In my normal routine of scurrying the kids out the door and on to school, I drive slow through the neighborhood, even stopping at the intersections where I don't have a stop sign, to ensure no one comes barrelling out of the side streets as they are known to do, especially pre-coffee. I know this, so I look for it. I was not looking for the squirrel, however.
The poor guy didn't stand a chance.
Zig.
Zag.
Bump.
I felt horrible. I even attempted going back later tonight to retrieve the lifeless body and give it a proper burial, but alas, it seems as nature has set it's own course for our little friend. Be free my squirrely adventurer, and do consider coming back as a different animal in your next life. Preferably one less prone to becoming road kill.
I arrive at work to find the day has been all rearranged for me. A finding I am so happy about, I can't even begin to explain it to you. Then, I hear the reason.
One of the girls at work had a brain aneurysm last night.
Wait. Whoa?
Details were fuzzy this morning, but as the day went on we found she had been out with friends and got a headache. After passing out, they rushed her to the emergency room, where she was then med-flighted to Boston. She had emergency surgery, and is under observation for the next ten days, but God willing, she'll be fine. Had she gone home and gone to bed last night instead of going out, I'd be telling a much different story.
Then they tell me the other part of today's rescheduling. One of my other co-worker's son was murdered. He was involved in a fight, and was stabbed in the heart. He was 23. His mother (my co-worker) is being heavily sedated. No one knows the specifics of what happened, speculation has of course occurred. Rumor is, he and his friends were defending some girls from some other guys, and it went south.
And in the end, it doesn't matter.
Regardless of weather it is death by stupidity, honor, or accident, the loss is the same.
So that's my Monday so far.
I'm making boneless barbecued ribs, potatoes and veggies for dinner. Then, most likely snuggling down with some good TV and a bit of ice cream later, hugging my own boys just a little tighter than normal.
It's amazing how someone else losing a child makes you want to smother yours. I feel the same way when these things happen. I'm sorry you had such a rotten day. I hope your co-workers are ok. It's so weird when these things happen. Don't feel to bad about the squirrel. I've hit birds and bunnies that were on kamakazie suicide missions also.. It always makes me sad but when they are determined to die... What are you supposed to do?
ReplyDeleteMakes all other troubles look small.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! What an emotional day for you and so many of your friends and co-workers. Hope your warm dinner and snuggle time are as comforting as they sound.
ReplyDeleteAWFUL. So, so sad.
ReplyDeleteOH MY GAWD !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTake care of you and yours m/f.
(((hugs)))
Wow, very sad. Especially in these cases, its just so sudden. No one has time to prepare.
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to imagine what is going through the minds of their family.
Wow -- such a day sweetie. So much to take in. Know that I pray for you always.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lola
Thanks everyone. In all honesty, work was errie today, so quiet. I was actually relieved when the boys started talking sports.
ReplyDeleteThe newspaper reports are conflicting with the different stories we've heard in the office, so I doubt we'll ever really know what happened to him.
As for the squirrel, Tony thinks it may have just been stunned as there's no sign of him.
Yup. He's just fine, out there collecting nuts for the winter. That's what I'm going with.
my heart sank...... 23, the same age as my son. so sad.... and the brain aneurism.... Frightening.
ReplyDeleteI had some interesting wild life things happen today as well. squirrels mating, hawk tried to grab my 5 lb pup...lots to write about, it was an interesting day all around...
I hit a squirrel once heading to work. I couldn't stop. Bawled for hours after.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, the rest of my day did not end up like your day today...and for that I'm thankful. Very sad day indeed.
Hugs,
Steph
PS - Maggie (Padded Cell Princess) told me that she and Branden had the Halloween version of Cadbury Eggs the other day. I.AM.SO.JEALOUS!!!!! And when should we go visit them? :)
Thanks for the reality check...brings the important virtues to life into check real quick.
ReplyDeleteWords cannot describe. Really. What a horrible set of events to meet you on Monday! Hugs to you AND your coworkers! (Your squirrel will hopefully stay away from cars now)
ReplyDeleteOh my. Doesn't it seem to come in clusters sometimes? We have three cancers in our block right now. Bam, bam, bam. All within 2 weeks of each other, they were diagnosed. It's a reminder, I think. That this life has a plan, that we're not in charge and that there is a sacredness to our mortal lives. Well, I might just be kinder to my family tonight because of this post. Bless them.
ReplyDeleteI always get upset if I hit a squirrel. I get upset if I just see roadkill, of any kind.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your co-worker with the aneurysm is okay! I've heard so many stories about people who seemed perfectly healthy just dropping dead from those things. So scary.
Just heartbreaking about the 23 year old. My heart goes out this his mother and the rest of his family.
I hope you had a better day today!
That poor squirrel probably had one doozy of a headache! I hope Tuesday was WAY better.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's like death was incremetally creeping closer and closer to you as the day unfolded. I am truly sorry for your co-worker's loss but I'm glad you were able to go home and hang on to your family and wind down enjoying life.
ReplyDeleteOh my! What are horrible set of events! Well the squirrel is sad because I like squirrels, but not THAT bad. But those other people! Scary!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh--how terrible. I'm praying for you and your friends.
ReplyDeletewow, that is quite a day. Definately sending up some prayers for your co-workers (can't hurt right?) I think I'll go snuggle with my girls now........
ReplyDelete