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To Breathe Take A Moment
Dee’s Journey
J ohn Steinbeck once said, “A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike.” An individual’s culture, upbringing, economic status, and personal experience makes this statement true. In a journey of life, a person may experience trials, tribulations, the twists and turns of life, joy, love, sorrow, and pain. In life, a parent never expects to outlive their children. There are some who breathe without effort, so naturally, comfortably. They wake in the morning and go to bed at night and the whole day has passed without giving it a second thought. There are some who have had their breath taken away so suddenly and violently and we’ve never managed to get it back. Some days are easier than others. Some days require more of an effort. Some days, I have to take a moment and breathe. It was Christmas Eve 2014
when my only 2 biological children were killed by a drunk driver. Isaiah was sitting in the back seat and was thrown from the vehicle. Joshua and his girlfriend Shannon remained in the front; all died instantly. The driver was going 95 miles an hour when he ran a red light and hit my son’s car, ending in a fiery crash. While Joshua and his girlfriend Shannon were burned beyond recognition, the driver walked away unharmed. I died that day too. The beautiful life we had was now gone and every day since that violent and tragic death, it has never been easy to just breathe. Joshua was 23 years old made his own costumes for Halloween. He took 6 months of piano lessons, then later taught himself how to play the guitar, drums, as well as the piano and trumpet. It all when his life was taken. He was talented, smart, creative, and artistic. He
came so naturally to him. Joshua was an old soul, wise beyond his years. He was a quiet person and was so kind. Joshua had an aura about him – he was tranquil and had a love for animals and animals loved him. The family nicknamed him the, “animal whisperer.” He would sit on the ground and animals would come to him, I think they were able to sense the goodness and tranquility in him.
“ ... a parent never expects to outlive their children ... ”
MADDvocate ®
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