Two funerals and a drunk driver

[okarol]

I went to 2 funerals today. One friend Bill was 84, and the other, Hal, was 90. They lived good long productive lives and even though it is sad to lose them, it's their time to go. They had friends and families that loved them and their lives mattered to many people.

I have never had to go to 2 services in one day and it makes me wonder if it's because I am getting old??

At one of the services the minister talked about choices. He said that life has a beginning and an end. We don't get to choose when we are born or when we die - but we get to "live in the in-between" and we have choices about how we do that. It made me think - am I doing enough? What if I died right now - what would anyone say?

This evening I took Johnny to Jack-In-The-Box. While we waiting for the food I saw a man fall out of his car. I went and asked him if he was alright. He had wet his pants, he could barely speak, and when trying to get back in the car he tried pulling his legs in with his hands. He was really drunk. I told him he should not drive and he said he wouldnt but he needed food. Johnny and I got his food - he handed me a handful of bills - he had no idea what he was doing. I turned his car off and took the key out of the ignition. He promised he would not drive anywhere.
After we ate we could see he still didn't have his legs in the car. By now it was getting dark and it's a sketchy neighborhood where we were. Anyone could have taken his money or his car, he was so clueless. We ended up calling the sheriff, but after 30 minutes they didn't show up. Johnny could not believe it. He thought they'd always come quickly if you called (just like on TV.)
The guy finally managed to get his feet back in the car. After turning his turn signals on and off for 5 minutes he got the car in gear and started to drive out. Johnny called the sheriff again to tell them he was now driving, and very drunk. I pray he doesn't kill himself or someone else on the road.
I guess I should have told the dispatch that he had a heart attack or something.
Maybe they would have responded sooner.

I am exhausted!

[willowtreewren]

Karol,
You should be exhausted. Even if though you weren't able to keep that drunk off the road until he sobered, you did what you could.

We have to stop beating up on ourselves when we think we haven't done "enough."  You did more than any one else did. You should get an award.

Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

Aleta

[David13]

Sounds like you had quite a day, okarol.

It is very upsetting that the police never bothered to show up.  And just a thought, but how would you like to be the poor person who has to clean up the chair this guy had been sitting in at the restaurant?   

[dwcrawford]

This is, on several levels, a poignant and emotional post.  Of course I have comments, but I need to digest so many things first.

[Wenchie58]

Karol....if there is anyone who SHOULDN'T feel that maybe they haven't done "enough", it is you.  Even though I have not met you in the real sense I feel that I know you and the type of person that you are.  In your quest to care for Jenna you have learned, grown and touched many, many lives.  I have no doubt that you will continue to do so as long as you draw breath.  Rest assured, Girlie...you are making your mark on the world and the people you touch.   

[Sluff]

Karol you did what you could do.

[monrein]

What strikes me most Karol is the truly great example that you set for your kids by your actions and your compassion for people.  That is a wonderful legacy for anyone to leave.

Your day sounded extremely draining, both physically and emotionally.

[paris]

Okarol, thank you for showing Johnny how to be compassionate and caring.  These are the lessons they remember; the ones they see their parents  be a hero.  You didn't comdemn the man or belittle him. You did all you could to help.  Johnny will remember that his entire life. You have given you children such wonderful examples day by day, of how to live a good life.   I am always proud to know the amazing person you are.