One Split Second

Just one second. A blink of an eye. Life as we know it can be irretrievably changed. Or ended.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Newell family of Boone, folks we knew during our time in the mountains. It sounds so trite given what this family has weathered since last Friday night. And it all happened so fast.

The Newells were in the right place at the right time… coming home from a Thanksgiving family gathering, having done what families joyously do this time of year, when their vehicle was hit on Highway 105.

The man who hit them was very much in the wrong place at the wrong time. Police believe Juan Manuel Reyes was intoxicated and had no license. He should not have been behind the wheel. He shouldn’t have been in this country at all. Immigration officers say he was here illegally.

This has country has an immigration problem. We have rules we refuse to abide by. And this tragic crash will further fuel the debate from town hall to the halls of Congress.

… none of which will help the Newells. They have already lost a 22-year old son and brother who was full of promise in Drew, a former UNCW student. And Santa’s Toy Box is missing a key helper as dad Brian struggles against severe injuries.

It’s so sad… and it all happened so fast… so painfully, tragically fast. In one split second.