Drunk is never good

I woke up on July 5th to news that a family was hit by a drunk driver in Grand Lake, CO while walking to their car after a fireworks display. Once I called and confirmed my family members, who were attending the same celebration, were safe, I relaxed but kept listening to the news for more information.

At church this morning we learned that the family was from Estes Park, members of the Catholic community, and that the father died. The mother, and three kids, age nineteen to three, were injured but expected to live.

I envisioned the father walking closest to the road as most gentlemen are taught. Because of that, he was hit first, saving his family. The drunk driver, speeding with his lights off, and his passengers were not injured.

My thoughts wondered to the drunk driver. When he woke up in jail and realized what he had done, did he feel pain in his chest signaling remorse? Did he think his Fourth of July fun, that included his excessive drinking, was worth the life of another person? Did he take responsibility or did he blame the family for walking along side that road? When he chose to fill his glass time after time, did he think ahead to when he might refuse to give his keys to someone so he didn't climb behind the wheel of his 2006 Ford pickup truck? Did he think about the woman and two kids in the truck with him. Was he so drunk that he didn't remember? Did he feel guilt or shame for all the lives his actions affected? Did he know his drunkenness hurt his family, the victims family, church communities, total towns? Did he care?

Drinking can contribute to fun times - drunk is wrong - drunk is never good. If one cannot control the amount of alcohol they choose to swallow, they should not drink at all. Drunk is ugly, and the consequences of behavior without one's head attached leads to history that can never get a "do-over."

Until the next time: Live while you live!

Call 911, without hesitation, if you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else.