Echoes Of Life

When I flipped on the television this noon, I couldn’t believe the news I heard coming through the speakers. 

“Just two hours ago, a tragic accident took place on the busy mall road. A heavily loaded vehicle lost its balance and collided with a car, causing it to flip two times. It left the truck driver unharmed, but the victim’s condition was critical. As a result, the police have blocked the mall road for the rest of the day. Our prayers go out to the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

My phone rang. “Sam, your mother was in the accident. She’s at the hospital now.”

My heart dropped. It was her in the news. It couldn’t be true. 

“I’m on my way.” I grabbed my keys and ran out of the door, my heart racing with fear and anxiety. 

She was a careful driver and never took risks on the road. How can this be even possible? She had seen many disastrous effects that road accidents leave on families and communities. So, she was determined to make a difference and raise awareness about this issue. And many recognised her efforts, and she became a prominent figure in the road safety community.

But, maybe fate had other plans for her. 

As I drove to the hospital, I couldn’t help but think of all the worst-case scenarios. How could someone be so careless on the road? What if she was seriously hurt? What if she didn’t make it? I felt a lump in my throat and tears welling up in my eyes.

I rushed through the sliding hospital doors as I tried to prepare myself for what I was about to see.

I quickly made my way to the front desk, where a nurse was busy typing away on a computer. “Excuse me, ma’am,” I said my voice shaking with emotion. “I’m looking for my mother. She was brought in after an accident.”

The nurse looked up and typed something into the computer and then looked back up at me. “I’m sorry, sir,” she said, her voice softening. “The patient didn’t make it.” The reality of the situation hit me. I struggled to keep my composure and stumbled back a few steps.

“When?” 

“The impact was so severe that she lost her life on the spot.”

“I just can’t believe she’s gone. She was the only family I had.”

“You can take her with you.”

I felt like I was in a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from.

“Remember what I told you. No matter how late you are, don’t speed up.” 

“But, I’m getting late, Mom!”

“If you are worried about being late, don’t be, otherwise you will be late forever for this world. So just follow the rules and be safe.” 

But she forgot~ “Even if we will, someone will not.”

I took charge of my mother's funeral, determined to give her a respectful goodbye after the accident.

I know death never stops for anyone. Every life lost on the road was a tragedy that could be prevented. Mom’s dedication to her work had made a difference in many lives, and I realised her legacy could live on if I went on with spreading her message of road safety to the world.

I know I can never replace her, but by continuing her work, I will feel close to her. 

She lived her life. Now it’s my turn to live her dream for her.