Why we do what we do: David Andrew Cook Pamela Ondash’s Son
O n July 17th, 2011, my husband and I rodeo. We didn’t receive any calls due to the lack of phone service in the area. Suddenly, David’s best friend showed up at a store where we were getting ice cream for the kids. It was a surprise since we were two hours from home. I instantly thought the house burned down because of no other reason for his presence. He told us that David was gone. I said, “What do you mean by David’s gone?” He said, “He was killed by a drunk driver” and were away with our grandchildren to celebrate one of their birthdays at the didn’t want us to hear it on the news and couldn’t call because of the phone service. The grandchildren with us that weekend were David’s children. We drove 2 hours home, looking at the fear in their faces because all they knew was their dad was in an accident. David was riding a motorcycle before being struck by a pickup truck. The pickup truck flipped twice on impact; the driver left the scene of the crash. The police caught the offender later and I learned he laughed throughout the entirety of the arrest while refusing a field sobriety test. Not only was he not remorseful but was driving twice the legal alcohol limit. He was uninsured, driving on a suspended license and obtained the vehicle
illegally. He was imprisoned, denied bail and was sentenced between 2 ½ to 5 years and was denied parole twice. He was required to complete his 5-year prison sentence due to being a threat to society. The offender was later released and I found he wrote on social media that he was a free man; this was on the seventh anniversary of Dave’s death. My grandchildren had to grow up without their father. Holidays and vacations without David have been challenging. My family is there for my grandchildren every step of the way. My sister has been my greatest support throughout my healing journey; she is always beside me. Additionally, we had support from a MADD advocate who supported us through the criminal justice process, which was amazing. I wouldn’t wish this life experience on anyone. One of the reasons I volunteer is to protect my loved ones from substance impaired drivers. Think before you drive. If you’re impaired, don’t drive. If you are a victim or survivor going through something similar, please take your time, understand that setbacks are expected on certain days and to be gentle on yourselves. It’s just a matter of time.
MADDvocate ®
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