My Heart Is Heavy

Hi everyone,

I've struggled over the last 24 hours as to whether or not I was going to post this.  Ultimately, I feel it's important to share my story with everyone, if it helps even one person.  First, I'd like you to meet my friend Ben.  Always smiling, always laughing, always there for everyone.  A beautiful human being.

Ben turned 29 two weeks ago, and took his last breath on Wednesday, June 15th, thanks to a careless driver who ran a red light because they were texting instead of paying attention to their driving.  It's a terrible tragedy.  He was killed instantly from the impact, and I'm glad that he didn't suffer. 

It's sad that this brilliant, amazing, wonderful young man won't get the opportunity to grace us with his presence ever again.  I tell you, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life, was call his mother to let her know that her baby had been in an accident that he didn't survive.  I'm blessed to have had him in my life, even if for such a short time, and I will miss him beyond anything that I can describe.

I used to be one who texted while driving, and I never thought that one quick text could be the end of another persons life.  Sadly, that's exactly how the events of his passing went down almost 48 hours ago.  Recently, Texas has come up with a law stating that it will be illegal to text or talk on your phone while driving.  Unfortunately, it will come too late for any kind of real punishment for the driver who ended my friends life so carelessly.  The law does't take into effect until September.

Please, please, please, I beg of you, try to remember what's important when you're driving - everyone's safety.  I wouldn't wish this feeling of grief, and loss on anyone.  It is, however, a huge reminder as to just how short life can be. 

Don't forget to tell your loved ones how much you care about them, every chance you get.