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.