Accidents on the road lead to tragic losses
With the amount of traffic on the roads these days, every time we hit the highways, it is like playing Russian roulette. Some people drive like a bat out of Hades. The road rage among drivers is a real thing. The sheer number of vehicles on our roads makes driving hazardous in the best of conditions.
Legislators are enacting laws such as the “Hands-Free Law” to try and lessen the chance of accidents because of the use of cell phones. Texting and driving has been the cause of many unnecessary deaths. It is now illegal and, in my opinion, a good thing. I am guilty of doing it. I have nearly wrecked while doing it. With the new law, I am more careful to not text and drive. I hope you are, too.
I’ve personally seen drivers texting, talking, putting on makeup, changing clothes, eating and even driving with one leg hanging out of the window. Some of these actions are so outrageous, one might think common sense would override these risky behaviors.
There are so many fatal accidents in today’s world, we think little about them unless we happen to know the family. I don’t think that makes us bad. I think it’s normal. Surely, our brains can only process so much bad stuff at one time.
One of our local families was struck by tragedy this past week because of an automobile accident. They were struck not once, but twice. Nancy Evans and her grandson Andrew both lost their lives because of the accident. Nancy was 53. Andrew was 6.
I have known the Evans family since my elementary school days. Lauvice Evans worked in the North Canton Elementary school lunchroom the entire eight years I was in the school. She was a terrific cook who kept us kids fed. And, she was way more than that. She was also a person who took the leftovers to the kids and their families who wouldn’t eat if not for her. In my mind, she was the kind of person who made a real difference in the lives of people.
Miss Evans raised three beautiful daughters of her own; Linda, Becky and Nancy. These ladies were raised with the influence of their mother and that of the North Canton Village. Although I know Linda and Becky well and Nancy only vaguely, it was evident by the number of people who went to offer their condolences, they all have the same heart as their mama had.
Before this tragedy, I had never met Chris Evans. You see, Chris lost his son and his mother at the same time. It is unimaginable what he must be going through. I briefly introduced myself and told him how much I loved his family and how much their friendship has meant to me over the years. I then said my standard line in these situations. I said, “I’m so sorry for your loss. I have no words.” His response to me was one that I will never forget. He was humble. He was crushed. He shook my hand, looked me in the eyes, and said, “There are no words. But, I thank you for coming.” This initiated a hug. No other words were spoken between us. There was no need for any.
A couple of days after the service for Nancy and Andrew, I received word that a friend from the golf club, Jeff Stone, had lost his 22-year-old son, Robert, to another tragic automobile accident. Much like the Evans family, Jeff is another saltof-the-earth member of our community. Even though I don’t know his children, I do know the mentor they have in their father. He’s a good man.
I had the honor to speak with Jeff a few hours after he heard the worst news a parent can hear. My response to him was the same as to Chris. I have no words. Through tear-filled eyes, he asked me if I have children. I told him I have a beautiful 29-year-old daughter. He looked at me and said, “Then you can imagine what I’m going through.” I can’t and hope I never have to.
Nancy, little Andrew, and Robert, all left this world sooner than we think they should have. As evident by their ages, death knows no boundaries.
All we can do is live life like there’s no tomorrow. Tell somebody you love them while you can. You won’t regret it.