A cousin of mine was killed by a drunk driver 21 years ago. He was on his way to Baton Rouge for a state meeting and met a car load of soldiers returning to Fort Polk from an all-nighter; yep, they were all drunk. My cousin drove his huge Buick Delta88 onto the shoulder to avoid them but his headlights attracted the driver of the Toyota. The soldiers were not harmed at all. My cousin's chest was crushed by the steering wheel. In the wee morning hours, there is little traffic on that road so help didn't reach him in time. The drunk driver served no time as my aunt and uncle decided to not press charges. They felt he would carry this the rest of his life. I believe he has as it really turned him around.

Life is full of strange twists and turns. I couldn't have been as understanding as my aunt and uncle but they had years I still lack.