Seeing death

Every once in a while I have smacked the life out of an insect. Heck, I've even inadvertently killed gnats while riding my bike or on my windshield whooshing down the roadway. I have seen these deaths. And tonight I saw one that was a bit closer to home.

On my way back from work on Tuesday night I happened to be passing a spot where people often gather on the Northwest corner of Cedar Lake, where the Cedar Lake Trail crosses under Cedar Lake Parkway. It is kind of a serene, placid place, until yesterday. Now, for me, it will be a reminder of where I experienced the death of one of my human travelers.

A man, I did not know him nor did I ever see his face, was lying on the ground, his body crumpled from having fallen (that is about as graphic as I will get), was involuntarily breathing his last breath as myself and others stood around, helpless to do anything. His life ended in front of all of us and we could do nothing but vainly call for help. By the time the help had arrived, it was too late.

But all of us, trying to do what little we knew what to do, were affected. I am not saying that we were any type of victim of this accident, just witnesses. But the thoughts could nothing but occupy my mind: Someone lost a loved one and nothing could be done to change that.

I have not experienced much death in my life. I have been fortunate in this, very fortunate. And seeing what I did, I can only move forward and appreciate what I have, the life I usually take for granted. This man could well have been me or anyone. And, because it wasn't, I must do my best to not take this short span of time as if it is a guarantee.

From this point on, every time I ride along this point, I will remember the life I saw extinguished. It will be a reminder to me to push forward.

Peace.