Careless Driving Causes Injury and Death

I was sick last week with a virus and when I was finally feeling a bit better, I got knocked down by sad news that someone I know was killed in a motorcycle accident.

I am sad. I am angry. I am upset. I am frustrated and aggravated. I am confused. This accident was not caused by the carelessness of my friend, who happened to be driving a Harley. His accident was caused by the stupidity of someone else behind the wheel of a car. Two years ago, My girlfriend died because someone ran her and her boyfriend off the road while on their Harley. Again, someone else’s carelessness.

Do you not realize that your carelessness can cause injury and even death to another? Let that sink in…

Turn the tables. If someone caused you pain by taking away someone you love because they were being careless or stupid behind the wheel….how would you feel?

What is it exactly that happens to people when behind the wheel of their car and/or while they are driving with motorcycles on the road? I can not understand. Do they forget how to drive? Do they not see a person on a motorcycle? Do they not hear the motorcycle? Have they made unfair judgments in their head about motorcyclists and could care less for their life? What is it?

My friend who waited for the light to turn green so he can make his turn, was sideswiped by a vehicle. Did you not see him on the motorcycle? Were you in a hurry? WHY? You gave him such a severe leg injury that he bled to death. You have taken a son, a brother, a uncle, a cousin and a friend.

His family and friends will never be the same and he is not able to live the rest of his life here with us. AND…your life will not be the same either because Now you must live the rest of your life knowing you caused his death.

Seems so senseless to me and this could have been prevented if only people would respect others on the road. We all have the right to be on the road, driving what we chose.

SEE them, HEAR them, RESPECT ALL DRIVERS. Stop being in a hurry. S l o w down. Trust me, you will get to where you need to be. Don’t let your travel cause injury or death to another. Life is precious, treat it as such.

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy for his family and friends.

Jeff…..ride with the angels.

And as I dedicated this poem to my girlfriend, I now post it for Jeff

I saw you ,,,but you didn't see me

THE BIKER (author unknown)
I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But,you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me,cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But,you didn't
see me, going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat
my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you
didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you, race down the road in the rain. But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.
I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.But, you didn't see me, leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, go home to your family.But, you
didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off. I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family.
But, you didn't see me.
I hope you never loose someone that rides.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A
FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE'RE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY - LIVE TO RIDE
. . . . RIDE TO LIVE

Yellow Roses

The other day while in the food store, I noticed an older gentleman walking through the aisles with a bunch of yellow roses in his hand. It just brought a smile to my face.

I don't know why, but any time I see a man carrying flowers...I smile. Maybe it makes me think about why...is he just bringing flowers to make someone smile, to say I love you or express he's sorry...

Whatever the reason...I see a sensitive and caring man.

On this particular day that I saw this man with the yellow roses it brought a smile to my face for a different reason. First I thought...odd...yellow roses in November? Somehow I associate those flowers with spring and summer. BUT, Hours earlier I had read an email from a friend. Was this coincidence? a sign? a reminder?

Read the email below:

T-bone Steaks and Yellow Roses

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.'

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.

'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.

Happy Father's Day

The memories of my dear Father, instead of the agony I once felt, are now sad sweet feelings in my heart...

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Forgetting What Memorial Day Means

Along with the other holidays we observe...we are nonchalant about the true meaning. Christmas is Santa Claus and gifts, Easter is candy and the Easter Bunny, Forth of July is fireworks and so on...

Let's take a minute (just ONE minute) to observe Memorial Day. As you read this post, remember....

Memorial Day is a United States Federal Holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action.

Many people visit memorials and cemeteries. The US Flag is flown half mast from dawn until noon. Volunteers place an American flag on each grave site located in a National Cemetery.

This also is the time when people get together for barbecues, family gatherings and sporting events. Some towns still hold parades. It's also known for the official start of summer.

But,...I AM taking the time to remember my relatives, my friends and YOURS who have died while serving our country. I am also thinking about the men and women serving in the military right now.

We Shall Keep the Faith
by Moina Michael, November 1918

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.

A Fallen Solider

The affect of the war has come close to home. My mom’s friend of almost 60 years, lost her 23 yr old grandson last week in a terrorist bombing in Afghanistan. Being at the wake last night was very emotional. The 6 Army soldiers that traveled with Steve, guard him 24 hours. The emotions on their faces, in their eyes were evident. The Governor of New Jersey greeted the attendees with words of attempted comfort.

Steve leaves behind not only family and friends, but a young wife and a 14 month old daughter. His daughter will never actually know her father. Steve was scheduled to return home next month.

As I proceeded to express my sympathy to my mom’s friend (who I know rather well), her daughter and family and to Steve’s wife, I couldn’t help but to feel angry…anger directed toward the war and those involved. Then came disbelief and sadness.

I watched the soldiers. I just couldn’t take my eyes from them. Two of the soldiers that took the trip, looked liked babies…so young… innocent to so many other things in life, yet seeing so much in their brief years. How sad to think that their minds will be forever affected. By what they must do, what they have seen…as with anyone associated in war. Here these two young men are not legally old enough to buy cigarettes or alcohol. Barely past the age to register to vote… driving experience of a very short time… Yet they are trained, handed a weapon and taught to kill to defend us. I can’t fathom that thought.

I made eye contact with one solider. We spoke silently. As he viewed the family pictures, scanned the room of family and friends, you could almost see his mind going in so many directions. As he turned with misty eyes, I extended my hand. We shook hands and to my surprise...he said "thank you"

Can you imagine? HE thanked me.

Before I left the funeral home last night, I shook hands with each soldier, with the exception of the soldier guarding the casket.

Thanking them for what they are going through for each one of us was the least I can do...

For each one who is affected by this war...who may have a loved one away from home, for each one who has lost a loved one...I am so very sorry you have to go through this experience.

Life is Short

Life is short. Life and it all it contains should be precious to each one of us. We shouldn't overlook the little things. Family, friends and even people that cross our paths for a short time, shouldn't be taken for granted.
Make sure you tell them you care. If you aren't able to express yourself with words, do so with actions...a hug, a peck on the cheek, a visit or telephone call.

I sat down in front of this computer not really knowing what I wanted to write. All I know is that I needed the therapy I get from writing...writing something...anything...just keep my mind busy with words.

I didn't want to bring more sad news about my family and/or friends to my readers, but it is part of me, my life and in life in general. This morning I learned two more of my friends have passed and then two hours after that, my cousin called to tell me his father, my uncle, passed away. In 6 days, 4 angels have been called home. How very emotionally draining for everyone...

I'm sure you have read or heard this inspirational quote..."Don't put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today, for tomorrow may be too late"

In this world of materialism, I believe gifts of our time shared with who we care about is a much better choice. That phone call we might make, the visit to our family, even when we get stressed out while visiting. Taking the 'time' to connect with someone we care about. We live in a rush rush world, where there isn't enough time to do everything, but we should find the time.

A friend just recently was saying how he hasn't visited his father and he knew he should. He let a few days pass and then went to see him. I could hear in his voice how glad he was that he took the time. Even though his father isn't one for conversation, the fact that they were sharing the same space was enough. I am positive his father, in his quiet ways, enjoyed and appreciated the time spent with his son.

Why do we procrastinate over the simple things that would connect us to family and friends? Is it stress, feelings of guilt or just in thinking we have tomorrow ?

Bitter Sweet Moment

Something happened to me today that has touched me greatly. I found that one person can touch another person's life in many ways and you may never know. I found one person can love you and you may never know...unless of course one day it comes out in the open.

I was dreading today as I needed to attend the wake of a friend I have known for over 30 years. Of course, we kept in touch on and off through the years, as he married, and then moved to Florida. He frequently returned after his divorce to visit with family and friends and it was those times that we would catch up.

My circle of high school friends have a strong bond, which gets confirmed at each happy or sad event in our lives. We all grew up together, some since kindergarten and shared the many, many ups and downs of life. Most of us still live in or around the same town we grew up in. When we get together, memories of our childhood are always present as are tears from the laughter we share speaking about our past or from the sadness of loosing someone we love.

On Thursday, I received a call from my friends sister telling me the sad news. I have never met his family, but since my number was in his cell phone, she felt I was important enough to receive a personal phone call.

Today, arm and arm with another friend, we took a deep breath as we headed into the funeral parlor. Through blurred eyes, I Looked in. I first saw another friend and we went directly over to him. As we hugged each other so tight, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

As I turned around, a woman said to me..."you must be Andrea"...yes..."I am 'his' sister and I was the one who called you the other day"...I hugged her, expressed my sorrow and thanked her for calling me.

Because I was so emotional, it didn't occur to me at that moment how she knew who I was.

Later while speaking with another friend, we reminisced and I mentioned that our friend (who just passed) and I had been speaking lately. The last time we spoke was a couple months ago. He already knew that. I must have had a surprised look on my face and he added..."HE really cared about you and brought you up quite often" and he spoke of me to his family... that's how his sister knew who I was.

I was stunned that I had touched him in ways I never knew. Such a bitter sweet moment for me. My head reeled from the thoughts flooding my brain.
I wish I knew...
I remember getting this email that contained a list of things 'somebody' might be doing right now. I remember reading it and thinking...ok, it can be true. Well, I found that email and want to share it with you. Today proved the writings of this poem can really be true.

Right Now
-somebody is thinking of you.

-somebody is caring about you.

-somebody misses you

-somebody wants to talk to you.

-somebody wants to be with you.

-somebody hopes you aren't in trouble.

-somebody is thankful for the support you have provided.

-somebody wants to hold your hand.

-somebody hopes everything turns out all right.

-somebody wants you to be happy.

-somebody wants you to find him/her.

-somebody is celebrating your successes.

-somebody wants to give you a gift.

-somebody thinks that you ARE a gift.

-somebody loves you.

-somebody admires your strength.

-somebody is thinking of you and smiling.

-somebody wants to be your shoulder to cry on.

- Unknown

Another angel has been called home...miss you already...

Coping With Grief

Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult and stressful experience we ever face in our lives. Yet an experience we all, unfortunately, will have to face and cope with at some point in our lives.

As my Dear Zubli wrote in a comment he left for me:

For each of us the inevitable moment. The one has returned to reality. While we are still in this movie, we shall prefer to say, I know that I shall pass this way but once, lest I forget to safeguard my only one chance, let me give purposefully the best now here and in the here after I shall gain, for I shall never ever pass this way again.

Loss can include the break-up of a relationship, a miscarriage, the termination of pregnancy, separation from family and friends (homesickness), loss of health, moving. Other forms of loss can still touch us so profoundly, such as the death of a pet or if you happen to be a medical or nursing student, you may have experienced feelings of loss when a patient dies. With loss comes a strong feeling that part of our emotional world has changed forever and can never be retrieved or made good.

When my cousin unexpectedly lost her husband at the age of 47 in April 2007 and then loosing her mom (my aunt) one month later, I wrote a Squidoo Lens on How To Cope With Grief.

Truth be known, it really was a way to help myself over come the grief I was feeling. Losing my Dad 7 years ago still feels like yesterday. I find that when someone close to me crosses over, it stirs up memories and sadness I felt from a loved one that previously passed on.

Doing research for my Squidoo Lens on the various forms of grief and finding ways to help get through it, made me realize that what I was feeling was a normal response to loss. It was very helpful to me and so I wanted to share it with others.

Now as I feel myself riding this carousel of loss once again, I turned to my own Squidoo Lens for support.

If you are experiencing any type of loss, please read How to Cope with Grief.
I hope it offers support and helps get you through.

I give you this one thought to keep

I am with you still -- I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone -- I am with you still -- in each new dawn

God Wanted Her More

I wanted to take time to Thank those who stopped by and offered prayers and well wishes for my friend Natalie. I just can't express how your kindness touched me.

But, God Wanted Her More...she is now at peace, soaring with the angels. She will always have a piece of my heart. Til we meet again Nat...

Losing A Loved One
By Shirley H. Brunson

Although your heart is hurting,
And you feel you can't go on
Know in that very moment
Your loved one wasn't alone

For God was there beside them
Holding onto their hand
As the time drew nearer
For them to leave this land

He held them close and whispered
"My child, your time is now"
"But how will my loved ones go on?"
He whispered, "I will show them how"

"I will give them strength and love"
And comfort in the night,
I will fill their hearts with peace
Knowing you had wings as you took flight

You no longer walk amongst them
For now you fly above
With all my Heavenly angels
Spreading ever lasting and eternal love

Internet Bonds of Friendship

For anyone who thinks it is not possible to form strong bonds with "Internet" friends, you are mistaken. I have mentioned on several occasions friends I have met through myspace. A couple friends have even been guest writers here.

With all the bad hype myspace and other communities receive, I will defend it. It is up to you who you choose to connect with. Like attracts Like. If it wasn't for myspace or mybloglog, I would never had the opportunity to meet such special people. It is a wonderful feeling that warms ones heart.

The bond that forms is so strong, the friendship so real. This type of friendship is on a whole other level...it involves the mind, the soul and the heart, not the physical. The connection goes deeper.

Is it because you aren't face to face, in person, and can share your inner most thoughts and secrets? Is it because you are not being judged by how you look, what possessions you have or what job you go to day after day? Is it because when you write to one another, the truth comes out and you aren't afraid what the other person is thinking? Is it because the 'real you 'comes out?

The reason for this post is because one of my friends...Hippie (aka Natalie) needs our prayers.

Hippie is from Oklahoma. We began our friendship about a year ago. Starting with emails,that went right into IM's, quickly growing into phone calls. We even spoke about actually meeting each other one day.

I can't tell you the countless hours spent as we sat in front of our computers,using our web cams, laughing hard and out loud. The countless hours, days, months of chatting girl talk on the phone, telling our secrets, supporting each other through good and bad times. Whenever we needed each other, we knew we only had to 'log in' or call and bamm..we were there for each other.
Both of us going through break ups, we really leaned on each other for support.

I remember sitting in front of our computers; her helping me with my web site, me helping her with html and then realizing we had household chores to do, telling each other we'll meet back in 2 hours...I remember being on the phone while decorating our Christmas trees and telling each other the meaning behind each ornament we hung on the tree. I remember having a drink while being on the phone to toast the New Year. I remember all we shared and all that we know about each other, our families, friends and children.

I received an email that Natalie was in a motorcycle accident in Colorado. She is in a coma, had to have immediate brain surgery and is on life support. I spoke to her daughter last night and the chances are uncertain. I'm so far away and feel quite helpless. This news hit me like a ton of bricks.

So for any who are afraid to form a bond with an Internet friend..you are missing out on the wonderful friendship you can form. For anyone thinking it's not possible, you are wrong.

I believe in the power of prayer. If you are still reading this post, please include reading the prayer below...for Natalie...for anyone you feel is in need...and for YOU.

Prayer for the Sick
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep.

Tend your sick ones, O Lord
Rest your weary ones.
Bless your dying ones.
Soothe your suffering ones.
Pity your afflicted ones.
Shield your joyous ones.
And for all your love's sake. Amen.

Saint Augustine


Please let me end this with a plea to anyone who ride motorcycles...PLEASE WEAR A HELMET