Thursday, November 10, 2005

raw

By the time this Friday is over, my niece, Caitlin, will have attended the wakes of three friends -- all teenagers, killed in two separate car accidents.

Katelyn was a neighbor of Caitlin's family, already graduated from high school. She was hit head-on by a drunk driver. Katelyn loved kids and worked two jobs that allowed her to be around them, at a Babies 'R Us store and a mall carousel. She also excelled in art. She was 19 years old.

Carl was driving his 1994 Ford Probe when the car slid out of control and hit a tree. He died instantly. Carl loved to play the guitar, and he was into extreme sports, skateboarding, snowboarding, and snow and water tubing. This is his senior portrait. He was 17 years old.

Steve was riding in Carl's car. He suffered massive injuries and underwent two surgeries before dying three days later. Steve was an avid wrestler and Eagle Scout. He and his twin brother, Sam, built trails and bridges in a conservation area for hikers and snowshoers to use. His sister, Jess, is one of Caitlin's close friends. This is also his senior portrait. He was also 17 years old.

As if losing one friend isn't bad enough. Three in one week? I fear becoming melodramatic or overly pedantic. So I have nothing else to say except, 'rest in peace.'
~~~
Real post time 1:15am

3 comments:

Chrysanthemum said...

I'm so sorry to hear about all the loss. We just recently lost a friend unexpectedly, and it's just terrible. But three... and teenagers. There are really no words that ease that pain.

My thoughts and condolences go out to everyone touched by these accidents.

Anonymous said...

Hi I'm Happy?

kellycoxsemple said...

Thanks, Chrysanthemum. I, too, am sorry to hear about your friend.

Relitive on mw st., who are you? I can ascertain from your unique handle that you are related to me and were experiencing a spelling glitch when you created the name. But I don't know which of you wrote this. Sammi? Couldn't have been Josh. He was at a movie with me at the time this comment was posted. Dan? I'm confused. And the message is enigmatic.

Help!