She was 18, homecoming queen, an athlete, the oldest of 5. She had a smile that would light up the world. Two days earlier, May 25, 2010, she graduated from high school. The world was hers. On her senior page she had written “live each day as if it was your last”, that’s exactly how she lived.

May 27th, was her last night. No one ever thought it would happen to Jewel. Driving down a dark country road, trying to get home before her midnight curfew, she was texting and driving. Jewel’s car ran off the road hit an electric pole, and split in half. She was thrown from the car and trapped underneath it as it burst into flames.  At home, decorations from her graduation party earlier that day were still up. The unfinished cake, still sitting on the counter.

Let’s be honest, it’s not just young adults and teenagers texting and driving. Even as adults we do it. But why? What is so important that it can’t wait just a few minutes? What are we teaching our kids when we text and drive? How can we tell them not to when they see us do it day after day?

I’ll be the first to admit, I am guilty of texting and driving. I have luckily never been in an accident because of it. I have noticed myself swerving while doing it though. I am sure we have all been there. My husband and I have even considered purchasing a program that locks texting while the vehicle is moving. There are at least three that can be purchased, depending on the type of phone you have, you can find some here.

Every time you pick up your phone to text and drive, think of Jewel, and her family who will never see her smile again here on Earth. Then, think about your family, do you want them to go on without you all because you couldn’t wait to text?

Tags: texting
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