OMG, peeps.

For the Love of God...
by Just Add Kids Founder,
Paula Herrmann

I've gone back and forth as to whether or not I should write about, broach the subject. I feel like it's none of my business, then I think I have a responsibility.

I don't feel like it's fair. I feel guilty.  At the same time that I am having a fun and making memories with my kids, my hubs, my BFF and her daughter (my daughter's BFF); another mom not so far away is grieving. Read more...

I am talking about the 13 year old Caledonia girl who got hit by a drunk and drugged driver this past Sunday. It's just so absolutely senseless. Innocence gone, in a blink of an eye, due to the incredibly POOR judgment of another.

I didn't learn about the accident, I don't think, until late that night after a long day spent with the group mentioned above. First, going to church in the morning; then, visiting my dad in the hospital; and finally, wrapping it up with an unplanned, defaulted visit to a new family destination...Leon's Frozen Custard up in Milwaukee. Full, eventful, a kind of normal Sunday in the life of. In the normalcy of that day (and every day) I am reminded how immensely BLESSED I am. I was able to kiss my kids a goodnight. My 13 year old daughter no longer request my bedtime time tuck in. And in a way, I mourn that loss. As I write this...I may reinstitute that. I'm hanging on to those night time prayers and tuck ins with my 11 year old son.

Horrified, I shake my head in disbelief that a simple walk or run, probably done hundreds of times, would result in someone losing their baby girl, a sister, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a teammate, a classmate. I am in pain for their loss. A family I don't think I know, but am connected to now somehow because of this tragedy. Their loss weighs heavy on my mind. And I know I am not alone. A community grieves.

What do I/we take away from this tragic accident? Because of my faith, I know this child is in a beautiful, happy place. There is peace in that. I can pray for peace and comfort for her loved ones. And I continue to do that. I am reminded that we are not guaranteed our next breath, and I need to live life focusing on what's really important. I've said it/pledged it before, and I don't always live it. While in my mature-er years, I've not risked drinking and driving. I have been selfish in years past and thankfully my irresponsibility has not injured myself or others. So I pledge NOT to drive with any risk of being impaired. How can you make the judgment of having the ability to drive without risk, if your judgment is disabled? And it is, friends...isn't getting buzzed the desired result of?

I hope you take the pledge as well, in respect and memory of Sara.