Comments on: In memory of Cory

By: sonny stanton

sonny stanton — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:36:29 +0000

my name is sonny stanton i have just learned of your web site the man you were talking about cory is my nephew he was just starting his life. its really a shame that drivers are always in a big hurry and they go no where.
my sister (cory’s) mom is hurting so bad. I hope that i will never no her pain.
how ever she will never recover from this i only wish the lady that done this would of at least called or sent a card or something how can people be so crude.

By: Carolyn Robinson

Carolyn Robinson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:36:07 +0000

Meps,
You do not know me. I live in Vero Beach and I’m a nurse. My Mom brought an editorial from the Press Journal into my office today and said, “I think she’s talking about you.” I was confused at first until I started reading–and I got to the exact words I uttered at the motorcycle accident that tragically took a young man’s life. You see, I am the woman you were talking about, the first responder on the scene. I had just pulled into Cindi’s Pet Store, parked, and heard an ominous dull thud. Looking into my rear view mirror, I saw a body sail through the air. I’m a retired Paramedic from Virginia and all my skills kicked in.
When I first got to Cory, he had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. Then the “breaths” started–but what we were observing was Cheyne-Stokes breathing, usually signifying major frontal lobe trauma. I knew then that all I could do was hold this young man as close as I could and talk to him and comfort him. He never suffered–his handsome face was unmarked, thanks to his helmet. He was gone before the Paramedics ever got to him. The airlift that was mentioned in the newspaper was canceled. I only know of all this because we (me and two other eyewitnesses) were held on the scene for 3+ hours–being interviewed by FHP. The officer who interviewed me filled me in as much as he could.
Your well written blog and your guest column in the Press Journal were lovely tributes to this young man. He was not alone when he died. He was surrounded by people who cared and were trying their very best to help. That says so much about a group of strangers–sadly, something that isn’t seen too often.
Thank you for such kind words about Cory. I’m sure he would have been very touched. I think about him often as well, even though I never knew him. I’m a Mother and a Grandmother..and he was younger than my daughters. I like to think that he knew there was a Mom with him offering whatever comfort she could.

By: John R. Allen

John R. Allen — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:30:42 +0000

Meps, first off, I’m sad that you and Barry had to experience that. I deal with the issue daily on my motorcycle commute. What I believe keeps me alive is the attitude that I am invisible to other traffic, and I’m usually correct. There’s a strong correlation of cell phone usage among folks trying to kill me (even though it’s illegal here in Washington), but, as long as I’m constantly alert and assuming that the other driver is going to do the worst thing possible, I manage to keep the risk in a realm that is comfortable enough for me to continue.

I also acknowledge the randomness of the universe and the possibility that, despite my best efforts, I may be killed through no fault of my own. But this can happen when I’m laying in bed or doing any other activity, such as driving a car or, yes, riding my motorcycle. Everything in life involves risk, and I admit that riding a motorcycle in traffic is riskier than driving a car in traffic. However, driving a car in traffic may not be what you’d call “safe,” either. Around 40,000-50,000 people die per year in car accidents. Risk lies on a spectrum, so, for me at least, I don’t believe that cars are safe and motorcycles are dangerous.

Please consider something: if Cory had been driving a car when he was killed, would it forever affect the way you view cars? If not, why has your view of motorcycles been altered?

If you’re up for it, I’d be happy to take you for a ride again next time you’re up this way.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:11:59 +0000

You’ve provided a deeply moving tribute to someone you never knew. I’m no stranger to the violence of auto accidents or to fatalities, but you still managed to touch me in a way I thought I had become immune to. Thanks for the powerful reminder of why it is important to always drive carefully and safely.

By: Calvin R

Calvin R — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:10:43 +0000

Wow. Thank you for the reminder of the importance of safe driving. I commute largely by bicycle; you have reminded me of the importance of my cycling safety measures as well as my alertness when driving cars. Awareness really counts.

Your pain may have produced your very best writing. This is a moving piece.