This morning I left bright and early to ride over to Fred Meyer for a great clearance sale. I rode with a smile and though the wind was rather chilly, I was very happy to be out on my bike getting fresh air and exercise (not to mention how happy I was about saving so much money on some clothes for the kids). About a mile from my home I began hearing siren after siren. As I got closer to the main intersection I was able to see why so much commotion. Countless people had gathered along the street, emergency vehicles encircled what would be the worst accident I have ever laid eyes on. As I peddled through the masses I tried to catch a glimpse of the wreckage. I find it interesting how something so traumatic causes so much "rubbernecking" (such a funny word isn't it). Anyway, I wish I hadn't been there so soon after the wreck. Instinctively my hand shot off my handle bar to my mouth to cover my gasp. Just as quickly as my hand shot to my mouth, my hand shot my heart. I couldn't tell how many cars had piled up, but one car stood out among the heap, it was upside down and paramedics were swarming the driver's side. There was such chaos it was virtually impossible to tell what was what or make sense of the crash. When I got to the stop light and pressed the crosswalk button I had time to listen and catch glimpses of conversation between police officers and witnesses, I even chatted with one witness as she was waiting to go back across the street to her car. What I gathered was that it was a drunk driver going 60, ran a red light, swerved in and out of traffic, passing on the shoulder and median, and well, the rest is obvious.
You may be wondering why I post this today. Well, I can't stop thinking about the innocent victims who fell prey to an ignorant human. As I rode away from the wreckage my heart was drawn out in prayer for the victims and their families. I thought of the individual who made the ignorant choices that will change the lives of countless people. Yes, I felt sadness for this person as well. I can't help it, it is the social psychologist in me. What drove this person to drink so excessively, and at such an early hour might I add? I thought about how this person will feel when they recover from the affects of alcohol.
I find it shocking how one moment I am riding with a joyous disposition and the next my heart is aching. I know this was not the most joyous post, I just couldn't resist writing these thoughts. Has anyone else delved so deeply into the mind and heart of such individuals? What are your thoughts on the matter?
2 comments:
Yes, similar thing happened in Okinawa. I drove past the paramedics bringing a blue baby out from its home and into the ambulance. The parents were in shock on the grass. Ohmee Cupp was there and our understanding is that the baby died. Horrific to loose a child, especially a baby. Everytime I passed that house I thought of the young mother who lost her baby and her emptiness that she must have felt. THe house was empty a short time later, I'm sure they moved back to the states. So sad...
That is very sad!
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