In the blink of an eye....tragic update

[Mrs Ava]

....a life can be gone.

Depressing post fast approaching....

Today, October 9th 2006 would have been my darling dads 60th, so we spent it with my mum.  Had a lovely day, sang the old coot happy birthday - the kids nutty idea - played and laughed and remembered.

On the way home, we had to go via Braintree to drop number one stepdaughter off home, and had just turned around to come home when we joined a queue of traffic, just 10 cars away from a pretty nasty accident.  Several police cars came hurtling along, followed by an ambulance, and we all sat in our cars, engines off, waiting to be diverted, hoping that noone was too badly hurt.  The kids were in the car, and to take away their attention from the scene ahead, we practised spelling fun words, looked at the lovely bright slither of moon and talked about our day.  After 20 or so minutes, we were slowely directed to turn around....as as we reached the head of the queue, there in the middle of the road lay a body, covered in a white sheet.  Just like that.  Someone's life over.  All evening, all I have been able to think about is how a family somewhere have had their lives permanently changed.  A loved one gone.

I am not a religious person, not at all, but I am a great believer in fate, and I guess today wasn't our day....daughter number one needed a pee, so we stopped for nature to take it's course.  We might have been at the front of that queue.  There but for the grace of god go I.

[Mrs Ava]

[moonbells]

oh EJ. *hug*

You sound like you need one...

moonbells

[Wicker]

Puts your whole world in perspective, EJ.  Bet you gave the kids and Ava even bigger hugs tonight.......

[Derekthefox]

Indeed Emma, a very sobering moment. It makes so much of our lives and activities seem so petty. I hope none of you had nightmares that night ...

You have my warmth

Derekthefox

[Palustris]

We were in a similar situation on the way to my father's funeral.  It is, as you say, a sobering thought that one simple act can either save or lose a life. The hardest thing is to carry on doing all ones normal activities and not try to 'second-guess' fate or whatever. Take care.

[busy_lizzie]

Yes I do believe everyone has their time, and "Thank God "you weren't meant to be in the front of that queue. It is a sobering thought that all of a sudden life is here and then it is gone, - seeing something like that brings it home to you.  It does reminds you to enjoy and treasure all the good and happy things in your life. I bet you did give everyone an extra hug that night.  My heart goes out to the poor loved ones of the person that died.

Tomorrow is the first year's anniversary of my Mam's death.  The year has gone over so quickly.  I have a garden bench opposite our  little waterfall and pond with a plaque on, in rememberance of her so I can sit and think of her and lay a flower on; I will be out there tomorrow.  We are fortunate as we did a video of her when we held a surprise party for her 80th birthday.  It is a very happy occasion with lots laughter and smiling face. Great to play it and remember the good times.  :) busy_lizzie

[Yellow Petals]

EJ - the "what ifs" are much harder to shake than the incident itself.  You are all safe, you are all well.  All blessed.

Auntie EJ, remember the new life in beautiful 8lb Thomas Harding just a few days ago xxxxxxxx 

[Marianne]

Oh Emma Jane, that is indeed a terrible story - especially for the family of that person who was lying dead in the road.   :'(

It is a fact that death does not make an appointment - it calls at whatever time it sees fit. 

Thank God you and your loved ones are safe and sound. 

Whether you were at the beginning or at the end of that queue, it was not your time. 
I am not a religious person neither but I thank whoever is up there every day for the pleasure each day gives me to love my close family and friends.

Scenes like the one you witnessed can hurt a great deal and I hope you get over it soon.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[lorna]

Emma Jane. Over the years I have said your words each time I have seen an accident  "Some poor family are going to be unhappy today".When we had a haulage business one of our young drivers age 24 with two young children was killed whilst driving one of our lorries.. I can't repeat what I called the other driiver who had stolen a lorry and backed out of a lay by into our lorry. It took me some time to even try and come to terms with that and for the only time in my life I had to take antii depressants., My late husband believed our lives are mapped out from birth to death. I would argue... how can that be? my niece lost two children aged 10months and  a four year old. My beautiful great niece lost her life after fighting cancer from the age of 27, she died aged 35.
Hope your family are not too affected by that terrible accident. Look at that wonderful garden of yours and I am sure it will bring back a little sunshine. Best wishes Lorna.

[Mrs Ava]

In the Essex Chronical today....

"Luca Baccarini, 14, was killed trying to chace his dog after it ran on to the busy A131 dual carriageway..."

Such a tragic waste, just 14.  The driver was an 18 year old local girl who is being treated for shock in Broomfield.  Her life shattered also.

[busy_lizzie]

That is shocking EJ.  So young to have died and such a  tragic and needless thing to happen. It is a terrible tragedy for the 18 year old driver too, what a horrific image she must carry with her.  busy_lizzie

[Doris_Pinks]

Oh EJ............. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(   

[wardy]

What a very sad story.  Two sets of families traumatised.  It really is too awful.  Poor little lad  :'(

[Marianne]

So terribly sad for both parties.   :'(

It will take both families a lifetime to get over their sorrow.

If only we could turn back the clocks....

[redimp]

When I saw update I was hoping for good news - so a kick in the teeth.  I feel for both parties involved and all witnesses - direct and (like you EJ) indirect.