A St. Patrick’s Day Tragedy
73When looking at the topic of this week's HubMob, I was torn between writing a fun, upbeat hub about the holiday, or writing one about a story of personal tragedy. I felt the need to write both. This one is more a cautionary tale for parents of teenage children, and the teenage children, themselves.
All of what I write in here is true. All of it is painful, and this may be one of the hardest things I ever write. Mostly because I am so hesitant to do so, and it causes me great pain to revisit these memories.
|
From Binge to Blackout: A Mother and Son Struggle with Teen Drinking
Price: $3.88
List Price: $15.00 |
|
Two Truths and a Lie
Price: $13.21
List Price: $15.95 |
|
The Big Deal About Alcohol: What Teens Need to Know About Drinking (Issues in Focus)
Price: $8.57
List Price: $26.60 |
|
Frequently Asked Questions About Drinking and Driving (Teen Life)
Price: $13.70
List Price: $29.25 |
|
My Feet Aren't Ugly!: A Girl's Guide to Loving Herself from the Inside Out
Price: $7.39
List Price: $12.95 |
The Story
Some parts of this story have been told to me second hand, as I was not there when all this happened. Some of the events are known only to those that were there, and in truth, I may never know what really happened.
My sister was a senior in high school. She was bright, bubbly and very talented. She had her whole life ahead of her, and so much promise. She was a dancer on the varsity pom squad at school, a recent winner of a regional beauty pageant, and a talented singer. I could go on and on about how great she was. I often smile when I think of her, and sometimes I cry. I can't help it.
On St. Patrick's Day, several years ago, her school let out early for the day. This was also to be her first day of work at her very first job. Apparently, it was planned that there would be a party at the home of a friend of hers. She attended with her boyfriend.
As with many teenage parties, where the parents are not around to supervise, alcohol was involved. The alcohol was obtained through a friend of the brother of the girl hosting the party. As far as what happened at the party, I can't really say. Different versions of events have been given by those at the party, and I can only speculate as to what really happened. Despite the fact that my sister was a smart girl, and despite the fact that she knew she had her first day of work at her job, where my mother also worked, she had alcohol in her system. That much is known.
At some point, she left the party, drove her boyfriend home, and headed to work. It was March, and the roads were still icy. She was in a hurry to get to work on time, and lost control of the car coming around a corner. Her car hit a telephone pole hard enough to almost split it in half.
Rescue personnel arrived at the scene, and a few minutes later, a car rounded the corner. The car pulled over. The driver of the car sat looking on in horror. The car that was wrapped around the telephone pole looked startlingly similar to the very car she owned, and that her teenage daughter should have been driving. The person pulled over on the side of the road, watching in horror, and wondering was my mother. She pleaded with the police to give her some information. She gave them a description of the person in the car, things that would have been in the car, and the make and model of the car.
They told her it was very difficult to determine the make and model of the car, due to the amount of damage, but that the passenger did happen to be a young, possibly teenage, blonde, and that yes, the descriptions she provided as to what was in the car did match. It was my sister, it was the car. The worst nightmare for a parent in front of my mother in the harshest way possible.
The Outcome
My sister, amazingly, did not die that day. She survived, for a while. Her broken bones and cuts healed. She was in a coma for months as her body repaired itself. Several months in a rehabilitation facility followed the months in the ICU. Finally, she was able to come home.
She was cared for day and night by my mother, with the aid of a visiting nurse. My mother traveled with her to her frequent therapy appointments, and attended to her every need. All in hopes that little by little, she would return to a semblance of her former self. Months had passed, and she had done little more than open her eyes and groan. But, that was something! A glimmer of hope!! She was making progress. Every little eye movement, every little moan was a sign that she was still in there...somewhere.
They played music for her, talked to her, read to her, and held her hand when it seemed she was in pain. Sadly, I cannot tell you that this story has a happy ending.
Seven months after the accident, she was stricken with fever, and had been throwing up. My parents rushed her to the emergency room. It's an infection, and she needs antibiotics, is what they were told. She was admitted to the hospital once again, and seemed to be improving, so she was sent home. For a short time, it seemed that this crisis had passed. Then she started throwing up again. The fever returned. She was once again rushed to the emergency room, and once again admitted to the hospital. Once again, she ended up in the ICU. More aggressive antibiotics were given, and much was done to help her.
Then I got a call. Please come home. Come home now. There isn't much time. I flew home the very next day, on the first flight I could get. Her condition deteriorated. She became septic. They called it ARDS. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. A thing that still makes no sense to me. It sounds like one of those things they tell you when they don't really know what to tell you. Like SIDS. The answer when no answer is possible. After hours upon hours, upon hours of talking, my parents made the hardest decision a parent ever has to make. The doctors could do nothing for her. She had a very low chance of survival, and an even more diminished quality of life if she were even to survive. So, after eight months of struggling, my sister quietly passed away. She had a room full of friends and family around her as she took her last breaths. She was surrounded by signs of the love everyone had for her. There were a lot of tears, a lot of cries of pain and anguish. There was also a lot of love.
The outpouring of love my family felt in the weeks and months that followed was a true tribute to the great person my sister was. So, every St. Patrick's Day is tainted with a lot of sadness. I always wear a little pink (her favorite color) with my green in honor of my baby sister, whom I loved dearly. I see her everywhere, and feel her close to me when I need a guardian angel. I miss her so much, and though I know I will see her again, I am saddened because the world lost out on so much the day she passed away.
SADD & MADD: Two great organizations
- - Mothers Against Drunk Driving
The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. - Welcome to SADD
The SADD National Office offers statistical information, materials, and educational programs to help fight destructive decisions faced by teenagers.
A Note to Parents
I wanted to include a small note to parents and teenagers who may read this.
Parents, please, be aware of what your children do. I know it isn't possible to watch them every second of every day, but be aware of what they do. My parents are great parents, my sister was a great kid, and they had a great relationship, and this still happened. Don't assume you know what your child is doing at every minute of every day. Talk to your children. And, just as important as talking to them, LISTEN to them. Hear what they have to say. Keep an open and honest dialogue with your kids. Start when they are young, so they know they can come to you if they need to.
Talk to them about alcohol and drinking and driving. Tell them that it's ok if they need to call you because someone was drinking and can't drive, or that they have been drinking and can't drive. Do not see this as giving them permission to drink. Trust me, if they want to drink, they are going to do it no matter what you say. But, it is far better to have a child who will be honest, and call you, asking for you to pick them up because they have been drinking than to have a tragedy like this happen, because they were afraid of you getting angry with them.
To the teenagers out there. It seems like such a short time ago that I was a teenager, but the years have been slipping past faster than I notice them. I do remember what it was like. I drank when I was in high school, and I put myself into my fair share of bad situations, but I never got into a car with someone who was drinking, and I never drove after I had been drinking. Even one drink, one beer, is one too many!! I can't stress that enough. If you find yourself in a situation where the person giving you a ride has been drinking, call someone!! Call a sibling, parent, cousin, friend, neighbor, anyone!! Do not get into a car with that person. If you have been drinking, DO NOT DRIVE!!! Even if it was just one drink. Even if you don't get into an accident, you could get into serious trouble. Many states now have a zero tolerance policy for under-age drinking and driving. You could loose your license. Please, if you have been drinking, do not drive! Call a friend or relative to pick you up. If you are afraid of getting in trouble, call a friend, or a relative you can trust.
Please remember to be safe this St. Patrick's Day, and every day!! The world is a much better place with you in it!!
A St. Patrick’s Day Tragedy in the News
- Wabash Valley Mothers Against Drunk Driving offers tips on staying safeTerre Haute Tribune Star1 second ago
Wabash Valley Mothers Against Drunk Driving kicked off the Tie One On For Safety Red Ribbon campaign Monday. The ribbons are intended to remind people not to drink and drive and can be tied to car antennas or rearview mirrors.
- Man Accused in Drunk Driving Fatality Had Previous DUI Case Slip Through CracksIndiana's NewsCenter2 hours ago
FORT WAYNE, IN (Indiana's NewsCenter) --- More information is now available, indicating why a 2002 drunk driving case was dismissed against an Allen County man who now also stands accused of killing an Ohio woman while driving under the influence.
- DRUNK DRIVING - CASPERK2TV Wyoming1 second ago
POLICE IN CASPER SAY THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN DRUNK DRIVING ARRESTS OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. OFFICERS STEPPED UP ENFORCEMENT FROM WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING. THE PEOPLE OF CASPER CAN EXPECT ENFORCEMENT TO CONTINUE TO BE HIGH THROUGH THE DURATION OF THE HOLIDAYS.
- County to set up drunk driving checkpoints durng holiday seasonMorris NewsBee1 second ago
MORRISTOWN - The Morris County Prosecutor's Office will conduct drunk driving checkpoints throughout the Thanksgiving and holiday season.
- Sentencing in fatal drunk driving caseWWMT 3 Kalamazoo2 hours ago
OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Monday saw an emotional day in court as the suspect in a deadly drunk driving case learned his sentence and faced his victim's family.
- Fun Things to Serve on St. Patrick's Day
It's that time of year again when green clovers spring forth in open show-case windows and fast food joints bring back their shamrock shakes. It's that time-honored tradition when you round up... - 10 months ago
- Best Irish Drinks for Celebrating St. Patrickâs Day
 One of the most obvious ways that people celebrate St. Patrickâs Day is to hit up the local Irish bars with their friends and family. After all, the Irish are known for loving their pubs... - 10 months ago
- St. Patrickâs Day for Cat Lovers
I love traditional Irish music. My favorite Irish artists are The Chieftans and The Pogues. The Irish are masters at writing drinking songs that make you want to get up and dance. However, did you... - 10 months ago
- How To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your Children
âMay your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.â â Irish Blessing St. Patrickâs Day is on its way! So what can you do with... - 10 months ago
- The Evolution of St. Patrick's Day Traditions
Food and drink play a central role in most social gatherings. Whenever people get together with family or friends some sort of food and drink are usually involved whether it is light fare such as a... - 9 months ago
- Scot-Irish - The Other Irish
Patty Inglish's Hub, Orange on St. Patrick's Day, got me to thinking about the other Irish - the Scot-Irish of Northern Ireland and a comment I once read, which I think it was made by the Irish... - 9 months ago
- Antrim and Downpatrick: Two Sites Linked to St. Patrick
Can you imagine what it must have been like for a young boy, born in (largely Christian) Roman Britain (probably somewhere near what is now Dumbarton in southern Scotland) and raised in the... - 10 months ago
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks for St. Patrick's Day
Avoid awkward situations at your St. Patrick's Day Party with these wonderful non-alcoholic drinks for your nondrinking friends. In fact, everyone will likely be pleased by a few of them. Add alcohol... - 10 months ago
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
Thank you so much. It is never easy, whether it is expected or not. I lost my grandfather to melanoma when I was 17, he actually passed away on St. Patrick's Day, and while we knew it was coming, it was still very hard to deal with. Bless you so much for your kindness!
I'm at a loss for words. Would a hug do? {{{ }}}
Thanks for sharing this, Anna, what a difficult and sad hub to write. I'm very sorry to learn about your sister, your family tragedy and your loss. I hope your story helps others.
This is every parents and families nightmare. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I know how difficult this was for you to write. You've done an admirable--and touching--job. You have always been a friend to me, and I wish I could be your friend now, but I'm sure you are past any condolences from the likes of me. Know that you have touched me and made me feel for you. I can only imagine what you and your family went through. I have almost the same story with my cousin, and that racked me up so bad, so a close sibling...well, I can't imagine.
My love to you, my friend.
Anna I am so sorry for your loss and for your parents and for all who knew and loved your sister - it just isn't meant to happen this way - generationally it is meant to be the other way - parents then their children - too hard really - very brave of you to share this with us...
ps what a lovely photograph you have put up of her...
Anna, this is the saddest story. I'm so sorry that you had to lose someone you love in this way. A big cyber hug to you.
A lot of teens don't seem to realize that a poor decision (like DUI) can have tragic consequences for them or someone else.
Anna, be grateful that your sister's decision did not involve the death or serious injury to another. Take solace in the fact that this hub may be recalled by one of your readers when the decision to drink and drive is a reality. Be proud that, just maybe, your sister's story you told here so lovingly will safe lives and prevent another family from going through the grief your family suffered.
Thank you Anna.
All of you, thank you so much for your comments, your condolences, your kind words, and your friendship! It means so much. I do hope that others read this, that they are touched by it, and that it prevents at least one such tragedy from happening to someone else. I am grateful that my sister was the only one involved, and that other lives were not destroyed because of this. Thank you again!!
Thank you for sharing your story. It had me in tears. It is very hard to lose a family member and under those circumstance it makes it so much worse.
An excllent true story for people to see. Alcohol misuse kills many every year, if not directly by alcohol poisoning or auto accident, by the abuse some drinkers dole out to their targets.
In addition to your tragedy, I want to add that college drinking games are extremely stupid. What do some people think it's fun to be drunk? It's ugly.
UW-- Thank you!! It really is a tough story to tell, and I still don't know how my parents can tell the story over and over, out loud. I could never do it.
Patty-- Thank you for the comment, and for the point about college drinking games. I admit to taking part in drinking games, but only when I was able to stay where I was for the night, but I do know how it can be taken too far, and cause serious problems.
Yes, unfortunately, I have seen college students die from alcohol poisoning. I keep coming back to your Hub, because it is important and haunting. I composed a Hub of my favorite non-alcoholic drinks in honor of your sister's memory today.
So sad Anna, but thank you very much for your story and more than my words can express I am very grateful that you took the time to do so. Let me explain...just as I began to read your hub my son came in the room. He will be 21 in April and does most of the driving amongst his friends.
Sometimes Anna, when parents try to talk with their kids it goes in one ear and out the other because we are always caught in the middle of and busyness of life that we just cannot always hear. And to teenagers, when parents speak sometimes its just one more of those, ya ok I heard you but really didn't deals...
Your story came perfectly timed for me and my son. This opened up discussion for us for a good hour, something that rarely happens anymore. My son was so interested in the story of your sister that he kept telling me...wait go back...He wanted the whole story and I was grateful that you gave it to him.
Not only did he want to read your story but he wanted to know what everyones thoughts in the comment box too.
Thank you too Patty Inglish for your favorite non-alcoholic drink hub which he also wanted to follow and we read the whole hub all the way through.
It is people like everyone here who will make a difference in a child's life and it could have just been mine! ok well I need tissues now so thank you so very much again! This hub has made a difference! ~Dottie
To make a difference in a young person's life is the miracle of a parent and a friend, Dottie1. Anna wrote bravely and you shared.
Blessings to you and your son Dottie1, Irish and otherwise.
Patty-- Thank you for your Hub on non-alcoholic drinks!!! Drinking (among adults) is fine in moderation, and if done safely, but I do know that there are a lot of people who choose not to drink at all, for various reasons, and often, they are left feeling excluded at parties and other such events. I will add a link to your hub on my St. Patty's Day party hub!!! Hope you don't mind.
Dottie-- What can I say? I started to cry reading your comment. I wrote this, in hopes that it touched at least one person, that it made a difference for at least one person. To know that it has means so much to me!! There are no words to express this. Thank you, and bless you and your son!!
Patty - Truer words have never been spoken and thanks for the blessings. Blessings for you too!
Anna - Thank you again! I just hung up the phone with my daughter who is a freshman at UMass Amherst. I shared your story with her as I did with my son last night and sent her this link so she could read. I also asked if she would pass it on to her friends at college. UMass Amherst houses 20,000+ young adults. Let's pray that this tragic story will make a difference in many more by the ripple effects of your story. Thank you for the blessings and blessings back to you too!
What a powerful personal testimony. My heart goes out to you and your family, it's hard to know what to say. Still, we're all blessed by you sharing this reminder if it makes one teen think, or their parents more aware. I raised five kids and this easily could have been one of them in that car. My only daughter one time allowed a 15 year old unlicensed driver drive her first car -- because she herself had been drinking. The girl rapped it around a tree in an Orange grove, totalled the car. Life is fragile and precious.
Dottie-- Bless you!!!! Thank you for sharing my story with your children, and hopefully your daughter will share it, as well!!! The more this message gets out, the more people who read it, the more of a chance it has to impact someone's life in a positive way. That is the message my family and I have wanted to pass on. Thank you!!!
Jerilee-- That is a sad story, but despite the outcome, I admire your daughter for having the smarts to hand over the keys when she had been drinking!! The outcome may have been far worse had she been behind the wheel. My blessings to you and your family!
Lovely graphic, ProCW!!!
Dottie1, if you all can touch any number of those 20,000+ students with this story, it's a miracle. it may even become one of those emails that is passed around to contacts - and it will be true.
And I'd be honored to be linked to the Party Page :) I like parties that are fun.
Anna Marie (cute)
I am so proud of you and your story. It seems as though you have accomplished what you set out to do. Look at Dottie1 and her son. I pray that other parents and teens heed your warining. Life is way too short and fragile and worth much more than that 1 drink. Much Love and Blessings to you!
YFAK! :)
Patty-- I am glad you don't mind!!
IMissHer2-- You still don't know how to type, do you?? LOL!! (This comment was posted by my aunt. I can tease her if I want to!) Thank you, though!!! I am so glad that this was so well recieved!! Love ya!!! YFN!!!
This is such a upsetting stroy for me to read, I can not even imagine going through it. I am so sorry for you and your families loss.
But thank you for writing this. It really is powerful. A great reminder to be careful.
Should be read in every highschool English class.
This was a difficult story to read so I can only imagine what it is like to have this experience. I'm sorry that this happened to your sister and your family.
Your having said you what did in the beginning of this hub, about it being painful and difficult to write this, tells me that it took some courage to both write and post this. I think it is good that you did work through that. It seems from the comments that your telling this story is fulfilling your wish - to potentially help others think about their own situation and perhaps keep this from happening to someone else.
naunette-- Thank you!!! I can only dream of this reaching that many people, as to be read in every high school english class. That would really be something!!! I can only hope.
Lupo-- Thank you. It did take a lot of strength to publish this. I debated back and forth with myself about it. I am grateful that this story has touched people, and gotten this message out in a more tangible way.
I pray that the people whom read your story will take it to heart & pass on. Drinking & driving is never okay. Life is way too short. Your story echos my own families story. I lost my cousin Jamie when she was 19 years old. She had her whole life ahead of her. It was Easter morning. I will never forget it! Thank you for sharing it & reminding us all to take drinking & driving very seriously. Peace and Blessings to you & your family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Envoy-- Thank you for your comment. I am very sorry for your loss. My sister's name was Jamie, as well. Thank you for contributing your own story.
Sorry to hear about what happened to your sister. Hopefully this story will help some younger people think about not drinking and driving when they go out to parties.
Losing of young lives is always a tragedy especially for parents and siblings. My son died in a car accident aged 24. Alone, late at night (early am actually) after a night out. He was the classic insurance statistic but he was also my son. Parents should not have to bury their children it is against the scheme of nature. Reading your hub brings back the pain which never goes away. Thanks for sharing your pain with us. Btw he died on march 27 (13 days after St Patrick's day).
Wonderful piece of writing, baring your soul for us. It takes great courage to do this.
SweetiePie-- Thank you!! I hope so, too!
sixty-- Thank you for sharing your own story! You are right, it just isn't natural for a parent to outlive a child. It is heart-wrenching, and the pain never really goes away. Bless you! My heart goes out to you.
True you can't watch them 24/7 and at some point in time you have to let go and let them grow. But still check for bad weeds of so called friends. I have a 17yr old son that I am having to send away before he destroys himself or someone else or both. And he just can't seem to see it. He hates me now I'm the worst mother that ever lived. But, I do not mind at all. I'll be the worst with a son 6ft above the ground.
I condolences for you great losses, and also thank you for being a Fan.
Dear Anna Marie,
I am Dottie's daughter. I would just like to thank you very much for sharing this touching story. It was a great reminder about the dangers of drunk driving. I know never to get in a car with a drunk driver and to make sure my friends don't either. It is much better to be safe than sorry! take care and God Bless!
Fenique-- I know that must be hard to have to do. I am sure he doesn't see how harmful what he may be doing now is, but be strong, and I am sure he will thank you one day. Thank you for sharing.
Tracey-- You are more than welcome. It is very great to hear from you, since your mother has mentioned you, previously. It is great to know that the message is getting out there. God Bless!!
I was checking out the St. Patrick Day Hubmobs and stopped in to see if there were any new comments, not really expecting to see one from my daughter Tracey since she has been home sick from college and sleeping most of the day, hahaha.
Thank you Tracey for taking the time to read this message even when you are not feeling well. Did you pass it on to any of your friends? You never know when you can make a difference! Keep the message going, girl and hang on to it tightly yourself, love mom:)
Dottie-- Your daughter's comment surprised me, as well. Thank you again for sharing this with your family. Your daughter sounds like a wonderful girl!! I hope she feels better!!!
Such a sad story Anna Marie.
For you and your sister.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kZuBzY1iHc&feature
God bless
Mike
Wow, Anna. I don't know how you wrote this, but you did so freakin well. I don't know that I could have gotten past the tears. But this is a truly important message and I'm so glad you got it out there.
My kids are nearing their teenage years and I am terrified of something just like this happening. We plant seeds that they will hopefully remember when the time comes, but unfortunately I'm afraid they will do what they want no matter what at some point. When you have your whole life ahead of you, it's hard to imagine you could take that life away from you and others in a split second of time. That's all it takes. One split second.
Thanks for sharing.
Just noticed this hub Anna - can't think how I missed it earlier. Thank you for sharing your story - I can see from the comments how it's touched all who read it and after Dottie's comments, I knew I wanted to share this hub with my teenage daughter too as soon as she gets home.
It must have been devastating for your family - I'm so sorry.
Mike-- Thank you so much!!! That video was great!!! The Lord's Prayer in Gaelic is really beautiful! I have always wanted to learn Gaelic.
Frieda-- Thank you. This was hard to write. I wish you the best of luck with your children, as they go through their teenage years and beyond. Treasure the moments you have with them!!
Shalini-- Thank you so much!! Please, do share this with your daughter!! The more people this message gets to, the more of a chance it has to make a difference in someone's life.
Your welcome Anna or Anna Marie? My sister's name is Anne Marie. She doesn't like just Anne. Stems from mom's rules. :-)
Yeah I've always wanted to learn Gaelic too. The young lad saying the Lord's Prayer looks like quite the character.
Either is fine. I can understand. I had a friend who's name was Ann Marie, and she prefered that to just Ann, as well. Yes, the kid in that video did look like quite the character!! Still, maybe I can get him to teach me Gaelic!
Here's a site to learn Irish Gaelic Anna Marie. They have a forum to ask questions too.
http://www.erinsweb.com/gae_index.html
If you like Celtic stories you might like the Milesian genealogies. Milesius was a descendant of Jacob (of Abraham, Issac and Jacob). Most of the Irish and Highland Scots are descended from one of the three sons of Milesius. I see my line from Heremon 84. Apparently we can trace our line back to Adam and Eve from this with a little research. The links at the top of the page are interesting too.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~fianna/history/m
The Milesians also brought Lia Fail to Ireland. You may have heard about it. It goes by a few names, Jacob's Pillow, the Stone of Destiny, the Coronation Stone and a few others. It was said to have roared with joy when the right Ard Ri (High King of Ireland) was picked to be crowned on it. A couple of months ago I had a discussion in the HubPages forums on the importance of Lia Fail today. It starts about half way down this page if you are interested.
http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/8543?page=3
I hope you don't mind me posting this here Anna Marie? There should be a lot of people looking at your hub between now and St. Patrick's Day that may be interested in this too.
Mike
Mike-- I don't mind, not at all!! Thank you!! Interesting info on the descendent of Jacob!!! I think you could put together an interesting hub on the subject!!!
That's so sad. Thank you for sharing. If only people paid attention to real-life stories like this.
Mrs Hozey-- I can only hope that they do.
Oh Anna Marie, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. It's incomprehensible that such senseless tragedy can snuff out the life of a beautiful, promising young person.
Thank you for sharing this cautionary tale about the dangers of underage drinking. Since St. Parick's day is traditionally about drinking to excess (adults as well), this is the perfect pairing of messages. Great hub!!
MM-- Thank you. It really is incomprehensible. I went through that first week, waking and thinking she would be there, or that she was just off at school, and she would be home. It seemed to become real to me in stages. Sometimes, it still doesn't feel real. I hope someone reads this and thinks of getting a DD or a cab if they do choose to drink.
That made me cry and how sad as she was so young and absolutely beautiful, it is wonderful that your family are advocates and what a loving sister you are to wear the pink and the tattoo is adorable, this story touched my heart. I also have given you a briefing on what ARDS is as I hope this helps.
ARDS is a type of severe lung dysfunction which can effect one or both part of the lungs brought on by severe illness or severe injury and can progress to other parts of a persons organs and normally develops within 24-72 hours after the original illness occurs and is always high priority in hospitals ...ARDS can develop with Sepsis or from Trauma, Shock, Pneumonia as well as other causes, I unfortuantely as a Nurse has seen ARDS work on both sides as some pass away and others survive, it saddens my heart that you had to experience this. God Bless
AEvans-- Thank you! My sister was a beautiful, sweet girl, and I miss her every day. She loved penguins, especially Chilly Willy, so that's why I got the tattoo. Thank you for the info on ARDS. I know that the doctors explained it to us, and everything at the time, but I was so upset, and emotionally distraught, that it really didn't stay with me. I guess the injury itself wasn't the cause, but the infection later on, added to the fact that she was still in a partial vegetative state, and everything is what led to the ARDS and yes, sepsis. She didn't even look like herself at that point. I am sure, as a nurse, you understand what I mean.
Oh Anna I am speechless. She was absolutely beautiful. I am so so sorry for you and your families loss. My heart is nearly beating out my chest.....I send all my love to you on this day my beautiful HP friend.....all the hugs my arms can give to you.....Love you heaps x0x0x0x0x0x0x0
BP-- Yes, my sister was gorgous, and bubbly, and sweet. Thank you!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!! That really means a lot to me!!
Anna, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful sister. Thank you so much for sharing this heart wrenching story as it is a very important one. I have great admiration for your parents who've chosen to honor her life by educating others on the dangers of drinking and driving. Your hub had me in tears for all of you... And the many others who've been faced with this terrible tragedy.
wordscribe-- Thank you so much! I miss her every day. I hadn't read this in a while, and just re-read it. It still makes me cry.
Loved ones lost are irreplaceable. You are brave to tell this sad and tragic story about your sister. The reason why i love writings and writers who share their own personal experiences, no matter how painful they are, is because they touch a variety of chords among us who read. There are lessons to be learned, and in your case, who knows how many will be forewarned. My deep condolence to your family and thanks to you.
IslandVoice-- I love reading about experiences and ideas other writers have had. I agree, so much can be learned from it. I do hope that this has reached people.
ProCW says:
10 months ago
Hey. I'm sorry for your tragedy! I lost my Grandmother last year to Leukemia and it was expected. I don't know what I'd do if I'd have lost one of my family members to a tragedy like this! Bless you, Anna Marie. I wish you and your family the best.
ProCW