Drunk Driver (a true story)

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Auguste

Member Elite

since 2000-02-16

Posts 3953
By the sea

0 posted 2002-09-30 03:56 PM

When headaches come and last for months,
I think back on that day.
The smell of copper was the scent
and I was in the way.

I looked both ways and crossed the street,
was then I heard the scream,
of burning tires and drunken steel,
the headlights on high beam.

I woke within a pool of blood,
did not know it my own
and tried to get back on my feet,
when out escaped a moan.

A injured back and broken jaw,
a bloodcot near the brain,
a fractured skull and now in shock,
yet nothing for the pain.

I passed out and then woke to see
my mother's weeping face,
me broken in her precious lap,
my blood had stained her lace.

The hospital did all they could,
no need to waste a bed.
They didn't think I'd last the night,
by morning would be dead.

I was sent home with my mother.
A vigil did she keep.
All through the night she held my hand
and never did she sleep.

My memories before that day
when I was nine years old,
are lost forever, don't exist,
was brain damage, I'm told.

So many months it took to heal,
through straws I drank my food.
I think back on that day of hurt,
so serious my mood.

The man that hit me on that day
was drunk behind the wheel.
A little child he almost killed,
too drunk he was to feel.

But feel he did from that day forth,
The drinking he had quit.
He'd often visit, bring a gift,
beside me he would sit.

Each visit, more gray he became.
He hurt much more than I.
For years I'd see his haunted face
and how it made me cry.

I put my small hand in his own,
forgave the accident.
His streaming tears and choking sobs
told me how much that meant.

I never saw this man again.
I hope it healed his heart.
Forgiveness is a mighty gift
that we can all impart.

And though my head has ached since then,
both morning and at night,
and though my memories are gone,
I know forgiving him was right.

The stars will shine when I am gone,
the earth will turn on as before,
the gulls, still race along the shore,
the morning star, still kiss the dawn

Irie
Senior Member

since 1999-12-01

Posts 1493
Washington State

1 posted 2002-09-30 04:04 PM

~*Fighting the tears*~

Bitter-Sweet!
Forgiving for something like this is a hard thing to do.
I'm glad you carry forgiveness Auguste!

I have a friend that I would like to give this poem to, if you don't
mind.
I hope that it might be an eye-opener for her.

~Sheri

"Don't wait for your ship to come in ...
Swim out to it"

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

2 posted 2002-09-30 04:05 PM

"I never saw this man again.
I hope it healed his heart.
Forgiveness is a mighty gift
that we can all impart.

And though my head has ached since then,
both morning and at night,
and though my memories are gone,
I know forgiving him was right.

(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh my gosh, now you have me flooding in tears, I remember when you told me part of this story on instant-message and I know how difficult it must have been writing this! (BIG HUGGGSSSSSS) My heart goes out to you as I imagine this being a memory that will always be with you as will the tears your mom cried but know you have only become stronger and the loving golden-hearted friend you are to us all and it seems too you have gained the respect out of who hit you when he was drunk and you have forever touched a place in his heart and have learned from him forgiveness, and to think of someone actually reaching out to you for what he did is a true blessing, as most people turn their shoulders and walk away and never forgive! (wipes tears) God Bless You, sweet friend, my heart is with you as always and know we all love you and send our sympathies and prayers your way, you are a true survivor and an angel, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Michael, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (09-30-2002 07:02 PM).]

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

3 posted 2002-09-30 04:13 PM

I don't know where to begin! This recount of what happened to you and the subsequent fallout out has left me speechless.

Forgiveness is not only a gift we bestow on others, it is also a gift that we bestoe upon ourselves. You were so young, but so wise. Not only was it important to your healing, but it enabled that man to heal as well and stay away from alcohol. I believed your generosity of spirit may have prevented him from drowning in his guilt and this in turn, may have saved the life of some future victim.

I'm sorry to hear of your memory loss and the headaches that you still must endure.

This was a very emotional read but your messages ring loud and clear on the importance of forgiveness, and the importance of not driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs!)

~ May gentler days come your way. ~

EA

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

4 posted 2002-09-30 04:32 PM

Wow Michael..I am sitting here speechless my friend.
What a powerful punch this story has.
I'm so sorry this happened to you...
And yes..forgiveness is a mighty gift.
~Special hugs~

~ Time has cast a spell on you
So you won't ever forget me ~

texasrose
Member

since 2001-10-24

Posts 146

5 posted 2002-09-30 04:55 PM

A very well told story and you have learned a lesson that is one for everyone to learn. Hugs.

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-09-23

Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown

6 posted 2002-09-30 05:19 PM

Forgiveness is indeed a mighty powerful thing. And, a very special gift to give. I am so sorry you have to endure the headaches. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Suetang
Member Ascendant

since 2001-03-07

Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia

7 posted 2002-09-30 07:00 PM

Hello Michael

Such a tragic story but so very inspirational and I think we can all learn from your words in more ways than one. I wish that more people would have your attitude for there are far too many angry people who don't know how to forgive. Your words spoke volumes.

Take care.....Sue

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

8 posted 2002-09-30 07:04 PM

Michael

It sounds like this childhood event not only changed your life, but his. I'm so glad you survived and were able to offer him forgiveness. A touching true story.

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius

since 2000-10-09

Posts 13989

9 posted 2002-09-30 08:19 PM

Michael, we can all learn from the example that you set sir. Well done.

If I have touched one heart through my words, then I have acheived my dream...

Paul Wilson

Member Elite

since 2002-07-07

Posts 4711
United States

10 posted 2002-09-30 10:17 PM

Auguste...A sad story you tell, but with a happy ending. The gift of forgiveness given to us so that we may forgive others as God forgives us, The mark of a truly kind person...Paul

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA