GUEST SUBMISSION: I received a submission through our Facebook page from Ms. Lynette Welch (name shared with permission) of her personal story regarding the consequences of her choice to drink and drive. The story, in her words, are as follows:
August of 2000 I made a life altering decision. I chose to drink and drive.
I arrived at the hospital brain dead and was then in a coma for a month.
After the coma, I was told I’d never walk again. I had nerve damage causing paralysis of my right arm and causing me to walk with a limp.
The most painful part of the entire car wreck was losing custody of my children to my ex and his moving them to Manitoba then Alabama. I miss them everyday and it makes me realize how much of an impact drinking and driving has on your life.
Drinking and driving will not only effect you, but your children, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, parents, and many others.
The included pictures are of my ruined extended cab Chevy as well as a picture portraying not even 24 hours time difference. [This is in reference to a picture of her holding the baby and her being in the hospital].
I have been sober almost 15 years (Sept.22, 2018) and that should have been my decision in the first place.
Please don’t drink and drive. I am living proof of the reason NOT to.
I think we all have been affected, or know someone who has been affected by drinking a driving. For many, it can be incredibly hard to raise a hand and say “I screwed up!” and tell your story. That takes courage!
These pictures and Lynette’s heartfelt and brave story about her own battles and loss due to making a poor decision just one time – and the consequences that come from it – should be a good reminder to us all.
We thank Ms. Welch for sharing with us her story and her plea to not drink and drive. Call a friend or family member, get a taxi, download the Uber or Lyft app! Your vehicle carries precious cargo (yes, including you) as does other vehicles on the road. Stay alert. Stay sober behind the wheel. 💕
~ Memoirs of a Strong Woman ~ 