Things were thrown into perspective today as I joined the Bishop (ecclesiastical leader of our neighborhood) at the hospital to try to console my neighbor and his family. Life can dish out some unexpected curveballs.
Here is the article from the daily herald.
The woman involved in a serious accident on Interstate 15 near 800 North Tuesday morning is not likely to survive, officials have reported.
Utah Highway Patrol spokesman Cameron Roden said the family of the woman is currently weighing the decision to take the victim off of life support. Roden said Amanda Clifford, 20, of Lindon, was traveling southbound on the freeway just after 8 a.m., heading to school at Utah Valley University, when she was cut off during the early morning commute. Clifford lost control of her vehicle and swerved to the right, then to the left in front of a semi-trailer. The truck hit the Clifford's Honda on the driver's door.
Clifford was the only occupant of the vehicle and was transported by helicopter to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
The freeway was closed for about 15 minutes while the chopper landed to transport the woman, and Interstate 15 remained closed down to one lane following the accident while officers conducted their investigation. The highway was closed down to the HOV lane until approximately 9 a.m., and only two lanes were open until the road was cleared around noon.
Roden said officials so far have no information on the car that cut Clifford off and are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
Amanda did pass away. Her brain swelled to where there was no blood flow to the brain. There was nothing that the doctors and nurses could do.
I can't imagine the emotions that the Cliffords are dealing with. I am grateful that I can return home, hug my kids and tell them how much I love them.
One last note, I was very impressed with two therapists at the hospital whose jobs are to interact with the family and help console and consult with them. Their badges say social worker, but they are trained therapists. I believe they may have one of the most difficult jobs in the world--knowing what to say someone through these tragedies is a difficult thing.
