The Life Adjustment

Two weeks ago while in class at UTA (yes I take a Saturday Class), I received a 911 text message from Sas to contact her immediately. When I called Cathy was busy exchanging insurance information as she had just been in a read-ender accident. It was her fault as in her focus to work the navigation system on our vehicle her attention drifted and she hit the SUV in front of her. During our conversation I simply asked her if everyone was alright. Sas thought I would be upset at her but I wasn't. I told her that cars can always be fixed but people can not. Fast forward to this past Wednesday. I went to the State Farm Claims Station to have our car adjusted and made arrangements to have the vehicle repaired at a Honda shop. Our total out of pocket will be $500.00. After having the vehicle adjusted, I went to Pei Wei's to have lunch. At 12:22 my cell phone rang and my Sister Pam answered the phone with, "Brother I have some bad news." "This morning Tony was killed in an automobile accident." Tony is my 47 year old cousin, my same age, that I grew up with in my home town. Not to get into specifics but Tony was broad sided by a semi-truck that he apparently didn't see coming down the highway. It was a horrific accident and he died of massive head and trunk injuries. I couldn't help but compare the recent event of Cathy having a fender bender with the fatal outcome of my cousin's accident. And in the back of my mind I heard my own words, "cars can always be fixed but people can not." Life is so precious and we should always put things into perspective. Sometimes that is hard when money is tight and any extra cost creates a burden. The $500.00 required to fix our car sure seems mighty small given that my Cathy is fine and the crystal clear understanding that all the money in the world will not bring back my cousin. In honor of my cousin Tony, please take the time today to tell those special ones in your life that you care and love them. Tony, I love you and miss you so very badly. Cathy, I love you so very much and still am in awe every single day of your inner and outer beauty and would never want to go a single day without you in my life. You can call me with a thousand 911s and it is quite fine with me, as long as you are alright. Hugz, Ron

Ohhhh, Ron, I am sooo sorry!!!! I am glad that Cathy is OK. Hugs, Jen

I am just about to go to bed and get ready for another work week. However it is so nice to see all these replies from people that have taken their time to express kind words and thoughts. Thank You Jen, Ron

I am sorry about your cousin Ron you are so right cars can be replaced and people can not your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am glad that Sas is ok after her accident. Hugs Tricia

Thank You Ms. Tricia for the reply. It always helps to have a friend like you on your side, especially at a time of personal loss. By the way, nice avatar. Ron

I'm sorry for your cousin Tony.. prayers go up for you and his loved ones Thanks for the reminder Ron.. life is precious.. and should be treated as a GIFT every day. hugss, Rhonda

Thank you so very much Rhonda. You are always here for everyone on this board and it is appreciated by me. Ron

I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. (((((((HUGS)))))))))) to your whole family. Nancy

Thank you so very much. Here is hoping everything is going well in your life. Give that Lucas some hugs for Cathy & I. Hugz, Ron

Ron....I am so sooooooooooooooooooooo sorry for your loss....so sorry......my prayers and thoughts are with you..... It was actually strange about your post....I read it very quickly yesterday before I left to the mall and did not have time to post...on my way to the mall I got a call from my friend April that her 21 yo cousin was just killed in a motorcylce accident in Austin. He lost control and was killed quickly. She was very upset. I have not been able to talk to her since then but I reflected really quick on your email that I had just read and it did remind me that THINGS are replaceable but not people. I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy Cathy and the other person is okay....give her a hug for me... Sorry I missed you in Dallas last week....now I know what I did not get to see you. Take care and know we are here for you and Sass..... Mrs. Nate