is okay.
What a waste this is. Here in Australia it's like a part of the culture that young men HAVE to drink and drive and die. At least your brother is being cared for. Hard to think about what he's feeling. What a waste all round. I HATE HATE this sort of thing.
I'm so SO sorry this happened, but so thankful your brother was okay. I'll keep him in my prayers. *hug*
I'm very sorry that this happened. You're right, it's a tragedy you hear but never expect it to hit so close to him.
I'm praying for your brother and the families of his friends. I can only imagine how hard this is on everyone.
I really feel for you, your brother, and his friends' families. This is unfortunate, and you should feel very thankful...even though it is still very, very sad :(
i love you, lau. i'm so glad justin is safe.
-kt
Oh, no, Lauren. I'm so sorry for your brother's friends. I can't imagine the pain your brother is going through right now, but I'm very glad he is okay. *Hugs*
Post a Comment