Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Hey Guys.

[*HAMSTAR*]

I haven't been around lately and because of sudden incidents I am sure I will be seen even less.

This weekend was homecoming at my highschool and the dance was tonight, I picked my girlfriend her friend Kim up with my friend Elyin . From there we went to a resturaunt to eat before the dance. It was very good. On the way to the dance we were at a 4 way traffic light turning left and got slammed into the right side of the car by a Tacoma that ran a red light (sp?). There were 8 people in the tocoma all under 18 it was 7 girls and 1 guy, and they were all going to another homecoming at another school. Everyone was alright and I parked at a nearby parking lot while the others parked at a car dealership across the street. It seems so unrealistic for something like this to happen on such a big night that is suppose to be perfect. anyways we both had our insurance and since they ran the red light it is there fault so I didn't get in any trouble. But I still feel incredibly guilty and keep wondering what if I had paid more attention and seen that car coming. Anyways my mom met us there and my girlfriends dad , everything worked out and they insisted we still goto the dance so her father took us. throughout tonight I still felt really guilty and zoned out thinking of how I coould have gotten my friends killed. And when I got picked up after the dance my mom told me how everything was ok, my car would be as good as new and was already being worked on by some of the best people in the county, my girlfriends parents don't disown me, and no one was injured. I don't know why I am telling you guys this I just needed to let it out somewhere I suppose. Anyways I will see you guys when I see you. and BUCKLE UP!

[JayBaen]

Hammy --

So glad to hear you (and your friends) are alright. If it helps, I had a very similar situation happen to me in high school:

I was driving myself, my sister and another friend (our Pastor's daughter), to school one morning. At a tight intersection, with what seemed like no one approaching at the time, I made a left turn directly into an oncoming car. Don't know how I didn't see her and her friend coming. IMHO, I think she was speeding beyond measure to get to the intersection without my even making note of her first -- regardless, the aftermath was the same. I had completely totalled the car beyond repair ... and sent my sister and our friend to the hospital.

I had no idea what to do/where to go ... so I went to school. Right. The cop drove me to school.

Later, my parents picked me up, bringing my sister with them. For a 17 year old who, under normal circumstances, would be only marginally happy to see his younger sister, I cried out of relief. Our friend was alright, too -- as were the passengers in the other vehicle.

Did I mention that the girl's father driving the oncoming car was a lawyer? Another cherry ontop of an already miserable situation. My parent's insurance paid through the nose for the accident (and later, my parents to the insurance company for premiums).

Nothing has a way of changing your driving habits more than an accident, even when you don't feel it was (or really wasn't) your fault. Give it a little time, the shock *will* pass.

If you feel like continued venting -- or anyone else wants to share with Hammy their experiences, please join in.

JB

[*HAMSTAR*]

Thanks Jay.

I just keep thinking if I had only paid more attention I could have provented it. It happened so fast and I didn't believe it at first. It still feels like a dream to me.. But we have an eye witness anyways so I know it wasn't my fault. And it seems everything is gonna work out so I should have nothing to worry about!

[InfiniteWarrior]

So glad to hear you (and your friends) are alright.

^What he said.^ That's really all that's important. If it had to happen, think only of that: You all came out of it a-okay and that's a blessing.

As your Mom pointed out, things can be replaced or repaired and it's human nature to think that we might have done something differently to alter a course of events, but there really isn't: It's history. Things like this serve to remind us of how fragile and precious life truly is. So, if you get the urge to think about what might have happened, remember instead all the good times you've spent in the company of your friends thus far and revel in the fact that you've been given the gift of more. Consider it an opportunity to gain an even deeper appreciation for them and what you all mean to each other.

It's regretful that it cast a pall over such a big event. Hope you were still able to have a little fun. The thing to do now, methinks, is to call all of them up and make plans for next weekend.

[Hooka*Master]

OMG HAMSTAR

[Ruggiero]

Heya Ham,

Thank goodness everyone is ok, first of all.

Second, I agree with everything above (even the OMG ).

I really don't have much to add to what has been said. Experiences, both lucky and unlucky, which give one an appreciation for just how dangerous life can be and how fragile it is, are the things which change smart people into wise ones.

And though you may still be pretty shaken up about it, as I would be, eventually this will be one of those experiences. The important thing in my opinion, is not to disregard it but to let it sit and become part of the landscape of your personality; not the fear and surprise and shock of the actual crash, perhaps, but rather the realizations you come to as a result of it--some of which will just be that you look 3 or 4 times before crossing an intersection, and some of which will be less apparent... but there nonetheless--like bedrock.

Stay strong, my furry friend.

Ruggiero