To the editor:
I am writing in response to the tragic loss of life of Savanah Gatchell. Yesterday, I was picking up my daughter, no less precious than Savanah, from the library here in Marblehead.
Tuned into my spirit, I heard a warning. In my rearview mirror, I saw that Anna was attempting to cross the intersection in front of the library.
A car stopped directly at the crosswalk. But the car behind it was intent on moving forward, regardless of the life of my daughter, Anna Grace, who was crossing.
The white BMW or Mercedes was trying to go around the car that had stopped for my daughter. These are perilous times. People, hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying: slow down. There is nothing more important than the life in front of you — including your own.
The news of Savanah’s death should burden our hearts. We are too much in a hurry, too tuned out from what matters. We need to stop and listen to the voice that tells us to slow down. I include myself in that. Oh my God, what is happening?
I honked at the driver who tried to go around the stopped car. I wanted to follow them, to take my anger out on the driver. But my levelheaded daughter told me otherwise — to let it go.
We are in desperate times, Marblehead, which call for desperate measures. Though we may want to make the driver the villain, we are all guilty of checking out, of letting ourselves become intoxicated by the times.
As much as we may want to accuse, we must admit that we too stand accused. Whether the distraction is alcohol, a phone, or something else, we are all guilty.
May we truly see where we are, spiritually speaking. Let us not make one person the scapegoat. It is easy to do, but dangerous. I understand that there is guilt when a life is taken. But regardless of what we believe about the hereafter, may we all slow down and take notice.
I know I am. I am grateful my Anna was spared in front of the library yesterday. To the driver of the white car — you know who you are. You are blessed that my daughter was spared. Count your blessings this time.
Be forewarned. You might not be so lucky next time.
Brendalee Baughman
