I am mad and disgusted today. I found out that someone I used to work with when I was on active duty is dead. Now, if you are like me, your first thought was that he was killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Nope. Wrong on both accounts.

Yes, Kris did go to Iraq and served, from all accounts I have heard, honorably. He had recently returned from his deployment. I don’t know when he got back. Doesn’t really matter now. I don’t know the exact details, but this is what I do know. Last Saturday, Kris was riding his motorcycle home from work at 7 pm, when a car driven by a drunk cut him off. The driver tried to flee the scene, but fortunately, an off-duty police officer saw what happened and responded. When the driver was caught, an open bottle of Tangeray gin was found in the front seat. Kris was taken to a hospital and put on life support. Monday, he was taken off. He died shortly after.

I told Kathy this story. Her first question to me was what I thought the drunk’s sentence aught to be. I said life without the possibility of ever seeing the light of day ever again. I went on to say that part of the drunk’s penance should be to visit people who have been hurt by drunk drivers as well as their families. Also, drunk drivers should be required to visit families of people who have been killed (I would rather call it murder) by drunk drivers. I have no sympathy for anyone who drinks enough to be drunk and get behind the wheel of a car or truck and attempt to drive. And their licenses should be taken away, permanently.

Before anyone goes off and starts calling me names, let me say that I used to be one of “them”. Several years ago, I used to drink and drink a lot. I have explained my definition of “a lot” several times to others. It hurts every time I do. I have also driven cars while under the influence. Under the influence putting it lightly. I shudder when I think of the lives I have put in jeopardy by my actions. It is by the Grace of God alone that I am here. But, it is also by that same Grace that I have changed the course of my life. There is nothing worse than an ex-drinker, -smoker, etc…..

Over 1000 of our servicemen and women have been killed in combat in Iraq. Many more have fought, faced hostile enemy (and friendly) fire and come away unharmed. At least one came back to be killed (did I say before that I would call it murder?) by one of our own.

And here is the piece de resistance.

The drunk is a lawyer. Do I need to say more?