Mick ~

I grieve with you. Twenty-one years ago my 21-year-old son was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his uncle. The car failed a curve and went over a cliff along California's coast highway. They say he lived all night, but was so badly injured that he had no way of living or knowing that his uncle had already died in the plunge. I still feel the agony of that phone call.

Four years ago, my granddaughter was thrown from a pickup truck in which her boy friend was killed. She suffered major head trauma and will never be the same. Today she sits in a federal penitentiary for parole violations she may never comprehend.

Your post has brought these tragic memories vividly back to me. Be strong for your daughter. Make sure she gets sound post-traumatic stress counseling. She will need your love and counseling more than you or anyone else will ever know. Make sure she knows you will do all that it takes to help her into the future. Do not let her fall prey to misguided concepts from her peers. Let her know you are her friend and best ally.

May you and your daughter both find peace through love and kindness.

GEST