The weather reports forgot to mention the HIGH WINDS that literally buffeted our car around like a puppet on a string - Also tended to create "white-out" conditions in several spots. We were lucky enough to be able to make it through with no problems . . . I was interested to learn that my gas mileage was FIVE miles per gallon less than the day before . . . and I was FAR more fatigued by the time we reached Denver.
Along the way, we saw many cars in ditches but no apparent major accidents - LUCKY! We did see, though, SEVERAL white crosses planted in the ground in the medians and side ditches . . . Knowing that each of those crosses represents a death - likely from an horrific accident, we found ourselves being quite a bit more careful and respectful of the conditions . . . Deb and I did not talk about this until we passed one spot where there were FIVE crosses planted together - We knew that was likely an entire family.
A few miles after passing that cluster of crosses, Deb and I broke the silence. Until that point, we had not talked about these crosses. Even when we were ready to talk about it, neither of us could seem to find appropriate words. These crosses are certainly grim reminders of prior happenings . . . AND proved to be very useful for us . . . I'll never know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if seeing those crosses could have saved our family from demise during this journey . . . I was EVER so much more alert and cognizant of the highway environment EVERY mile of the way. I found myself REALLY paying attention and watching my speed and being cautious when seeing possible icy patches.
It could very well be that the marking of the deaths of these unfortunate souls has saved tragedy for my family . . . Imagine how many other folks have seen these crosses and had the same sobering realization? Whoever is responsible for the VERY visible placement of these reminders has ensured that these folks did not die in vain.
This morning we saw the news of the death of a man, his wife and daughter after a tragic accident on an icy Wyoming highway - The man had run into a patch of ice and lost control - came to a complete stop safely - Then was struck by 2 cars, a pick-up truck, and finally a Semi . . . Only his 2nd daughter survived and is in severely critical condition. If they plant these white crosses on the highways in Wyoming, there will be 3 at that mile marker.
There is no amount of inspiration I can write in this space that could possibly convey the importance of the message . . . PLEASE HONOR THE WHITE CROSSES and pay attention to each and every one of them . . . and temper your driving . . . Don't take unnecessary chances on the highway - chances that could endanger the lives of those in your vehicle OR the lives of people sharing the road with you.
For sure, they got MY attention.
If you are traveling for the holidays, my wish is for your safe passage from one home to another.
b
Barry Owen
Productivity Coach and Principal Broker
Keller Williams Realty - Nashville, TN - Green Hills
www.activerain.com/barryo
www.theowengroup.net
Simply Living the FourFold Way in Open Space!
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