New Year's Day 1987, my family's life was changed because of drinking and driving. I remember waking up super early that morning to the phone ringing. My ex-husband and I were in San Antonio visiting his family for the holidays. My aunt was calling to tell me that my brother Bill had been killed shortly after midnight. Turns out he and some friends went out celebrating New Year's. They had all been drinking and had a wreck on a deserted county road. Bill was thrown from the pickup and killed instantly. It is hard to even remember the emotions that ran through me when I heard. I didn't believe it. I was screaming "NO, NO, NO". I was angry. I was heartbroken.
Bill was 18 years old. He had just finished his first semester of college. He didn't get to get married and have a family. He didn't get to know his nieces and nephews. They only know him through pictures and stories (and there are some good stories!).
It's hard to lose someone you love. But it's even worse when it happens because of something that could have been prevented. With that being said, I beg of you, please don't drive under the influence!!! Call a cab, call a friend, stay where you are, call me! I want to be able to spend time with each one of you in 2012.
4 comments:
Thanks for posting this, Tracy, I know that it had to be hard to write. I am thinking this post will make others think about this and hopefully keep someone from driving and drinking! I am so sorry that you have had to experience such a horrible thing. I know that your speaking and blogging about this is making a huge difference!!!! Praying for you during this tough anniversary.
This breaks my heart about Bill. Over the years I have felt him missed so much from things I hear from Grandmama, your Mom, Aunt Patsy, my Dad... I honestly didn't even know the details, just that he died in an accident and that was all that was ever said. I'm glad you posted this. It is a good reminder to be responsible and know that there are consequences to actions like drinking and driving. So many young people think they are invincible. I have my own reminders from Jeffrey's situation. Thinking and praying for you, I know grieving is something that never ends.
Thank you Brenda. It is hard, but it's really been healing for me.
Natalie, the day that I heard about Jeffrey is very clear in my head. You are right, grieving is constant.
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