Why Mothers Are Against Drunk Driving
I am spending the night in a city hotel where I have a view of the Children's Hospital. I first realized I was near the hospital when a helicopter flew over and landed at the hospital. Tonight while I was working on my computer, I could hear the stuttering noise of the helicopter engine preparing to take off. That noise flooded my mind with memories.
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| Helicopter Pad at a Children's Hospital. |
Several years ago, I worked as a Chaplain Intern in a hospital. I was assigned to work in the trauma room which is where the most critically injured patients are treated upon arrival to the Emergency Room. We had a trauma helicopter crew who would life flight patients to the hospital. It was my job to notify family members that their loved one was in the hospital.
I will never forget one spring evening, four teenagers were brought into the Emergency Room. They were on the way to the prom when a truck t-boned their car at an intersection. The young driver of the car suffered a brain injury and was close to death. I remember the phone call I made to his mother. She was visiting another state. She was riding in the back of a cab when she answered the phone. I informed her that her son had not made it to the prom that night. I could hear her fear through the phone. She was able to find a flight home. Her son was kept alive until they were reunited. He died shortly after her visit.
Four teenagers on their way to a prom, full of anticipation for the evening's events. They were innocent to the dangers of the evening. They did not expect to have a fatal car crash with an intoxicated driver.
I hear the helicopter arriving at the hospital as I am typing. I am wondering who they will retrieve tonight. Is it a young child? I am thinking of the family and the terror they must feel to have their loved one helicoptered to the hospital.
Quietly, I say a prayer for this family . . . asking God for grace.www.stages2change.com
