In one split second...(Long)

HighwayUFO · #1 10-02-2004, 02:52 AM

Someone can cease to exist. The following story may not sound like it has anything to do with an SVX, but hear me out.

Tonight after work as well as every Friday night, I head to Boise for the moving carshow that happens every weekend. We call this little shindig the Cruise. Well, I had gotten off of work around 8:00 tonight, went to the car wash and gas station so my car would be ready for the drive in style, looking clean and well fed with petrol. I arrive to my corner that I occupy along with my many friends. The corner that I meet with all of my friends is near the turn around point of the Cruise.

I got there a little early, and waited for everyone to show up for the nights festivities. A small group of my friends had accumulated by around 9:20.

As we were all conversing and carrying on, these 16-18 year old young adults had shouted "F***ing F**gots" to someone near the corner. Within a split second after the derogative remark was made, the sickest thud that I have ever heard sounded. I thought that this thud was just another typical innatentive car accident that has become somewhat routine to the hearing.

As with every unusual sound, I turn to look only to see my friend Levi motionless in mid air. This red Nissan Pickup had hit Levi while he was in the crosswalk. The Nissan truck proceeded through the red light and left the scene. Levi hadn't even hit the ground before I was in a leap over the hood of my car. Being the first one there and in the process of getting to him had already dialed 911 dispatch. As I kneeled beside him asking him questions, it quickly became evident that there was still the traffic issue to attend to. Juggling talking to emergency dispatch, making sure that he would not pass out and the traffic, tossed the keys to my buddy Jim and told him to pull my car out into traffic and park it so as to block traffic from hitting everyone that was now huddled around Levi. As the emergency personel had arrived, I intruded on their work to get his parents phone number so I could call them and let them know.

His parents phone line was busy for about 3 minutes until I finally got a hold of his mother. I have never met his family and having to be the person to break the news about this tragic accident to them was heart wrenching. At first, his mother thought it was a prank, but it soon became more serious than she thought. Long story short, updates from person to person from his family members assured us that he will be alright.

Some could consider it heroism, but I think about my actions to be rather selfless, to put my own personal health at risk to look after someones well being that lay in the middle of a three lane road. Not only was it personal risk, but I was willing to risk my own property to make sure this person had a second chance at life.

Heroism, no. I just acted as though I would want the same respect given I was in Levi's shoes instead.

Life is way to short to live dangerously. Next time you leave your house, treat that day as though it were your last day on earth. Be kind to eachother and always look out for everyone else, as well as yourself. We all encounter inherrant risks when we do anything, and this illustrates the point that nothing can be a failsafe against injury or even death.

So, in conclusion, stay safe and always look out for the next person.

Keith

PS- I will finally realize that I have saved someones life tomorrow morning when I wake up to another day that I will live to its fullest.

ensteele · #2 10-02-2004, 08:05 AM

Keith

Thank you for sharing that with us. You made your decisions to help someone else because you needed to. There are thinkers, and there are people of action. You could have thought about it, or you could have, which you did, help your friend. You did a fine thing, and Levi is lucky to have such a good friend. I am proud to know we have members here that have such good character. I hope to meet you face to face some day (I am sure I will). Thanks again for your story.

Chiketkd · #3 10-02-2004, 08:57 AM

Holy cow Keith. That was one amazing story and I'm glad you shared it with us...

I hope your friend Levi makes a full recovery from this stupid hit-n-run and may justice find the owner of that red Nissan Pickup!

-Chike

HighwayUFO · #4 10-02-2004, 01:10 PM

I left out the part about the red Nissan truck. They had made the two block circle to get back to where they hit Levi. All of the people in the truck were under the influence of alcohol and were taken to the county jail. The fact of the matter is that they still left the scene. I'm sure that their reasoning was to ditch the evidence of alcohol containers, but that doesn't matter. Can or no can, the smell on your breath will give you away. Ignorant people amuse me.

Keith

majeskyb · #5 10-02-2004, 04:42 PM

Man. I'm sorry that that had to happen, but it makes me happy to know that he had a friend like you. If something like that ever happens to me, I sure hope my friends will react with half the amount of level-headedness and care that you showed your friend. My hat is off to you

MNYPNNY · #6 10-02-2004, 11:20 PM

Wow Keith. You truly are a good person and a valuable friend. I'm glad you were there for your friend.

SubaSteevo · #7 10-03-2004, 09:47 AM

Way to go! I'm glad to hear your friend is going to be alright.