Tragic News

Today we heard that a couple we knew but had not seen for years was killed in a motorcycle accident. It's always disturbing to hear about tragedies like this but when they actually happen to someone you know it seems so much more shocking.

I remember when I first met Rod, Ed Rensch always seemed to be there in the background, making funny sound effects and cracking jokes. I thought he was so hilarious. I only met his wife, Diane a few times but she was one of those lovely, super friendly smiley people that you love to be around.

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Rod had an accident on his motorcycle on April 22, 2009. I witnessed it from across the street where I was waiting to make a right hand turn. I sat there helplessly as I saw him turn onto the street and then just as he was straightening out to drive down the road, an SUV turned right in front of him. He managed to swerve to miss colliding with the SUV but he was thrown off his bike which continued sliding down the road several feet.

Meanwhile, I was frantically trying to make a u-turn to get to him. I was screaming hysterically and honking for people to get out of my way. Of course other drivers just thought I was a freak and a lot of them just honked back at me, shaking their fists, heads and lifting middle fingers.

When I finally got over to the street where he was, I jumped out of my car and started running full-speed towards Rod who was lying on the road with a person bent over him. I was screaming "my husband, my husband!!!" as I ran.

Just as I got to him, he lifted his head and said, "I'm okay honey...I'm okay!!!"

That was the worst thing that I have ever experienced and I was so thankful that he was basically okay (except for bad bruises, sprained ankle, cracked ribs and a totalled motorcycle...)

His main concern was me, his bike, and his shoe lace which the paramedics cut to get his shoe off.

It was a long time before I felt comfortable letting him ride again (which he did after buying back his motorcycle from the insurance company, rebuilding it and having it certified as safe to ride).

Motorcycling is exciting, fun and a great way to view the scenery; and I have to say that I love it. But I've been reminded often that it's also dangerous - mostly because other drivers don't always see you. The girl who was driving the SUV that almost hit Rod kept repeating "I didn't see him" over and over.

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I was devastated to hear about Ed and Diane....and I can only imagine how difficult this is for their families.....I will keep them in my prayers because that's all I can do...