Life Interrupted

At night, I see it below on the street—bathed in streetlight—from our bedroom window. Its lumpish bulk, a steady rebuke of how unexpectedly a life can end. I know this fact. That life is uncertain. I’ve always known it. We all do, don’t we? Yet, in some small, quiet place, I know that when this car is finally moved, its ready reminder of life’s fragility will fade. My days will continue, filled with their busy-ness. I vow to not judge. I promise to release resentment. I will have more patience. And for a time, I may. But after a while, with the Durango gone, I may forget and my understanding of the most basic truth will fade once again.

92 readers liked this story.
From Around the Web:
05.24.2010
Alicia Cashman
there was a hybrid parked on the street for almost a week, I dreaded seeing that car with its "coexist" bumper sticker. I kept imagining them going off to protest the latest dejour event. I just let it fester. I know the feeling. funny how we let our minds become so judgemental Most of my friends who have SUV's which are sometimes just cars lifted a little higher are the car poolers. They are the ones who drive to all the school events or pick our kids up from movies. I look at them more as family/bring a friend cars. The hybrid driver? A republican
05.21.2010
Alicia Carr
I called the police about a car that was on my freshly groomed lawn, a couple of weeks ago. A loud vintage convertible with customized paint. I was soooo furious. When the policeman showed up, I was watching from the window, and just greeted the driver warmly. Getting madder by the second, I went out and yelled at the driver. The 'kid' was scary looking, but polite, saying he was out of gas and waiting on a friend. Made me feel like such a big windbag. Thanks for sharing your story with us!
05.20.2010
Tina
The comments to your story are as rich as your story. I just KNOW that people are basically good. Thanks!
Telling piece. Thanks for pulling us up short.
10.22.2009
Noisy Nora
Very thoughtful. Empathy is a muscle that will atrophy just like your ass if you don't work it. Thanks for the reminder to work it.
It feels good to write.

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