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<\/a><\/p>\nHubby and I took on life on our own in Oklahoma. \u00a0Fresh out of college, we set out on our own, moving the more than 1200 miles to Oklahoma City. \u00a0We’ve lived a lot of places and never in my life have we found a greater community and generous, kindhearted and wonderful people than we met in Oklahoma.<\/p>\n
During our two years in Oklahoma, we were involved in Oklahoma State University’s activities. \u00a0Despite living almost an hour away, we attended almost every home football game and hubby stood in line for a whole day to get coveted season tickets for the basketball season. \u00a0We showed off the gorgeous campus to anyone who visited. \u00a0There was always a buzz of excitement and pride on campus any time we visited. \u00a0We loved partaking in\u00a0the long-standing homecoming traditions and festivities (known as “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration” which started more than 100 years ago) and we went to that parade more than once, that last time when Honeybun was just over a year old and the last time I visited Oklahoma.<\/p>\n
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Drunk driving accidents are, unfortunately, not rare. \u00a0And this accident which affect so many children and families was not a case of college partying gone wrong, the driver was a 23-year-old local woman. \u00a0It was 10:30 in the morning. \u00a0I just don’t get it.<\/p>\n I don’t understand drinking at 10 o’clock in the morning. \u00a0I don’t get why people drink and drive. \u00a0I don’t know why people make the choice to endanger other people’s lives. \u00a0I don’t know why people don’t rest it out, call a taxi, a friend or simply plan ahead with a designated driver.<\/p>\n I’ve been a designated driver as long as I’ve been a driver. \u00a0As a teen, I was a default DD for my parents anytime they drank more than a glass of wine at dinner as a matter of precaution. \u00a0And while I never minded, I made the choice to continue being a DD throughout my college years and into adulthood because unfortunately, this tragedy at Oklahoma State University is not my first\u00a0personal drunk driving tragedy.<\/p>\n I was thrust into real life on the day I became an adult when, on my 18th birthday (14 years ago next month), my life was first impacted by drunk driving.<\/p>\n I remember it all so vividly. \u00a0The lights flashing in the night, the feeling of despair and helplessness. \u00a0The loss of another young life, someone I knew<\/em>. \u00a0The pain and agony of a grieving family.<\/p>\n It’s an experience, though, that I’ve carried with me. It has shaped who I’ve become, the choices I’ve made and how I live my life. \u00a0It’s made me a better person by reminding me of what is truly important in life. \u00a0It reminds me everyday how my choices affect others. \u00a0The heartbreak of those around me has taught me to value not only my own life, but those of everyone I pass by. \u00a0I choose not to endanger other people’s lives by drinking or in any other way.<\/p>\n And I know Oklahoma State University will come out of this the same way: stronger, better, united. \u00a0Because while they are no strangers to tragedy<\/a> (having also suffered two plane crashes in the recent past), they have proven to be fighters. \u00a0And while I may not be Oklahoma born, I am Oklahoma proud and thankful I got to call this amazing place and wonderful community “home” if only for a few short years. \u00a0Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University will always be in my heart.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n