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These words came to me one night and I really believe
that they came from our son, Simon Joseph, age 17, who was
killed by a drunk driver just days before he was to
graduate from high school.
Simon was a wonderful son. He never gave us any grief
until his death. He was a thoughtful young man and always
put his family and friend's needs before his own. He was a
senior in high school, a team player for McDonald's, the
drum major for his high school's marching band, and
received the Captain's Award for track. He was our only
child.
The drunk driver is alive and well. He received a $100
fine, 5 days in jail, and one year probation. The DA's
Office made a plea bargain with him because it was his
"first offense". We sued the drunk driver
through the civil court for wrongful death, but we were
only awarded $2,000 because that is all the drunk driver's
insurance would pay. So, basically, he got off "scott
free".
Simon's funeral cost us over $10,000. We were able to
pay for the funeral and services in full by using our
savings account, the $2,000 civil court award, and by
using our son's final paycheck from McDonald's. We also
purchased his plot and his head stone.
When the time comes, my husband and I would also like
to be laid to rest next to our son. We would like our
headstone to read "Father and Mother of Simon".
Unfortunately, we are unable to purchase the plot that
is next to our son's because we no longer have the money
to do so. What income we do have comes from my job as a
hospital timekeeper and my husband's Social Security. And,
all of that barely meets our monthly needs
I am 52 years old and my husband is 65. Since we have
no other children and because we will never have
grandchildren, we must find a way to take care of all of
our final arrangements. We are simply planning ahead and
we will need to make arrangements to purchase our own plot
before someone else purchases the plot next to our son. We
do not want to be laid to rest in another part of the
cemetery.
After Simon was killed, we made a promise to ourselves
to also make a contribution to his high school band. We
would like to honor our son each year by donating to the
high school's band uniform fund. His high school is quite
small and is struggling to meet the band's uniform
expences. We want his legacy as the marching band drum
major to continue.
Please find a place in your heart for us and for our
son. If you are not able to make a donation, please take a
moment to include in your prayers the safe passage for all
young people whose lives may be ended by a drunk driver
tonight.
"If tears could pave a highway and memories a
lane, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you home
again." Mom is waiting for the next time we can dance
on Heaven's kitchen floor.
You may send a donation through PayPal. Our mailing
address is:
P.O. Box 291244
Kerrville, TX 78029
