*Life Is*
*
*Precious*

Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often? When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand.
Bob? Bob from church?
Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket. A Christian cop catching a guy from his own church. A guy who happened to be a little anxious to get home after a long day at the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow. Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he'd never seen in uniform. "Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this." "Hello, Jack." No smile. "Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids." "Yeah, I guess." Bob seemed uncertain. Good. "I've seen some long days at the office lately. I'm afraid I bent the rules a bit-just this once." Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. "Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?" "I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct." Ouch. This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics. "What'd you clock me at?" "Seventy-one. Would you sit back in your car, please?" "Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65." The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket. "Please, Jack, in the car." Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the dashboard. He was in no rush to open the window. The minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away on the pad. Why hadn't he asked for a driver's license? Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again. A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip. "Thanks." Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice. Bob returned to his car without a word. Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost? Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket. Jack began to read:

Dear Jack,

Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it-a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters. All three of them. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray for me. And be careful. My son is all I have left. Jack twisted around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he too pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.
Life is precious.
Handle with care.
Life is Precious.
Make it Count!

*Author unknown by me*

This story was sent to me by a friend. I put it on this page because I thought it was worth sharing with you. Seems that sadness touches the heart of people and sometimes, it takes something like this to open someones eyes. I hope if your like Jack, you get the message, before it is too late. There are lives out there that you may touch or re-arrange, by your thinking it will never happen to you, or your attitude that, "I was not going that fast", Or even, "I am sorry, what more can I say?" Well after the fact all the sorry's in the world will not change what happened. Nor will it take away your guilt or the familys pain. Please take the time to think, and the other person you save may even be yourself.
Slow down!
Please!

This page and all Shirls pages are a creation of
*Littlebox_and_Friends*
Thanking all for the use of gifs and midis to my pages. Any questions concerning my pages please contact Shirl at the address below.
Thank You!


~*~More Of Shirl's Pages~*~
*Please Enjoy Your Visit*
&
*Come Back Soon!!!*

~*~Please visit some of my favorite rings~*~

~*~*Love On Line ~*~
*Do Not Be Afraid To Dream*

~*~ Please visit my minipage It has great Links for the love of a child

~*~My Little Smurf Collection~*~

~*~ Shirl Loves Rainbows Page ~*~

~*~Music For The Heart~*~

~*~Seconds~*~

~*~Not Me!!! ~*~

~*~Teddy Bear Hugs* & *Smurf Berry Kisses*
*Shirls Home Page*

Email: lilbittytear@hotmail.com

My Favorite Links

*To A Special Lady*
*My Mom*


*Our Love*


*My Special Angel*


*Smiles Across The Miles*


*On An Angels Wings*


*Happy Thanksgiving*


*Did You Know*


*Happy Birthday Sweetie*


*Natures Beauty*


*Happy Valentines Day*