A Story in the Trunk

Open the trunk of your car and you'll see a story. The one in Cathy's car stopped me cold yesterday. Curious how the words arranged themselves without an author. A short story of tragedy, hope, and sadness. I took a picture to keep the memory.

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. April 26. Cathy and I received the passes to join Brad Bella and his family in his daughter Courtney's hospital room. Courtney, was on life support. Her Mother, Jen died at the scene. Her unborn sister died with Jen. Courtney was kept alive by technology. Jen is our friend. Brad is our friend. Courtney is a Godchild. Her big brother Zach survived the crash and he receives our daily prayers.

The passes were to be returned at the time we left the hospital, but Courtney died that afternoon and we walke out without thinking about the final procedure. Eventually the passes ended up in the trunk. Somehow they edited their way next to a bumper sticker for K-E-Y-E-S. Keep Everyone You know Safe, a charity started by Bonnie Stamm and friends to help people think about driving unimpaired. A simple key with a flourescent green cap designed to be one last thought provoking symbol. Stop. Don't insert your key into the ignition if you are impaired. Bonnie's daughter was killed by an impaired driver. Bonnie gave me the sticker. I'll give it Brad and Zach one day. I wonder if the time is right today.

I remember Courtney laughing and talking. Walking with me. Accepting a present from Cathy. Smiling. The images of Courtney in the hospital are final. They should never exist. Courtney was going home. She was with her Mom, her brother, and a friend. It was a Friday. A sleepover was underway. A cake for her Mom's birthday was to be baked. And then the impaired driver roared down on them.

The PICU passes worked their way through the trunk and found their place on the page next to the KEYS sticker.