Some days, I sit at my computer and struggle as I try to think of something to write about for this blog. Complaining about annoying customers is always an option as is making fun of what someone said on the Olive Garden Facebook page, but today the topic was painfully obvious. Yesterday, my mom told me of a family friend who is suffering a great loss. Their little girl, Sophia, was killed in a drunk driving accident in my hometown of Victoria, Texas.
I never met Sophia, but if she was like most 9-year old girls, she was the center of the universe for her parents. I know that she leaves behind an older brother who probably cannot forgive himself for the last argument they had over something that was inconsequential. We all had fights with our little brother or sister when we were kids, but we always knew that we would be able to kiss and make up. This little girl didn’t even get to start her life and now it’s gone all because someone made the bad decision to get behind the wheel of a car after having too much to drink. The driver was arrested and has been charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is, no doubt, regretting that last drink that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Many times, this blog trumpets and elevates the alcoholic beverage, but never once would I ever advocate that it’s alright to drive after having too many cocktails. Sophia has left a hole in the hearts of her family and all of her friends. Her principal at her school had to make an announcement on Monday that they would never see their friend again. Can you imagine what it must be like to be in the third grade and to get such a harsh dose of reality? It is difficult enough to keep children as children; our world today forces them to grow up too quickly and I wish that every kid could stay as innocent and naive to the cruelness of this world for as long as possible, but thanks to a drunk driver, that won’t happen for Sophia’s friends. They will spend the rest of their lives knowing that sometimes bad things happen to good people for no reason.
Her mom, who was driving the car, is in the hospital with a collapsed lung and a broken shoulder. She will heal physically, but we all know that emotionally, she will never fully recover. How can she? I cannot imagine there being any grief that is deeper than that of losing a child. A fund has been set up to help cover the costs of Sophia’s funeral and I am hoping that we can help them reach their goal of $6000. I know that some of you have already donated to help these people you don’t even know and I am asking that more of you do it as well. Anything is going to help them. Five dollars is not a lot of money and if you give, you will know that you are helping support a family that is in need and I’m not just talking about financially. Emotional support is just as important for the Calhoun family and for them to know that people all over the world are thinking about them could help them through this dark dark moment. If you can’t donate, then “like” this post or share it so others can see it too.
Please click this link to donate whatever you can. This blog gets read by a lot of people and if everyone gave $5 (the minimum on the funding page) we could smash this goal for them. Yes, this blog post is unlike so many others that I write, but surely you must know that I am not a total bitch all the time. I just play one on the Internet. With this many readers, I should be able to do some good every once in a while.
The next time you have a drink, make sure you think about Sophia and don’t drink and drive. If you do, you’re an asshole and everybody knows it.
Lorna
Trying not to cry bc I am on break from work. I am so sorry to hear this. I have made the bad choice go drive after too many. So glad I never hurt or killed anybody. I will not do that again. It is not worth it.
joydyanne
I am a teacher at bloomington elementary. thank you for writing this. and although I did not teach her I have children in my class who were obviously devastated by her loss. we appreciate your time and consideration and writing about the dangers of drinking and driving and how I just acted are small school and their family
The Bitchy Waiter
Thank you. My dad was an elementary school principal in Victoria for 40 years and I value teachers of all kinds. I don’t envy your principal who had to give that devastating news to his students.
Heather
They are half way to their goal – I could only donate a small amount but it looks like the small donations are adding up!!!
Alli
This hits close to home too. I was born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas, now live in Lubbock…one of the highest drunk driving accidents in Texas and the 8th most drunken city in the nation according to Men’s Health Mag. I’ve lost friends due to “too much” and seen good bartenders go to jail for over serving.
It’s sad when adults can’t be adults and truly understand that TABC will have your ass when you mess up, plus everybody else around you. It’s a real problem, with all too real consequences.
shirlene
As all of the above said; it’s beautiful to see what you are doing with your blogs popularity.
I was able to donate a small amount; and I am truly sorry to hear a family has to suffer such a loss. I pray this family glues their pieces back together in their best ability.
Laura
I just hope that the rest of your followers give a bit. Like you said, every little bit counts/helps. I get so angry when I hear of someone dying because of some asshole who drove drunk. I only hope that all of our donations make this family’s time of grief and despair a little bit easier to bear. Much Love from Las Vegas!
kathy
I know what you mean my grandsons mom was just killed by a drunk driver just one month ago.it is hard for the people around them.
Keith Tondreau
Bitchy, normally i look forward to your posts…Today the stark reality of your post today tore me up as both a Parent of three now young adults and as former F&B guy. Thank you
Geoff Burkman
You and your friends’ family have my deep sympathies and condolences.
I must, however, make one point: when it comes to vehicular crashes, there are rarely any actual accidents. There is only human error. And before anyone jumps all over that, yes, I am aware that a small percentage of “accidents” really are accidents (like, a wasp flies in the window and stings the driver), but 99%+ of all crashes are rooted in human error.
Best wishes,
Geoff
Kate
Just donated. Prayers and thoughts coming from Sydney, Australia. Such an awful tragedy. Love your blog, Bitchy, but also great to see it being used to help other people.
BobbyAnn
I am so very truly sorry for their loss. I can’t even imagine. Thoughts and prayers going out to them. I am sure the money will be raised in no time, deservedly. There really are no words, but I tried.
Thank you BW.
jasmine
I love it when you get your bitch on Bitchy, but I really love it when you show your heart.
My step father lost his sister to a drunk driver when she was 9 and his family was never the same afterwards. It’s such an easily preventable tragedy. I never knew her either, but her death informed my opinions about drink driving before I even had my license. If there is a silver lining to such an aweful event, it may just be that someone, somewhere, will read this and then think twice before getting behind the wheel when they’ve had one too many sending love from Australia.
The Bitchy Waiter
Thank you. This is what I wanted: people around the world sending good thoughts to a family in South Texas!
Hashslinger
Sophia’ s website isn’t responding, I have tried twice to donate and it will not forward past the information page.
Assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Hollylillig@yahoo.com
The Bitchy Waiter
http://www.gofundme.com/g2tlt4 is working for me.