In honor of our younger brother, Chris, who was killed when an impaired driver crashed into the van Chris was driving. Today is Chris’s birthday. It has been nearly three years since he was stolen from us. He died on the 19th of November, 2016 and we have all been dealing with that tragic event to the best of our abilities since then.
Unlike death caused by natural causes, when a loved one is snatched in this way there is so much more anger and grief. Initially we were all in shock and as we gathered for his funeral the one question that could not be answered continued to reverberate, whether spoken aloud or not: Why? Why Chris? He was such a good person, quick to offer help to everyone, not only his family. The funeral itself revealed how wide spread his kindnesses ranged. People he had worked with over twenty years ago turned up to pay their respects. There were literally more people than we could count. It was a great comfort at such a hard time.
As we tried to pick up the pieces and carry on, we were all terribly worried about his children who were teenagers at the time. Memories return as I write this of our niece standing stoically at the graveside. Her brother at her side. Their strength was amazing, but their pain could not be hidden. They are still grappling with it.
I have written many posts about the tragedy and the long drawn out court case that followed. On the other side of the coin was a second family that was torn apart by this totally preventable and horrendous event: the family of the impaired driver. He was found guilty of impaired driving causing death. At the time of the “accident” he had just left a baby shower – his child would be born shortly before he was incarcerated. He would not be there for those precious formative years. That child would not know her father for many years. The mother of the child was forced to be a single parent. His parents and family members will carry the pain and the shame of knowing he killed a good man. The impaired driver was 38 years old, if memory serves. He will live out the rest of his days with this on his conscience. He wrote a statement which he read out in court on the day he was sentenced. In it he apologized to our family. I have to say it helped somewhat, but many are still struggling through the grief that hits again and again.
The number of people affected by this senseless tragedy is staggering. Our family alone is very large, add to it our extended family: aunts, uncles, cousins etc. Then there is the community of which Chris was an active part. The number of friends and coworkers, team mates, and more. I do not know a lot about the family and friends of the impaired driver, but will assume there are many. All of us impacted by one senseless and stupid decision.
And so, as I have many times, I implore readers to consider our story and the awful fallout that follows when a person drives impaired in any way and I say, please, don’t!
May you continue to heal as you grieve. ❤️
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I am healing – sometimes I think I am healed, but certain dates like birthdays are hard – thanks so much Ruth. I am hoping sharing our story may make some small difference….
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Grief is sneaky… even a smell… I hope it makes a difference too!
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Thanks so much Ruth
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I’m so sorry this happened to your family.
I’m also afraid that saying “please don’t” doesn’t often get through to the people who need to hear it, for the very reason that they are impaired. So, to those with these people, please pay attention, and when necessary, take away the car keys! Better for them to be angry with you than for someone wind up gone forever and others with a lifetime of regret.
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I hear ya! Yet, I hope writing about the fallout does give people pause and that they do take away the keys…. thanks so much
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So sorry for your loss. Indeed it’s extremely tragic. Something totally avoidable.
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Yes, it was totally senseless. Thanks.
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Welcome 🙏
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LIFE CAN BE SO CRUEL CAROL, CHINA
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Yes, it can. But hopefully we all gained something – some bit of insight or mercy through this terrible ordeal. Thanks.
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Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
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Thank you, China
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You are so brave to speak out about this. It really is something that needs to be addressed. So many lives being lost needlessly.
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Thank you. The ripples of pain and heartache that result after such a stupid decision are wide and ongoing. I just hope it helps somehow, or someone.
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I’m sure it will. 🙏
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Oh Carol. I never knew this. Firstly, I am so sorry. Secondly, I pray that this message goes home to those who might do this. Too much of this happens.
It is so hard on birthdays, anniversaries etc but when the circumstances of death are such, it is much the worse. Praying for you today Carol. You are very very strong. ❤️
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Thanks so much. Yes anniversaries on particular dates remind us again of all we have lost. Thank you for your prayers – I believe it is the kindnesses of others and prayers that do keep me going and strengthens me.
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Carol I am so glad that these things strengthen you. Much love to you and your family today
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What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger eh… thanks so much
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Absolutely Carol. And you know I know that. It’s a fine line sometimes though
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Yes it is, very fine at times.
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❤️
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I am so sorry for your loss! I can attest by a close experience that guilt and grief can both tear worlds apart. The concious mind can torture and torment through our memories. Grief can be eased a little with forgiveness of another’s actions. But forgiveness comes much harder when who you are forgiving is yourself.
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Thank you, Sue. Yes that has been my experience as well.
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Such idiot drivers should have life sentence who take life of innocent road users. I run driving schools Rushden and always teach learners to be a responsible driver and considerate other road users.
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It is terrible that one very bad decision does to families. Thanks for visiting and for your comment. I hope your students heed well your good advice.
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Reblogged this on Imprints We Make and commented:
I thought that this blog post titled “The fallout from impaired driving” that was posted by a friend was well worth sharing:
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Thanks so much. It’s so hard to express all the pain of losing a loved one is such an utterly senseless and totally preventable circumstance. I appreciate this so much.
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Thanks so much. It’s so hard to express all the pain of losing a loved one is such an utterly senseless and totally preventable circumstance. I appreciate this so much.
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I am so sorry Carol. My heart goes out to you and Chris’s loved ones. I have shared this on Facebook with my friends and on my blog. If even one person makes the wise choice after drinking due to reading this post then sharing it has been worth it. I wish for you, your family, and for everyone affected by this tragedy some resolution around it and eventual peace. May your brother Chris Rest in Peace.
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Your kindness is a comfort. I worry most about his children who are still young, not grown up completely yet.
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Your story breaks my heart, and I am so very sorry for your loss. I will pray for you that you find comfort and grace for your pain. Blessings to you.
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Thank you so much. Chris has two children who were teenagers at the time of his death. I worry most about them. Prayers are most welcome and appreciated. May you be blessed in turn.
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We will continue to pray and believe they will find the Lord’s comfort and grace through this pain. 💗
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God is good and is healing what seems to be impossible to heal. I can only speak for myself as I know some family members continue to struggle. Thank you for your prayers.
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Thank you
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