Crash Accidents, Risks and Consequences
In Huancayo, there’s mutual disrespect when it comes to pedestrians: Cars rarely give pedestrians the right of way and pedestrians rarely pay attention to designated crosswalks and crossing times. I’ve learned to be both a defensive pedestrian, stopping and judging risk so that I’m not a victim of crash accidents, and an offensive pedestrian, confidently stepping out onto the street in the face of traffic.
I have often been forced to race across highways, dodging reckless drivers. That’s what Percy Rosales Sosa did when he was hit. He died yesterday at 18 years of age.
By the time Junior got to Percy, he was having a seizure on the highway. The taxi driver helped Junior lay Percy in the car and they took him to the nearest hospital. During the ride, Percy came to and complained about having a headache. What they would later learn were skull fractures would prevent Percy from raising his head. Despite the gravity of the situation, Percy’s father maintains that the doctors at the local hospital purposely delayed in attending to him (link in Spanish) because he didn’t have health insurance. Almost a day later, possibly due to the lack of medical attention, Percy had a stroke and fell into a coma until he passed away.
I’ve always noticed that death was more open here in the Andes, but I never thought that one of the people on the front page of the paper would be someone I knew.
Does knowing and remembering that life is short make you more or less of a risk taker? In what ways?
Tags: car accident, car crashes, crash accidents, percy rosales peru, percy rosales sosa, peru accidents, peru safety
Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA
Risk taking is not the same as being foolhardy. I know we use the vernacular choice of the word routinely- but, risk requires one to know the costs and benefits. There is a risk to crossing the street in the middle of the road. The risk increases dramatically when there is no visibility- in my book (and I AM an ex-New Yorker)- that risk is virtually infinity. I can’t determine any reward that would match that- unless I were being chased by someone with a knife or gun.
Now, that I passed that issue-
It’s not entirely clear if I adjust my risk definition, because of events that may have occurred to those that I know. It does get affected by my learning of events that occur to anyone. Maybe, that’s because I employ risk analysis routinely- and true risk is not a function of how well i know or don’t know someone, it’s a measure of probability of results- which includes everyone.
Samantha Bangayan
I love your point, Roy! When I was considering whether this would make me more of a risk taker, I hardly thought of the foolhardy sense but more of the not-taking-life-for-granted-anymore sense and stepping out of my comfort zone more because life is short.
Another great point about how true risk is tied to probability and not how well I know someone, although I can’t seem to help but be more affected by people who were close to me. =P
Thanks for clarifying all of this, Roy!
Allie | Ramblings of a WAHM
Samantha,
As I age, I realize more and more how quickly life goes by. But I have never taken life for granted, even when I was young. The age when we think we are invincible.
I had a wonderful man come into my life at 13, his name was Raymond, and he was my step-dad. He was a Vietnam Airborne veteran and was extremely aware of how short life can be and he reminded me of this often. He taught me to love whenever you can and cherish what is in front of you because many of his very young buddies died right in front of him.
I am not a risk taker and I definitely don’t partake in foolhardy (thx Roy). No matter if I knew life was longer or shorter I think I would still be who I am. Too conservative, lol. Too cautious. BUT I try to have fun as often as I can. That I do. 🙂
~Allie
Samantha Bangayan
I so admire you for the way you have never taken life for granted, Allie. What important lessons you learned from your step dad. I wish there had been someone like that in my life to remind me of it instead of coming to the realization so abruptly at times. =P The lesson you shared through Raymond is one that I will treasure: “to love whenever you can and cherish what is in front of you.” Thank you so much for sharing that!
Haha! And having fun? You’re right that that’s what’s more important! =)
Vinny T
What a tragic story, Samantha. i send to you my heartfelt condolences at the passing of Percy. Your story highlights two very important negatives about Peru.First, driving etiquette and respect for pedestrians is pretty horrible there. And secondly, if you don’t have medical insurance, you will probably be denied medical treatment unless you can pay for it up front. When I was in Trujillo, The only way i could get emergency medical treatment for a family member was by paying for it up front. This is how it worked: The person was brought to the emergency room. i was told there that she needed to be medicated immediately. But to get the medicine, I had to go to the hospital’s pharmacy, purchase it there, and then bring it to the doctors so they could administer it. happily my experience had a happy outcome. But WHAT A CRUMMY SYSTEM. So be forewarned Samantha, If you don’t have medical insurance, you better have plenty of money in your pockets to pay for medical treatment, God forbid you need it.
Samantha Bangayan
Omigosh, Vinny! I hadn’t even considered that clinics and pharmacies may be separate even in emergency situations! When I had all my doctor visits here, I had to purchase medicine from the pharmacy separately, but I thought that it would be different if there was an emergency! How frustrating that you had to panic through all of that for health’s sake!
I’m so glad that your story had a happy ending and I’ll make sure to have the funds behind me if necessary! Thanks so much for the warning!
Adrienne
First off Samantha, I’m so very sorry that this happened especially to someone you knew. I can’t imagine that there in Peru they aren’t more concerned with keeping pedestrians safe. I am not a risk taker at all so I would definitely be on the lookout when crossing streets there.
This is just one more reason I always tell people to appreciate what you have in your life and the people who are around you because at any second it can be taken away. His life was cut way too short and it shouldn’t have happened but it did. Just another reason why you should never take life for granted. Life is a gift, cherish it with every breath. Never let words go unsaid.
You just stay safe young lady and don’t be a risk taker. I have a feeling that you aren’t when it comes to those crazy drivers but just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m so sorry for your loss.
~Adrienne
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much for understanding, Adrienne! I often feel like people don’t take much care when it comes to dangerous situations here, so I guess it was inevitable in a way.
Thank you so much for taking this opportunity to help me clarify what’s important to me in life too. I love your pieces of wisdom that “Life is a gift to be cherished” and to “Never let words go unsaid.” =) They will be remembered, friend!
Carolyn
Samantha, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. But I also am a bit confused. When you begin this very touching article, you talk about the mutual disrespect between drivers and pedestrians. Later in the article you speak about taking risks. So, was Percy taking a risk when he crossed the street? It’s a very difficult lesson to learn, but perhaps his untimely demise could be a lesson for others not to take such risks? Again, I am very sorry that a young man had to die so tragically and violently.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Carolyn. I feel that Percy was taking a risk in crossing a street, but it was a risk that he couldn’t have calculated correctly because he jumped out from behind a parked car. Nevertheless, it had me thinking about all the risks we take in crossing the streets here. We just never know!
I definitely consider the incident a lesson that I shouldn’t feel so invincible all the time. =P
Janine
That is so incredibly sad and it is a reminder that life is fleeting – which is scary. One never does know when or how they are going to go, and it could be as simple as trying to cross a road. We need to live our lives to the max – something I have been thinking an awful lot about lately.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s the message I got from all that happened too, Janine: “Life is fleeting.” Thanks for relating to me on this one! =)
J. P. Cabit
This is a really sad story. I know that in India, traffic is pretty crazy, but I think there at least there’s a respect that keeps terrible things from happening all the time.
I wouldn’t say that life being short is what makes me takes risks. I think usually it’s just the fact that I don’t think beyond the risk, making me less worried and making me more easy-going and risky. But not stupid-risky! Just a little risky. Like eating food off the floor or not washing my hands in a public place before eating, or crossing the street when a car is coming (because they HAVE to stop for me! It’s the law! Right?…?). If you don’t think about what COULD happen, then what do you have to worry about?
But clearly things do happen, which is why sometimes we should stop and think before taking certain risks.
Samantha Bangayan
I would think that traffic might even be crazier in India! =) A Filipino explained it to me once — he said that both drivers and pedestrians act defensively on crazy roads, but as you say: “clearly things do happen.”
You know, I think I have a similar attitude to yours. I don’t think much beyond the risk. =) I’d rather not worry about little things like that. The constant worriers are the people who blow things out of proportion all the time. I mean, what were really the chances that Percy would be get into an accident as a pedestrian? I’ll never know!
Marcus Baker
Hi Sam,
Losing someone we know is painful and when it happens unexpectedly we are reminded that life is short. It’s at these times that we resolve not to take our own lives for granted.
We may even think about taking more risks than we have done up until that point, but I don’t believe that the majority of people alter their behaviour in the long term as result.
The pain associated with the loss soon becomes distanced and we return to our default life set point until the next reminder. Eventually there are no more reminders of course.
I believe people are inherently risk takers or not. Having a deepening reverence and appreciation for our life and purpose however, only comes from realizing who we truly are at a source level.
Sadly, drivers and pedestrians, no matter where they may be, who treat each other’s lives with contempt and indifference must for the most part belong to that group of people “who know not what they do”.
I am so sorry to read about your loss Sam.
~Marcus
Samantha Bangayan
Great point, Marcus! It seems so difficult to remember that life is short. I may become more of a risk taker because of this incident, but it’ll probably die away eventually. =P
A set point of risk makes complete sense to me. I think that I’m already a natural risk taker, but these incidents and reminders helps me push some things to the forefront.
Thank you for the important lesson that “having a deepening appreciation for our life only comes from realizing who we truly are.” That really means a lot to me.
In the meantime, I hope that we all learn to be a little bit more careful on the roads because we can’t control the people “who know not what they do.”
Hugs! Thanks for understanding, Marcus!
Adeline
First off, my sincere sympathies to you, my friend. I can’t imagine what it must be like.
The streets of Peru doesn’t sound that much different from the streets of Manila. You cross and drive with unnecessary peril and risk brought about by unruly drivers and pedestrians. A little bit of courtesy on both side can easily prevent so many deaths like this to happen.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Adeline. Truthfully, I didn’t know Percy well, but this accident has become something that consumed everyone’s minds and thoughts lately.
I so know what you mean about the streets of Manila. I remember having to run across a six-lane highway there once. Eek! I hope that we all learn to be more careful from stories like these.
Bryce Christiansen
Hi Samantah,
Sad story. Such a young guy, it’s a shame his life ended the way it did.
I’m not a big risk taker. It’s just in my behavior. I like following what works and letting others experiment. Sometimes I look back and kick myself for not having the courage to join a friend on their risky journey, but I can’t say that I feel too many of those regrets.
What about you? Are you a risk taker?
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
Makes complete sense, Bryce! Marcus was explaining to me how we all may have our risk-taking set points. =) I guess we all have our comfort zones and I love the way you describe your approach to live: “let others experiment.” =)
I find that I’m generally a risk taker, especially when it comes to traveling. I think it’s more of a need to push myself outside of my comfort zone because I’ve always learned way more there. =)
Deeone
Wow Sam! I’m so sorry to hear of the lost of the young man that you knew. I too lost a friend this week, and I know how hard it must be for you.
Death is such an amazing experience that brings up so many emotions and we often don’t know truly how to express those emotions. But talking about it and writing about it helps tremendously.
It moves me that this young man died from an experience that we so often take for granted here in the states and at such a young age.
Whenever I think about how short life is, it inspires me to live my own to the fullest. Enjoying the things and the people that I love, and telling them often exactly how I feel. I have also with time learned how to release those that don’t see my awesomeness. Which I think is just as important.
I smile more, I laugh more, I also want to cause other’s to do the same. It’s things like death, I think that should bring awareness of what life truly means to us. And also knowing that life can be taken at a twinkling of an eye.
People who hold themselves at a high standard and also who desire to hold others with that same high expectation, I will never understand them. Especially when we all are here for only a moment when you really think about it.
Love and receive love, that’s what it’s all about, I think. I appreciate you sharing this post Samantha. As moving as it was, and as hard as it may have been for you to write, it helped you cope with it, I assure you.
I pray your and his families strength through this hard time. And I send you all a great big cyber hug. My condolences.
Samantha Bangayan
Oh, Deeone. =( I’m so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend too.
You’re so right that writing has helped me work through the different emotions I went through last week. It has been really heartening to get feedback and shows of compassion from my friends in the online community too. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment here. =)
Through your comment, I’m coming to a better understanding of the idea of “releasing me.” You’re so right that a fulfilling life involves both living it to the fullest and also leaving the hurtful behind. Sometimes, it can be scary to think that we’re only here for such a short amount of time. But I want to take that thought and make it a reason for me to live with energy and love.
I’m so glad you’ve made it your mission to help others see this because you’re a natural when it comes to motivating others. =)
Big cyber hug back, friend! =) Thanks for getting me. =)
Virag
OMG, how sad this is. How sad all these kind of stories are!
Having kids is making ME less risk-taking actually. I fear their lives as they are the most precious things in life to me, and so I fear my own life too as I would really want to see them growing up!
Samantha Bangayan
Hey, that’s so interesting, Virag! I imagine that when you’re responsible for other lives, it can make you more careful and thoughtful about decisions. Great point!
Fred Tracy
Holy crap, that is really sad about your friend. Running in traffic is never a good idea, but neither is not paying attention when you’re driving.
Here traffic works a little differently. Drivers are usually fairly respectful of people. In fact, when I used to work at a local Air Force Base, you had to stop for everyone that was walking at all times no matter what. If you didn’t, you could get fired.
This is because one morning they had someone walking across the crosswalk, and the car didn’t see them. The car was only going 25 miles an hour or so, but it was enough to mess them up pretty badly. Since then the rules have been very strict.
But yeah, that is just really bad all around, sorry to hear that this happened. 🙁
Samantha Bangayan
WOW! That’s so nice to hear that you were forced to stop for everyone at all times while working for the Air Force. I bet that gave you guys an excellent reputation too. =)
I’m really surprised that someone can get hurt from a car that’s only going 25 miles an hour. How horrifying. =( All the more reason to be careful, eh?
Thanks so much for understanding, Fred, and for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Lynn Brown
So sorry to hear of your loss Samantha. Way too young for Percy to have to leave our world in that way. I live in California and Pedestrians have the right of way. BUT… as you say, you should always be on the defensive because I was in an accident a couple years ago.
I didn’t even see the old lady that hit me broadside (on passenger side, thank god) but she struck me so hard, my car was pushed to the other side of the road and up about 50 feet! I later found that she was in another accident 3 months earlier, she was 80 years old and she still was given her drivers license.
Life is too short … it is precious and each day to be celebrated. Sharing your very sad story is truly a reminder for us to slow down and enjoy life!
Samantha Bangayan
Omigoodness, Lynn! I’m so sorry to hear about your accident and I’m so glad you came out of that alright! It can be so difficult with elderly citizens because it can almost be a matter of dignity to take away their driver’s license. =(
My dad has always taught me to be a defensive driver. He learned that from driving in the Philippines, but he has always felt that it’s more dangerous in North America because everyone assumes that everyone else is following the rules.
Thanks for helping to remind me that life “is precious and each day to be celebrated.” That’s how I want to live every single day!
Roberta Budvietas
Like others Samantha, I am sorry for your loss but maybe I am sorrier for the loss of a young soul who seems to have believed somehow he was invincible and he did not take that one second to think beyond an immediacy. Based on the comment about the windshield, the car that hit him was going fast so it is possible that the car could not be seen. I also feel sorry for the friend that was with him. Remember who he was and celebrate the life he brought and shared with you.
Samantha Bangayan
So true, Roberta! I find that I often feel like I’m invincible as well and this tragic death has helped me to reconsider many of my decisions.
You’re right that the taxi was going really fast! It’s why it threw Percy a good distance away. =( That highway is really dangerous because there aren’t any speedbumps and there isn’t much traffic there either, so there’s plenty of space for cars to speed.
Thanks so much for reminding me to celebrate his life. =) We had a commemorative event for him last week at the university with everyone in his faculty and it was nice to remember him. =)
Sandra McLeod Humphrey
That is so sad! It could just be my perception, but I think people are multitasking so much and moving so quickly these days that they’re not paying attention to their driving. A car ran a red light in our neighborhood the other day and didn’t even slow down–she was talking on her cell and if we had gone when our light turned green, she would have plowed right into us.
I also don’t think drivers pay any attention to the crosswalks anymore because I’ve seen drivers drive right through the crosswalks and come dangerously close to the pedestrians in the crosswalks. I think it’s time for all of us to slow down and smell the flowers!
Samantha Bangayan
I so see what you mean, Sandra! In fact, I think the way we speed through life affects so much more than our driving. I imagine it can be detrimental to our work and family lives too.
Omigoodness! How scary about the car that ran the red light in your neighborhood. In Vancouver, my hometown, talking on a cell phone while driving is now illegal. I’m so glad you guys came out of that alright. It just goes to show that sometimes a split second can change everything.
I love your last line, Sandra! Thanks for the reminder “to slow down and smell the flowers.” =) My sense of smell isn’t that great, but I’ll try! =)
Paula
Samantha, I’m sorry for your loss. My friend, Ronnie died several years ago, he was just 21. His death really made me realize how short life is. That realization didn’t make me more of a risk-taker, but it did make me realize how important it is to not put off doing the things I had always dreamed of, like traveling.We only have a short time on this earth and we should spend it doing the things that make us happy. Ronnie was a good friend and a beautiful person, who I still miss and think of often, and I am so lucky to have known him.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much for understanding, Paula. I’m really sorry for the loss of your friend Ronnie too. =( I had a good friend and classmate of mine pass away at 21 too, in Vancouver because of a driving accident as well. =(
I love your reminder that it’s important “not to put off doing the things I dream of.” It’s hard for me to get over the feeling that there’s always tomorrow, but I think it’s really important to.
I hope, as you follow your dreams, that you make your way over to Peru to visit. =)
Sherryl Perry
Samantha, That is such a tragic story. I feel for your loss. It’s so sad that Junior had to witness the accident that caused his friend’s death. That’s something that he will carry with him for years. My adult son witnessed the motorcycle accident that caused the death of one of his friends and he could barely bring himself to go to the funeral. I’m hoping thing change to prevent further tragedies such as this.
Samantha Bangayan
That was definitely the most traumatizing factor, Sherryl. Junior was in shock for days on end. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your son’s friend and what your son had to go through. I’m also hoping that these stories will help us all be more careful.
Tambre Leighn/coaching by tambre
I’ll echo everyone’s sentiments of how sorry I am for your loss and for Percy’s family. There is the language of what risk means which has been so well-addressed already but to address the essence of your question, I feel it varies person to person and during different times of the loss experience. There were periods during my grief that because I truly didn’t care if I saw another day, I engaged in what someone so aptly coined, foolhardy behavior at times and at other times, I took calculated risks outside my comfort zone that contributed to my growth. I made it through the few foolhardy moments. Mostly, I would say yes that for me it has become easier to really go for it because I am very clear that I want to “leave it all on the dance floor” and never wonder what if…
Samantha Bangayan
I didn’t think of it that way, Tambre! Now that I think about it, during times of great grief, I’ve been through those two stages you describe as well: foolhardy behavior and calculated risks that contribute to growth. I guess we’re all lucky that we get through those foolhardy moments.
I’m so appreciative that you set such an amazing example of someone who “leaves it all on the dance floor.” That’s how I want to continually live! =)
Penelope J.
This is such a sad story but so typical of Latin America. In Mexico, it’s called “toreando el trafico” which roughly means daring the traffic the way a bullfighter dares and dodges the bull. Unfortunately, traffic sense is not ingrained in Latinos and the driver, not the pedestrian, usually has or feels he has the right of way. Rather, there’s a certain fatalistic enjoyment to risking being hit by a car as crossing a busy street is often like taking your life into your hands. Percy had probably done this successfully on countless occasions – as do many young people like him, but this time, he wasn’t lucky. The fact that Junior held back shows that he was probably less foolhardy than Percy. Why can’t young people realize that risking their lives this way isn’t worth the price they may have to pay?
I know that when I go to Mexico City and have to cross a street, I usually wait for the light to change before I do. But there is one conversion of several streets that is chaotic and heart-stopping. So what I do is cross with others, traffic hop or weave around cars in tandem with them. Even so, it’s scary, but I’ve often seen people of all ages crossing where they shouldn’t or without even looking at the oncoming traffic as if this will somehow make it slow down. I have also known people who unwittingly experienced the opposite: running over someone – often a child, older person or drunk – whom they couldn’t avoid. That is a awful thing to have to live with.
Your description of what happened to Percy afterwards and physically is horrifying, as it must have been to all involved, his family especially. He just became one more traffic fatality to be lost in the annals of so many similar ones that occur every day in Latin American countries, and probably Asian and African as well. But as you say, when you know someone that happens to, it affects you deeply. Such a waste of a young life.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! When we describe it as “toreando el tráfico,” it creates that very real parallel of a life-and-death experience.
I really do wonder if Percy knew he could be risking his life by jumping out that way. From what I hear, I think he just honestly didn’t think there was a car around. As for Junior, the weird thing is that he usually *is* more foolhardly than Percy. That’s what was so weird about it all.
Thankfully, Huancayo doesn’t have major crossings like Mexico or the Philippines. I had to cross a six-lane highway in Manila once whereas Huancayo really only has two-lane streets. But I still find it scary sometimes.
How scary to think of the people who unwittingly ran over someone they couldn’t avoid. =( It has me thinking of what the taxi driver has to deal with.
It’s true that Percy was just another traffic fatality, but it was so amazing to see the turnout at his university for a commemorative event. “Percy, you’ll always be in our hearts,” was said many times. He also made the paper and when I got on the combi leaving the event, even the combi driver knew what was happening. “Oh, that’s for the kid who was run over recently.” It’s nice to know that he’ll be remembered.
Adam Sokoloff
Hi Samantha, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. You painted a picture that is hard to fathom even being thousands of miles away.
I think what I take from your story is that life is just uncertain. You just don’t know when you time has come. If you take risks, you are certainly increasing your chances of harm, but if don’t, those uncertainties may affect you as well.
I’d say I’m a cautious risk taker. At this point in my life you find me jumping out of airplanes or bungee jumping. I think more of my risks are with growing my business. Even then, I still lean on the side of being somewhat cautious.
Be well. Thanks for sharing for story. -Adam
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks soo much for understanding, Adam. I could hardly believe that this happened even when hearing it from good friends of mine here.
I really appreciate your summary! That’s definitely how I feel: “Life is just uncertain.” We can just never tell what will happen to us, whether we’re careful or not.
I also like your point about business risks. =) I hadn’t even thought about how I feel about that. When it comes to business and finance, I’m usually more cautious too. =P
Vinny T
I’m not certain that emergency room protocols in Trujilo remain today as I described them above. But I thought it appropriate to give you a “heads up” in case they are. You may want to check out for yourself how things are today in Trujillo about that so as to avoid any nasty surprises once you’re there.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Vinny! I’ll definitely look into it when I get there!
Stan Faryna
While I have to agree with Roy there is some distinction between risk and foolishness, I don’t imagine that Percy calculated risk or seized upon a foolish derring do when he ran out to negotiate the traffic. I imagine it was reflexive, automatic, and, yes, unfortunate. I presume that he had done it hundreds or thousands of times.
And that is something to think about. That death took him without notice. That is shocking to me – regardless of the circumstance. We can loose ourselves, others, and things without notice.
Percy was doing what he always does and quite unexpectedly, he was hit. I suppose he didn’t even know he was dying as he complained about his headache on the way to the hospital. I will even suppose that the doctors that delayed to give him treatment were not aware of Percy’s urgent medical condition.
There is also something else to think about. We can remove much danger and harm from our path by laws, traditions, and customs. But we do so at certain cost to our freedom, our identity, and, perhaps, our joie de vivre. Sometimes, we will pay the price and not count the cost. Sometimes, the cost seems too great a price.
I admit that am annoyed to go the extra steps to cross on a crosswalk. And, worse, to take those extra steps when there is not a car on the street. Actually, I don’t take those extra steps in the latter case but I know I have upset people by doing so. After all, the law is the law. It demands a vigilant respect and strict obedience.
Sometimes.
And third, there is Percy Rosales Sosa who is mourned by family and friends. I feel badly to hear of their loss. Your loss. My prayers go out to the hearts broken by this tragedy.
Recently on my blog: Do you ignore the road signs too? And other social media DOHs. http://wp.me/pbg0R-rq
Samantha Bangayan
You make a really good point, Stan! The way Junior described the situation, I don’t think Percy thought twice about the decision he made. It has me thinking about we often don’t realize some of the risks we take. After the incident, it definitely shook me to truly realize how death can come at an instant without our even realizing it, “without notice” as you say.
You’re probably right that Percy probably had no idea he was dying or what the major headache was all about, but I can’t share the same doubt with the doctors. As far as I know, the doctors knew that it was an emergency but refused to treat him because Percy didn’t have health insurance and his father hadn’t arrived yet. =( Unfortunately, these types of incidents are common here.
I also really relate to what you say about the tradeoff we can find between safety and our joie de vivre. I know that the most exhilarating moments of my life have been those that were in the face of risk. And I find myself often choosing to ignore the crosswalks as well, especially when so many people do. =P They tried to implement fines for jaywalking at major crossroads earlier this year but gave it up for some reason. =)
Thanks so much for your condolences and thoughts, friend.
Brock Blohm
Sad story.
To answer your ending question. Yes. I know that life is short. Even if I die of old age. That is my #1 motivator. I have so many places I want to visit. So many goals I want to accomplish. I don’t know if I will have enough time to do it all even in 100 years.
Time, or the lack of, is MY motivator.
Thanks for the reminder.
Samantha Bangayan
So great to meet you, Brock! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit and comment. =)
You express my heart so well! Life is so short, whether or not our lives are cut short earlier rather than later. I have so many dreams for myself too and I continue to try and remind myself of how little time I have to see them all out. =) Thanks for relating to me!
Blog Soup 2011.10.13. Because soup is good food. « The unofficial blog of Stan Faryna
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John Carré Buchanan
Three years ago a woman pulled out in front of my bicycle in a car. I smashed her windscreen and then got hurled into the middle of the road. Fortunatly I was wearing a helmet and didn’t break any bones. Unfortunately I ended up with nerve damage in the form of complex regional pain disorder and as a result I am crippled by excruciating pain 24/7.
The thing is, I had always been a risk taker, Paratrooper in the Army, Waterskiier, Diving, Boxing, Fast motorbike etc. but now I am unable to do anything physical and I’am having to reinvent myself from scratch, I am doing this using writing and Poetry – see my blog. http://johncbuchanan.blogspot.com/
I guess my advice is take the risks and get all you can out of life, but as you charge through life take the opportunity to pause every now and again and find things that are more sedantory which you will be able to enjoy when the years catch up with you. Don’t get caught out like me.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow, John! That sounds very similar to what happened to Percy, which makes it all the more amazing that you came out of that incident alive. I’m so, so sorry to hear about the pain you have to go through everyday. I can’t even imagine what that must be like and to think that it was no fault of your own. Even with all those risks you took, it ended up being someone else’s accident that has put you in this state.
Thank you so much for sharing your piece of wisdom. I fully agree that we should suck all we can out of life. At the same time, I hope to have the same flexibility you do to learn and grow in different ways. Right now, my sedentary hobby is crocheting. =)
It’s soo great to meet you John and I really look forward to staying in touch!
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