“I want to take the time to thank you for organizing and sharing your touching experiences, this evening, as well as the many additional times you share at other events.
I am sorry for each of your losses and thank you for being courageous in sharing and striving to help others in the name of your family and others.
I too have experienced a tragic event that is similar to yours, but it is not related to what caused my attendance tonight. I have carried a tremendous amount of guilt for many years and may not have effectively dealt with it. Time blurs perspective.
I agree that time doesn’t necessarily heal, but does help you deal.
After my attendance this evening I walked away tonight, based on my faith, knowing my attendance was purposeful. I have more to do in this world.
Thank you for your assistance and what you so courageously shared tonight and often.
You are strong and honorable people.
My best to you and thank you!”
Name withheld.
“Thank you for the words of inspiration and for telling your (and Zac’s) story last night at the panel. My husband and I were truly moved. My DUI (3 weeks ago) was a life defining moment. It was the moment that I made a lifetime commitment to never again drink or drive, to remain 100% sober behind the wheel. I had/have no right to endanger the life of someone else by my selfish action. In the parking lot of the church, my husband and I realized this was our opportunity to use the arrest as a gift. I am lucky and blessed that no one was hurt, but this was a wake-up call to the largest degree.
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. You have painted your brother as a hero who was loved but most of all gave love.”
With appreciation and thanks,
Name Withheld
“You are such an amazing and strong woman! I went to a panel on June 1st and think of you and your story everyday. I put myself in your situation because I have a younger brother that I love dearly, and I don’t know what I would do with out him. What you are doing is so awesome and I admire you so much. I just wanted to tell you that your story really touched me. I always think things wont or can’t happen to me, but so does everyone else. You definitely opened up my eyes! I wish you nothing but blessings in your future, and want to tell you again that you are amazing.”
Name Withheld
“Thanks again for speaking at the Burien panel tonight, you really did very well.
I think what your friend said at the end about how sober accidents happen, but when you’re under the influence of anything, you will always question whether it could have been avoided is a really good point to bring up.
I think your story will help a lot of people, I don’t know any statistics, but I believe most of the DUI ending tragically is being done by people, mostly men, in their 20’s, and I think you really get through to that demographic. I really wish I could convince some of my friends to go to that panel and hear you, because it is needed for many more people than those who get “caught” DUI. So many people think they can drive drunk because they have done it a hundred times before, but it takes so very little to crush those thoughts in an instant.
In my wall photos is a picture of me in the hospital shortly after my accident, I look at it often to remind myself how lucky I am to be alive and to have not hurt anyone else.
Thanks again, for all that you do.”
Sincerely,
Name Withheld
“Hi, I listened to you at the victims panel tonight and your story really got to me and I see you as an inspiration. I hope you don’t mind, but I forwarded your page to the drug and alcohol counselor at my old high school because I know alcohol and drinking and driving is a huge problem at the school I used to go to and I thought that your story might help . Thanks for sharing with us tonight :)”
Name Withheld
“Good morning Nick!
I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank you and Marcy again for last night. While there is no doubt those of us on the “other side” in that room felt like it could never happen to us, it sure is a wakeup call to see “real” people like you and Marcy sharing your stories. Not only re-telling but re-living your losses canNOT be easy and I want to you know that you have my personal conviction to NEVER drink and drive again…for that matter to never drink again!
As soon as I got home last night I text all my drinking buddies with a friendly reminder that just because I don’t drink I am still here and still like to have fun and most importantly AVAILABLE 24/7=365 if any of them needs a ride for any reason!
Again, thank you for opening up and having the courage to share and to continue your good work.”
Best,
Name Withheld