Remembering Karen

Two years ago today, Jan. 10-04, at about 4 in the afternoon, my wifes mother Karen was killed in an auto accident on the way to afternoon services at our local church. This was not just any accident, it was a horrific hit and run collision.

My father-in-law was driving and Karen was in the passenger seat. Right behind Karen was my 11 year old son and sitting next to him was his friend. A man,(whom I WILL NOT repeat his name) tried to pass their car in a no-passing zone, realized he wasn't going to make it and moved back over into their lane where it struck them sideways and shoved the car across the lane of traffic and eventually was hit broad-side by an oncomming truck.

Karen was rendered unconscious by the collision and landed in my son's lap when her seat broke due to the force of the impact. The inside of your Nanna's skull is something an 11 year old is not supposed to see. My father-in-law also sustained massive trauma in the crash and to this day has not driven a vehicle. My son and his friend were rushed to the hospital and released with minor bruises and seatbelt abraisions. The detective on the scene sped to the service my wife was already attending and pulled her out of her seat and brought her to the accident scene. She, herself, has not been back to that church. Karen never regained her vital signs and was pronounced dead on Jan. 12. (ONE day before my youngest son had his first birthday).

When she called me at work in a panic, I wasn't sure what was going on. She said she had to get to the helicopter to go with her mom. I think I was in a state of shock by then. She told me I had to get to the local hospital to meet my son who would be there alone. I had NO idea he was even involved in the crash. When he arrrived in the ambulance covered with his grandma's blood I was more nervous than any parent should have the right to be. He looked at me, shaking, and said, "It's not my blood daddy,,, It's Nana's".

I was beside myself.

I sincerely apologize for the graphic nature of this post but as hard as it is to read you can only imagine how hard it was to deal with. All I could do was be strong for my 5 children and my wife.

The real reason for this post is to praise Karen's life.

Today, Jan. 10 is the 2 year anniversary of the accident and although the pain has subsided a little, last year was just a blur and somewhat still of a shock. I know this year will be harder. I plan to take the day off to be with my wife.

I had recently posted about Karen last month. The post is titled,
"Time lost".
It contains a poem written by a dear friend of Karen's. I hope you get the time to read it because it sums up her life, (and death) beautifully.

Some time today, say a prayer for Karen.
Say a prayer for my wife and son.
Say a prayer for My father-in-law, Bob.

Say a prayer for strength and peace.