As my children enter their senior year of high school, I am sadly reminded of the recklessness of teen drivers. Statistics show that teen drivers are by far the most careless drivers of all drivers on the road. While many guidelines and laws have been put into place to protect children, tragic accidents still happen due to mere neglect from these young drivers. Because there are so many distractions for these young drivers, it is imperative that we, as parents, talk to our children each and everyday to remind them that when they are in the car, they have not only their lives at the wheel, but also the lives of other drivers and passengers as well. Texting, music, laughter, food, and drink are only a few of the distractions that must be avoided at all cost. Putting your foot down as a parent and warning, even nagging if you will, may not only save your child's life, but also the lives of countless others. So parents, let's step up, be parents, and get our kids attention to drive safely.
In 1981, when I was a senior at school, I woke up one morning to a phone call that forever changed my perception of driving and safety on the roads. Two of my friends were in a car accident. One friend lost his life as their car slammed into a tree. The other friend was driving and lost his leg as a result. I wrote a poem about this incident ....
The Memory and Love of You
The day began one early morn,
The news was heard,their hearts were torn,
A life was gone, a friend was lost,
Another hurt, his leg the cost.
His friends they met, they talked, they cried,
They couldn't believe that he had died.
"He was too young", that's what they said,
"Why did God call him to His bed?"
The night, the rain, the silent fear,
The curve, the tree, his death was near.
Just two began, but one remained,
The ride, the flash, a timeless strain.
Their voices, their hurry, their rush, and scurry,
Their prayer, their tears, within silent fury,
One silent now forevermore,
The other rests at death's still door.
November's bright and cheerless day,
All and all they arrived to pray.
Pallbearer's silent tears so gray,
Would nothing hush that dread away?
A Pastor's voice, a heart felt prayer,
So many stood for one not there.
A bed of death, of earth, and stone,
A bed for one to rest alone.
The book has closed, the storm has passed,
The day, the hour, the time doesn't last.
The future life is guidance clear,
Life goes on with cautious gear.
Remembering his smiling face,
His cheery jokes, his zest, and grace.
each one will start their day anew,
The memory and love of you.
Kari L. Burd
in memory of Randy Tolles and Robbie Wilson
written: December 4, 1981
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