My Human Family

Yesterday I was sitting at a stop light waiting for the light to change. It is a road with 3 lanes in each direction and a lot of traffic. Just as the light changed, a young man (early 20s I would guess) tried to run through the stopped cars and get across the road. I thought, "what is he doing, can't he see the cars coming the other way?" Well, he didn't make it even that far. A car came up into the left turn lane and could not see him cutting between the cars. He was struck and thrown back into the car in front of me. We all stopped and jumped out. I was calling 911 and so was another man. So here he is laying in the road with blood all over his face. His front teeth scattered on the pavement. The poor lady who hit him is having a melt down.

The police and ambulance respond quickly. He is able to answer their questions and is soon on his way to the hospital. I am hopeful that he will be alright. Those of us who witnessed the accident are asked to provide written statements. The police are very kind and professional.

As I watched this tale of pain unfold, I could not help but share the pain with them. This young man who's poor choice had caused this all to happen, is not someone that I would normally be around. But, his suffering was real. The suffering of the woman who hit him was real. I am sure that the other witnesses are still suffering from it today with me. I don't know any names. I am not sure that I would know their faces if I saw them today. But, they are all a part of my human family and together we share concern for each other. We suffer with those around us when we truly understand what they are going through. I have been thinking that if we really knew the people around us, our tendency to be dismissive, feel superior and judge would be much less. May we see those around us as truly our family.

Life, you never know what's next..

Missionary Bear - Celebrating Birthday and rooting for USA

We have had an eventful couple of weeks. On Feb. 12th we had a party to celebrate the opening of the Olympics and Jordan's birthday. It was strange to not have him here for his birthday. But, he has almost reached the 10 month point. It has gone fast in some ways.

The opening ceremonies was "different". I was inspired to write a poem about it. (see my rambling writings) It has been amazing to see how they continue to not get the concept of the Olympic Flame. To see the public stuck behind a tall fence to try and see it has been a joke. They just didn't expect that people would be so interested in seeing it. (who would have guessed)

On Sunday the 14th we went down to Springville to Cindy's to meet a lot of the family for dinner. It was great to see everyone. It has been really nice to have family closer. We have seen everyone so much more in the last few months.

Today was one of those days that just doesn't go at all like expected. The phone rang at 8am. Joan was on the the phone asking if I could come over and help her get the Granny up out of her chair. She was having so much pain in her right knee that she couldn't get herself up and could hardly walk. I ended up taking her to the ER to see what was going on. We were worried because her right knee had been replaced 10 years ago, and were afraid that something had happened to the joint. Well, after blood tests and x-rays, we found that everything is fine with the joint. The doctor thinks that she has twisted it some. She is now back home with it wrapped and on some pain pills. Joyce is staying with her till Monday morning. We will see how she does and hope for the best.