"Every 15 minutes, someone in America dies because somebody CHOOSES to drink and drive".

Today, after months of preparation, at our local high school, there was a realistic simulation of a drunk driving accident with multiple fatalities. My daughter was selected to participate in this event. She'll be away from home for two days with no contact. Shortly before lunch, two uniformed policemen arrived at my house to inform me of my daughter's "death". Afterwards, I was given her obituary and instructions. One thing I needed to do was to write her a letter... I would like to share this letter with you. Those of you who have children will understand my feelings. Additionally, I hope we'll all think twice before getting behind the wheel, even after having "just one". I have been guilty of this in the past.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Dearest Emily,

This morning when I woke up, I knew it would be a day unlike any other. I dropped you off early, kissed you goodbye, and came home to wait. The doorbell rang around 11:30 and there stood two motorcycle officers, wanting to know if they could please come in and sit down. They looked me in the eyes and told me that you had been killed last night in a highspeed accident that involved alcohol. That you'd been a passenger and had been ejected from the car.

I knew that you were really safe at school, and that it wasn't real... and I thanked God even as I sat there that all was well... but I was still very upset. I thought about the mothers and fathers that these two officers had to visit "for real" and break this horrible news to. Those poor parents who unlike me, couldn't think to themselves, "my child is safe, this isn't really happening."

The officers reassured me, shook my hand, and left. They left me with your obituary, with your beautiful picture on it. The last picture that I'd ever have of you, if you really had been killed. I thought how awful it would be to never see your wedding picture, or a picture of you with your new baby. I looked at those lovely eyes looking back at mine and thought, "if this was real, I would never again look into those eyes or see that heart-warming smile, never feel her hug". I'd never get to listen to you genuinely laugh at all my dumb jokes. I'd never get to see you dance or talk with funny accents or ever again hear you say "I love you, Mama". I know that I will get to hug you tomorrow night, but I want so badly to hug you now! What if instead of wishing for tomorrow night's hug, I was trying to cope with the reality that I'd never get to hug you again? How could I ever recover from that?

Please, know how fragile and precious life is. How precious YOU are! Never say "just this once" and get into a car if there is any sort of question about the driver, or if you have any sort of fear whatsoever. Call me, anytime... I will come get you! Please, always wear your seatbelt. And please, always know that even if I'm angry, you are my baby and I love you with all my heart.

I always will,
Mom

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Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom to understand my man, love to forgive him, and patience for his moods. Because Lord, if I pray for strength, I'll beat him to death. AMEN


It's no trick loving somebody at their best. Love is loving them at their worst.
~Tom Stoppard~


It isn't premarital sex if you have no intention of getting married.
~George Burns~


As bad as I am, I'm proud of the fact that I'm worse than I seem.
~A. DiFranco~

beautiful reminder

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The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there.~ Betty Grable

If I wanted your opinion, I'd remove the duct tape and ask you for it.~ Me
<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
One man's dream is another man's nightmare~~~~> §¤ Lilith ¤§
~>My Scribbles<~
==>Gone Shopping<== ~Just a Quickie~ *~A Celebration Vacation~* ~Surprises~ Sleeping With the Window Open
What Did You Do Today? Self Defense Class ~Short Sweet Snippets~ § Summer Spin § Story Challenge Submission Pajamas

Geesh, you made me get all teary flutelady... I hope that the experience is a touching one for all those involved and your town comes out of it with young adults who understand they are NOT invincible.

You're tougher than I am! I couldn't have done it.

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I am here for only a short time on this earth. My goal is to make everyone I see smile if only for a moment.

I'm so glad whenever i hear about school districts implementing this program. About 5 years ago, I attended a conference, and one of the sessions I attended was about Every 15 Minutes. For those unaware, the program entails 1 child "dying" every 15 minutes, being taken away by a Grim Reaper, and returning later painted white and unable to talk. Their obituraries are read over the loud speaker. These children then stay overnight in a hotel, where they visit a funeral home to see the after-effects of a DWI accident, as well as write goodbye letters to their parents. They are allowed no contact with anyone for 24 hours. Also, like flutelady mentioned, there is a simulated car crash outside the school, where one student is taken away in an ambulance, after being declared dead at the scene.

This program is one of the most nerve-wracking, emotional things I have ever witnessed. After seeing the presentation, I lobbied for months, personally, to get the program instated in my high school. It makes me so proud to say that last Friday, Every 15 Minutes was completed for the 4th straight year. Anyone who would like for information, feel free to contact me, and ((((flutelady)))) I'm glad that your daughter's school participates.

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I see your fantasy... you want to make it a reality

Are you in the mood to be subdued

You see these shackles
Baby I’m your slave
I’ll let you whip me if I misbehave

Tie me to the bedpost

I like it rough
cause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all

thank you for sharing that
((((((flutelady))))))

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Trees give peace to the souls of men * Nora Waln

The forest would be very quiet if no other birds sang than those who sing the best * Henry van Dyke

some fairly sordid tales, rambles, and anecdotes
Hypothetically Speaking * Something More * Cammy Interrupted * An Experimental Vacation * Masked * so..damn..hot * Thank You * My toy, his idea * no.19 Maple Lane * I Have A Surprise For You * Yesterday * In a Quiet Kitchen * help me decide * untitled prose * more untitled prose

This program is presented once every 4 years, so that each student will experience it just once during their high school years. Last night there was a parent retreat and it was very emotional for all.

I'm preparing to leave later this morning for the mock funeral. We were told to expect today to be far more emotional than yesterday. But today I get my daughter back, and I can't wait! Interesting how other issues have taken a back seat to merely being grateful for her.


Lilith, Maddy, CGT, FallenAngel5 and Wyndhy... ((((((hugs))))))

FallenAngel5, thank you for sharing your experience, isn't this program something?

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Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom to understand my man, love to forgive him, and patience for his moods. Because Lord, if I pray for strength, I'll beat him to death. AMEN


It's no trick loving somebody at their best. Love is loving them at their worst.
~Tom Stoppard~


It isn't premarital sex if you have no intention of getting married.
~George Burns~


As bad as I am, I'm proud of the fact that I'm worse than I seem.
~A. DiFranco~

Flutelady,

I had talked to you and new this was going on with you and your daughter and the school.
But reading your letter (WOW) just touched my heart what love you showed for your daughter in your letter very very touching. I cried the hole time reading it and thanked God that (M) is gong to be back home safe with you
to bad more Schools don't do this to make kids wise up thanks for sharing with us Love Your Friend MotherPooh :hug:

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golden showers are sweet