This is the time of year when a lot teenagers are deep in preparation for Prom.
(Prom 1994 – Brian with his date Briana (far right) and close friends)
They are picking out dresses, tuxedos, hairstyles and most importantly, transportation. I know many people don’t want to think about the annual statistics of teenagers injured in auto accidents, let alone on Prom night. It is, however, very important.
Our 17-year-old daughter didn’t die on Prom night; she did, however, die in an auto accident. She wasn’t on drugs and she had not been drinking. She simply wasn’t paying attention. It’s been 10 1/2 years since Britt died and it still seems like it happened yesterday. Needless to say, the loss of a child is something I would not want anyone to have to experience. That’s why, excuse me while I climb up on my soap box, I would really like everyone to watch this video. It’s not scary or icky. It’s just very thought-provoking.
I had been channel surfing on the television when this Allstate Auto Insurance commercial caught my attention. The music would not leave me and, with some research, I found the history behind the ad spot. The music is from Jason Wade, a member of the band, ‘Lifehouse’. He performs the song “From Where You Are”; a song that he was inspired to write after the death of a 16 year-old friend in an auto accident. In the commercial there is a lovely highway lined with cars driven by teenagers from all walks of life. The cars seem to drive off into the distance…..seemingly never to return.
(Prom 2000 – Todd with his date (far right) and friends)
Our local high school’s proms are always more than an hour’s drive away from home. We would reserve hotel rooms near the prom location so the kid’s wouldn’t be driving late at night. We stayed at the hotel with the kids and they were not embarrassed. They knew we were there because we loved them and wanted them to be safe.
(Prom 1996 – Britt and her date Kerry with his mom in the background. While the kids were at prom we parents went out to dinner)
Hiring limousines and reserving hotel rooms (a room for our child and our family and a second room for their date and his/her family) were a few things we did to ensure our children were safe. High School Prom memories are some that will last a lifetime. As parents we need to be involved to help make sure these memories are happy ones.
Stacey says
Cathi–my heart aches for you right now and I so wish I could give you hugs right now. Your beautiful Britt must be incredibly proud of her amazing, loving mom. I keep typing things and backspacing, nothing sounds quite right and I don’t often tear up when I read a post, so I’m going to stop!
I’d like to share this video at my blog and want to link to your story there, if it’s okay. ((((Cathi)))) xo
kailani says
What wonderful memories of Britt. I still don’t know how you do it. You’re such a strong woman.
Anonymous says
Hi Cathi – thank you for your sweet message. Your blog is wonderful and it is great to see pictures from the old days on here. It does seem like yesterday….Much love to you and your family, Desiree
michelle says
I just clicked over here from your comment on tif’s blog, excited about the book club. And saw you touching post. I have a Brittany, she is 8 and thinking of her watching and reading your post has put me in tears. Thank you for sharing your story. My heart hurts for you, and I agree with stacey, your Britt must be very proud of you.
love.boxes says
Thanks for sharing this Cathi. You are very brave. This post has made me think. I have honestly wished for a long time now that states would raise the driving age. I had several friends in H.S. who were very hurt in car accidents. And, now that I’m older I see a fender/bender on main street almost everyday because so many teens have cars and drive to school. I just don’t think they are ready.
I’m so sorry about Britt. Your arms must ache to hold her every day. Love to you.
MomOf3 says
I am so sorry that you lost your daughter. She is beautiful! Very good message.
Tiffany says
I am so sorry for your loss! We only had our daughter with us for a day. I can not imaging losing her after many years. Thank you for showing strength and for demonstrating that life does go on after the loss of a child.
grace says
Cathi, I can’t imagine you living everyday with that reality. You have a very brave heart.
Debbie Yost says
I stopped over from the Bloggy giveaway. I love to sew and love to see what other’s make. I stayed to read a little about your beautiful family. This is a lovely post. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to lose a child and my heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing your loss with others in a hope that it might save another teenager’s life.