Tragedy
Last night the Snook and I were having fun watching a silly Bollywood film. It was long though, so halfway through we paused and took a break. While the Snook was microwaving some popcorn, I idly opened my laptop to see if I had any email. There was a one line message from my brother Anthony, sent from his mobile phone. My stepbrother Josh was killed in a car accident. “Oh shit.” I immediately tried to ring my Dad’s house but the line was busy. I didn’t manage to get through to them until this morning. By then I saw that the story was in the local paper. They’re… holding up as best they can. It’s just so random and stupid and unfair. I hate that I’m not there to help them out. It just sucks to know that people you love are really, really hurting, and there’s nothing you can do or say to make it better.
Edited to add: The obituary‘s up, less than 24 hours after the accident.
brigita
June 8, 2008 — 12:28 pm
I am so terribly sorry, Kris. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Cecilia
June 8, 2008 — 1:15 pm
I’m a longtime lurker on your blog just surfacing to say how sorry I am to hear this terrible news.
SallyO
June 8, 2008 — 1:51 pm
Kris, that is truly dreadful. And I know how it feels to be such a long way away. I’m definitely thinking of you.
Jenny
June 8, 2008 — 2:26 pm
I’m so sorry. It’s so senseless.
Tricia
June 8, 2008 — 3:00 pm
Kris, I’m so sorry. Our thoughts are with you.
Emily
June 8, 2008 — 3:07 pm
Kris – how horrible for all of you. Thinking about you.
Emily
June 8, 2008 — 3:09 pm
Clare is too. Wish there was anything we could do.
Danielle
June 8, 2008 — 3:39 pm
So sorry. *long-distance stranger hugs*
Arnellies
June 8, 2008 — 3:49 pm
omg *hugs* I’m really sorry!!
Kris
June 8, 2008 — 4:18 pm
Thanks guys. Really, I’m fine. As horrible as it is to say, I never really got the chance to get close to Josh. He seemed like a nice guy though, and he had his whole life ahead of him. My tears have really been for his Mom, his brother, and my Dad.
Kris
June 8, 2008 — 4:23 pm
There’s another part to my sadness too, which Jenny, you know better than a lot of people. There but for the grace of god go a lot of country kids, including us. Yeah, I drove like an idiot when I was in high school, going too fast down bad rural roads. Something like this just reminds us how lucky we are to still be here, and how just as easily it could’ve been any of us. 🙁
(Not that Josh was driving, but it seems speed probably was a factor. Please, everybody, slow down.)
Emma
June 8, 2008 — 6:23 pm
I’m so sorry to read this. My thoughts for your family.
Rose Red
June 8, 2008 — 7:18 pm
So sorry Kris, hope your dad and family are doing ok.
eileen
June 9, 2008 — 2:48 am
I’m sorry to hear this news; my heart goes out to your family.
M-H
June 9, 2008 — 3:38 am
Just read this Kris. Sandra and I send our condolences to you and the family. So senseless.
Becca
June 9, 2008 — 8:54 am
Big hugs to you and all your family Kris – and a good reminder to my generation 🙂
Tia
June 9, 2008 — 10:04 am
Kris, I’m heartbroken to read this loss for your family. My condolences and thoughts are with them, and you.
Nora
June 9, 2008 — 3:23 pm
Just read this, and I’m so sorry. I’ve lost two cousins to car accidents, and it’s so hard. I wish your family the best.
Frances
June 10, 2008 — 12:51 am
I am so sorry for you loss. My thought will be with you and your family.
Moire
June 10, 2008 — 2:25 am
I’m sorry, Kris. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rachel
June 10, 2008 — 11:35 am
Oh, how tragic. It does happen alarmingly frequently in the counryside. I remember it well.
My thoughts are with you and your dad’s family.
It’s so hard to be far from home when these things happen.
Kevin
June 11, 2008 — 5:25 am
Many condolences.
WeeB
June 15, 2008 — 8:50 am
Just returned from holiday and sorry to see this sad news.
Thoughts are with you and your family.