[StargazerLily]

Today a friend died. In 3rd period they made the announcement that she had died in the ICU, complications from a car accident that happened yesterday. Colonel Tatum made the announcement. I was surprised to see a man of his age, with as many people he's seen go before him, that he could hardly keep his composure as he made the announcement. We followed him outside to lower the flag in Deirdra's honor, one giant mass of tears.

She was making a left turn over 3 lanes of traffic when a truck hit her on her drivers side door. Her boyfriend was waiting for her at the flag pole at school, not knowing what happened. People that saw the car said it looked like it was only half the car it was. She was brought to a near by hospital to be stabalized, and reports have said that she lost a heart beat several times. When she finally was stabalized enough to travel, they flew her up to Scott & White hospital, where she had 2 surgeries to fix a broken pelvis and internal bleeding. She made it through the surgeries and the night, but this morning we lost her.

I was in JROTC with her. She was Charlie Company commander, and we were on the drill team together. Very good student, and well accomplished. She had plans for after high school, she was graduating just next week. Her boyfriend, and as I find out today, fiance, is in this class with me. At least he's not here. It was hard enough finding out about her death, bad enough to see how hurt he is.

This is the closest loss I've ever had. And all I can think about is her birthday party a few months ago. What a happy person she is. She just got that car. The kind of person I wish I could be. The world works in strange ways. The only other thing on my mind is how much she could've done if she had lived, and it was maybe..me in that car instead. What little of an effect it may have been.

RIP..it was too soon for you to go..

Kayleigh

[nothemama8]

Kayleigh, she's a guardian angel now, enjoy the memories, be there for her boyfriend, my prayers to you for your loss
Angie

[misty]

So srry Kayleigh!!!!! Loss is never easy. Be kind to your self!
lrks

[misty]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((Kayleigh))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[StargazerLily]

I just saw her car on the news. The truck that had hit her was a bit dented up, but her car..it was just a hole. Amazing that she lasted as long as she did with the car in that condition. Long enough for her family and fiance to say their good byes.

Kayleigh

[mrb020377]

Starbright, Nothing can compare to losing someone close to you. Espeically this way. I have lost two really close friends in car accidents. One I was phsyically sick for weeks because of it. SO cry, get mad, scream. You are hurting. If you need a shoulder mine is here anytime you need it. don't worry about getting it wet. (((((((((((((starbright))))))))))))))))))

so very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.....

[jmo531]

Kayleigh,

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. That type of loss at that age is very difficult because it is so unexpected. I lost a few high school friends to violent crimes and each time was harder and harder to deal with.

My thoughts and parayers are with you and your friends family.

Luv,

Jen

[StargazerLily]

Am I supposed to feel worse and worse every day? Thanks for all your thoughts, helps bring some comfort. 18 years old, the 6th student to die this year. Senior curse they say, someone always goes before graduation, why does it have to be the ones with everything?

The viewing is on Monday, the memorial service on Tuesday. Not sure if I'll go. I didn't get to go to the memorial after school yesterday.

My final exam for JROTC now is to write a letter. To school board members, the mayor, the Commanding General at Fort Hood (where I live), senators, representative, anyone that will listen to change the traffic on that road. With incoming soldiers and the base closures, we have tons of new people coming, and they're quickly throwing together communities, with no regard to traffic. There are 6 intersections, one after another, at a speed limit of 55. That's just asking for problems. She's not the first to go, how many more to make them see?

Our 1st Sgt. was broken up today reading the newspaper article written on her, front page news. He kept exclaiming "If they would do what they're supposed to, I'd still have a company commander, I'd still have a cadet, we'd still have our friend." I agree, something will be done.

Kayleigh

[mrb020377]

Starbright,
Write that letter and tell them how you are hurting because you had another student killed on a road that is dangerous. I live in waco and a few years ago a 90 year old grandmother and her two granddaughters ages 13 and 9 (i think that was their ages) we broadsided by an 18 wheeler on hwy 6. They were attempting to make a left hand turn across the highway. The girls were killed, the grandmother survived. Many people wrote letters to the state and to the Highway department and to the paper, Finally they closed that crossing and redesigned the highway in that area.

It is sad that a friend of yours lost her life. It is sad that she was taken soooo soon. I have a poem that I wrote for my friend when she was killed in a horse/truck accident. If I can find it I will post it for you.

Let your voice be heard for Deirdra Todd. Let them know how you hurt for her.

[StargazerLily]

I think I'll write a couple, make a few copies and send them to other people. If they'd listen, people wouldn't be going to a viewing tonight. That's tonight, the family's memorial service is tomorrow. I've missed everything. Other than I'd rather not be there, my parents have been busy and I can't get out. That's alright, I'd feel strange there anyways..

Kayleigh