Flash Decisions
Deadly Consequences
If you missed the news this weekend about the young mother who tried to cross the railroad tracks with a baby stroller, please allow me to chime in with my thoughts.
Some in the news media are calling her a saint, saying that she paid the ultimate sacrifice. One tabloid even used scripture to quote, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life." John 15:13
I have a differing viewpoint regarding the young mother's actions. I agree it is tragic and horrific that the young woman was hit by a train and even more tragic that a young child is mother-less.
The Riverside police told it this way, "The railroad crossing arms were down, the warning lights were flashing, the oncoming train whistle was blowing and the mother tried to cross the tracks pushing the stroller anyway. The stroller became stuck and the mother didn't make it across." The child was discovered by a passerby unharmed. You can read it here.
Life can change in an instant and our decisions often weigh heavily upon the consequences. I do not view this mom as a hero - she made a deadly decision and avoided the warning signs.
I remembered an incident that happened in a nearby town. It was Father's Day and a young father was at the public pool with his children. There were painted warnings by the side of the pool that said, "No diving allowed" and another, "Shallow water." The young dad dove into the shallow end resulting in a broken neck. He will be paralyzed for life from the neck down and his children witnessed the entire thing. It was horrible.
Why do we avoid the warning signs? Everyday I watch folks speed up to get through the intersection when the light changes yellow cautioning them to stop. Many of the vehicles have children in them. Those children are watching every move we make. Our hasty decisions may one day lead to their deadly decisions. I, for one, do not want that haunting reality that something I did in haste led to influence someone else to do something without thinking.
We all have a responsibility to weigh our actions and consider our steps. The mom that chose to cross the railroad tracks and ignore the warning signs never thought she would pay with her life.
Consider this the next time you have an important decision to make:
Something you do in an instant, could make your life flash before your eyes.
Sources:
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
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40 Comments
Post a Commentwell written - thank you
eye opening
Yes, this is what I was thinking....sad isn't it....
This really is a superbly written article, Thanks.
I totally agree with you on this one Michele!
still tragic either way, such a shame
Wise words indeed, Michele. Pool side parties are always a danger when parents get immersed with one another ignoring the safety of children; a momentary lapse in concentration is all it takes. This has happened time and again here in Singapore and other places. On another note, I remember a young mother was reminded by her child - it is no parking zone, mom. Her reply - no policeman around, never mind! siva
Great article!
Great article Michele!
I agree with you Michele. This was a very sad case, but the mother was extremely careless to allow this to happen.