It's "Public Policy season" across the country as most legislatures are in session. We've had some limited success this "season" and as a result, lives will be saved, injuries prevented and many will have to "blow before they go"!
Tomorrow, the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Committee will hold a hearing at 4:00 PM on The Erin Swezey Act. If you live in Oklahoma, please call or email your elected officials and ask them to support this bill to require ignition interlocks on all convicted offenders cars. The bill also has a provision for an endorsement on the driver's license that would indicate they are convicted DUI offenders.
Erin Elizabeth Swezey was killed by a drunk driver on April 4, 2009. Just two short years ago (which probably feels like an eternity to her family and friends), Erin was living a great, full life. Two weeks before her death she penned these words in her journal:
My Message to the World
Sharing my Peace,
my Creator,
my Sustainer,
my Protector,
so that everyone may know the
happiness that comes from a
life lived under Christ
A beautiful young woman taken from her family way too young.
I hope that the Oklahoma legislature will pass this bill in honor of Erin's life. Though I never had the chance to meet her, she obviously was special. Her parents have given their all to get this bill passed. Please help spread the word.
Showing posts with label victims/survivors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label victims/survivors. Show all posts
April 5, 2011
February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day?
With all the loss in the world, we get desensitized to hurt. I think we are all guilty of reading about a horrible car crash or murder or natural disaster and thinking, "Gee, that is so sad." But by later in the day, we've moved on and don't even think about the repercussions following those tragedies, unless they happen to us directly.
Today, lovers all over the world celebrate Valentine's Day. For many of those we serve, this will be the first Valentine's Day without their beloved. It will be a day of pain...a day of remembering...a day we wish would hurry up and disappear. Those "firsts" that you have to go through (not, ignore)are very difficult and seem like fuel is being added to the fire for many.
Others are enjoying the day and planning for ways to honor their someone special while you may be pulling the covers over your head as you cry your eyes out. That is OK. That is normal. Grief is a process...a long and difficult journey to go through.
So my wish for you on this day of love, is that you know that you are loved. Even if you feel completely alone and ache for your loved one, you are thought about by those of us at MADD. You are thought about by one who has walked in your shoes...me.
Today, lovers all over the world celebrate Valentine's Day. For many of those we serve, this will be the first Valentine's Day without their beloved. It will be a day of pain...a day of remembering...a day we wish would hurry up and disappear. Those "firsts" that you have to go through (not, ignore)are very difficult and seem like fuel is being added to the fire for many.
Others are enjoying the day and planning for ways to honor their someone special while you may be pulling the covers over your head as you cry your eyes out. That is OK. That is normal. Grief is a process...a long and difficult journey to go through.
So my wish for you on this day of love, is that you know that you are loved. Even if you feel completely alone and ache for your loved one, you are thought about by those of us at MADD. You are thought about by one who has walked in your shoes...me.
December 1, 2010
December
December...the most wonderful time of the year? For many victim/survivors December isn't the most wonderful time of the year.
I remember well the December of 1991. My husband, Mike, had just been killed in late November and then all of the sudden--everywhere I turned it seemed--people were jovial, celebrating, shopping, and going to parties. I wanted to shout, "Hey, don't you see what I'm going through?? How can you be so happy around me?" I went to the local mall because I felt like I had to buy our daughter something for Christmas. I wasn't there very long at all when I felt like I was being smothered...like I was having a panic attack. I had to leave.
Of course these strangers didn't know what was going on inside of me. I looked like any other young Mom at the mall. But inside, the grief was excruciating.
And so here we are in December. Many victims of drunk driving crashes are going through just what I went through. Yes, it may have been years ago when their loved one was killed by a drunk driver, but they are still hurting. Or, it may have been since last December that their loved one was killed and this is the first holiday season without them. And seeing people having fun hurts them. They wish their son/daughter/mom/dad/other loved one was with them to usher in the shopping season or eat cookies or decorate their home. And the reminder of how they died is brought to the surface once again.
Take time to breathe and reflect this December. And remember, this will be behind us in 30 days.
I remember well the December of 1991. My husband, Mike, had just been killed in late November and then all of the sudden--everywhere I turned it seemed--people were jovial, celebrating, shopping, and going to parties. I wanted to shout, "Hey, don't you see what I'm going through?? How can you be so happy around me?" I went to the local mall because I felt like I had to buy our daughter something for Christmas. I wasn't there very long at all when I felt like I was being smothered...like I was having a panic attack. I had to leave.
Of course these strangers didn't know what was going on inside of me. I looked like any other young Mom at the mall. But inside, the grief was excruciating.
And so here we are in December. Many victims of drunk driving crashes are going through just what I went through. Yes, it may have been years ago when their loved one was killed by a drunk driver, but they are still hurting. Or, it may have been since last December that their loved one was killed and this is the first holiday season without them. And seeing people having fun hurts them. They wish their son/daughter/mom/dad/other loved one was with them to usher in the shopping season or eat cookies or decorate their home. And the reminder of how they died is brought to the surface once again.
Take time to breathe and reflect this December. And remember, this will be behind us in 30 days.
November 17, 2010
Day of Remembrance
This coming Sunday, November 21, I'll remember my late husband, Mike Dean, who was killed on this day in 1991 at the young age of 32. I think of him everyday as I do my work for MADD, but the anniversary is a bittersweet day of remembrance.
The world will also mark November 21 this year as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDOR). This is the fifth year of setting aside the 3rd Sunday in November to honor all those who are killed in road traffic crashes. Some 1.3 million people lose their lives each year in traffic crashes worldwide.
The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released a statement containing these words:
"Many tragedies can be avoided through a set of proven, simple measures that benefit not only individuals and families but society at large.
Recognition is growing about the critical development and public health challenge posed by road traffic deaths and injuries. This greater awareness has prompted governments and their partners to step up their response. Earlier this year, the UN General Assembly declared the first-ever “Decade of Action for Road Safety,” providing an opportunity for global action.
I call on Member States, international agencies, civil society organizations, businesses and community leaders to ensure that the Decade leads to real improvements. As a step in this direction, governments should release their national plans for the Decade when it is launched globally on 11 May 2011."
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of roadway deaths and it is 100% preventable. Please do your part by never driving drunk, buckling up and keeping your eyes only on the road.
If you wish to mark the WDOR, you can go to their Web site (link above) for more ideas. Safe travels!
The world will also mark November 21 this year as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDOR). This is the fifth year of setting aside the 3rd Sunday in November to honor all those who are killed in road traffic crashes. Some 1.3 million people lose their lives each year in traffic crashes worldwide.
The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released a statement containing these words:
"Many tragedies can be avoided through a set of proven, simple measures that benefit not only individuals and families but society at large.
Recognition is growing about the critical development and public health challenge posed by road traffic deaths and injuries. This greater awareness has prompted governments and their partners to step up their response. Earlier this year, the UN General Assembly declared the first-ever “Decade of Action for Road Safety,” providing an opportunity for global action.
I call on Member States, international agencies, civil society organizations, businesses and community leaders to ensure that the Decade leads to real improvements. As a step in this direction, governments should release their national plans for the Decade when it is launched globally on 11 May 2011."
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of roadway deaths and it is 100% preventable. Please do your part by never driving drunk, buckling up and keeping your eyes only on the road.
If you wish to mark the WDOR, you can go to their Web site (link above) for more ideas. Safe travels!
November 25, 2008
Online Candlelight Vigil for Drunk Driving Victims/Survivors
During the holiday season, MADD will be hosting an online candlelight vigil in honor of victims/survivors of drunk driving crashes. Light a virtual candle and submit a tribute message to a loved one or friend impacted by drunk driving. You can even have the tribute e-mailed to the person or family being honored.
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