Yeah, I know, this has nothing to do with supporting the troops. The young man in this video is my nephew James, whose brother Nathan is currently in critical condition due to an accident he had while trying to read a text message he’d just received on his cell phone. While distracted, he rear-ended a tractor-trailer, and was nearly killed. That was 12 days ago, and he’s not awake yet. Part of his liver had to be removed, his kidneys have shut down, he’s on a ventilator, and he’s got a long hard road ahead of him. He was ticketed for texting while driving, which is illegal in the state of Illinois as of Jan. 1, and for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. (Not that he’s even aware that he’s gotten a ticket for anything…but you get the idea.) I know nobody has ever been able to stop folks from drinking while driving, so maybe putting this out there to call attention to the fact that texting while driving can be hazardous won’t make any difference – however, I’m posting this video everywhere I can; if it keeps just one person from making a bad decision, then that’s a success in my book.
Nathan has a wife, 5-year-old twins (a boy and a girl) and an adopted teenage daughter – they need him; prayers would be appreciated.
February 26th, 2010 - 11:14 am
I am very sorry to hear this news. I am so against texting or talking on the phone while driving as well as Drinking.
Tracy you are a long time friend so I will keep my comments to myself. I wish your Nephew Nathan well and hope for a speedy recovery. There should be only one that has to bare the burden for this but that never happens,the family bares it also.
GF MT JOE.
February 26th, 2010 - 1:01 pm
Tracy,
I know that I have never met Nathan, but watching the pain that this situation has caused you and our loved ones truly breaks my heart. You will be proud to know that I no longer look at my phone or text while driving. I haven’t in quite a while. But, the current situation that our family is having to deal with is a definitely a cold reminder of why driving requires our full attention. Nathan and everyone in the family are still in my prayers. I love you so much. Thank you for sharing this news video.
February 26th, 2010 - 2:40 pm
Tracy, from the video I see Mattoon sheriff’s car, a reference to Cole Co., IL. Please provide mailing instructions for cards of encouragement to Nathan, when he wakes up, and to his family during their ordeal. In
God We Trust! Maddog {{{{{Tracy, et al}}}}}NCYLO