Many of my clients know my hubby is a coach - mainly girls sports - basketball & softball. This morning, on MY way into the office, I had to pull off the road for emergency vehicles. They turned down a small, yet busy, country road known for accidents and I remember thinking, someone must have had a wreck.
20 minutes later when I got to the office, my husband called to tell me one of his players, Vicki, had been killed this morning in a car accident. I asked if it was on the little county road - he didn't know, but thought probably since the young lady lived in that direction. Within about 30 minutes, our fears were confirmed and made official. Vicki has played for my husband since before we were even married - since her 7th grade year. I've gotten to know her a lot myself over the years and have always been impressed with her.
Vicki had a terrific personality, always had a laughing smile and was always seen with her friends. In addition to being a great athlete, she was a great student. She would have graduated from Ike later this year. My husband and I have watched her grow from an awkward pre-teen to a beautiful young woman who had a lot of life left to give.
We've since learned that Vicki was traveling at a high rate of speed in her car this morning on her way to school, lost control and was ejected. This seems to be an epidemic lately amoung young people in our area - several have lost their lives over the last few weeks. So for all the readers, young, old or somewhere in between - let this be yet another lesson, there is no need to rush, buckle up and be careful. No one is indestructable. If you're a parent - hug your kids at night and tell them that you love them often - they might be teenagers in the middle of the 'I hate you stage', but tell them anyway - they need to know and you need to know you've told them.
Vicki will be greatly missed among her friends, family and teammates. Shawn and I are among that group - she touched many lives with her energectic spirit and love of life. May God bless her family during this time of sorrow and grief and may He bring comfort to all of them.
