There is No Tomorrow Like Today
There is No Tomorrow Like Today. On this day 12 years ago, a most tragic accident took my parents and devastated my world. That day was their 43rd wedding anniversary and was barely 24 hours after they had returned to Houston for a short trip. They had not even unpacked their bags.
Not only had we celebrated their retirements 2 months earlier, they had returned to Belize 6 weeks earlier to start a life of retired “bliss”. I had big, selfish plans for them. Just the same way their parents entertained us (or the other way around) every summer when I was growing up, my kids were going to do the same for them. I envisioned long, peaceful, children-free summer days knowing that my parents would be entertaining and introducing my children to a whole new world. My kids would return to Houston sun burnt, happy and full of stories about the experience. That daydream turned into a nightmare in one instant that is indelibly seared into brain.
Was it fate? Was it destiny? I wish I knew. I don’t ask any of the “Why?” questions because I know for certain that, painful as it still is, it was their expiration date. We all have one. I am haunted by the questions “What exactly happened? What was the sequence of events that led to that tragedy? ” Every single time I drive pass the spot where the accident happened I see my Mom laying, sometimes standing, on the side of the road begging for help.
Brian Kevin Brown, 19, was convicted of criminal negligent homicide. He was sentenced to and served five years. Needless to say, I am sure he will continue serving a sentence inside his head for the rest of his life. One of these days I hope to hear from his mouth to my ears exactly what happened.
I don’t think of him as being a monster. The same way I want the very best for my children and expect them to become functioning, independent and upstanding citizens of this world, his mother had the same hopes for him. He made the choice to go astray. Maybe, just maybe, he is now a good citizen in whatever community in which he lives.
Of course, I miss all the frequent family get-togethers and celebrations we used to have that took place at our parents’ home. My siblings and I still enjoy each other’s company and continue to get together at every opportunity. They continue to live on in each one of us.
In honor of our parents we started the CAFA Foundation, an educational scholarship fund for needy Garifuna high school students, in Punta Gorda, Belize. It’s our way of completing one of the tasks they never had a chance to get started.
Live each day like there is no tomorrow. On this day, and every single day that I think of and miss them, may they continue to rest in peace.
To all the college students who start Spring Break today, be very careful. Do not drive while under the influence and, most importantly, make wise decisions. Tomorrow is NOT promised. There is NO Tomorrow like today.
Comments(2)