Letter: Car Crash Victim's Brother Speaks Out

Dear Citizens of Plainfield,

First, may I say thank you for the support you continue to offer and give the Watkins family in the wake of the Sunday morning accident that involved my sister Tamara. You have defined and are an example of "community."

My heart goes out to BOTH families who are dealing with this terrible and senseless tragedy that occurred just days ago. I would like to acknowledge there are members of the other family who are not to blame and are also suffering.

We are all now witness to how this drastic occurrence not only affected the immediate persons involved, but forever changed the daily lives of a loving and committed husband, two loving, well-raised boys and the community of Plainfield.

This ripple effect also crossed through the border into your northern neighbour Canada, where the Watkins' family originated. Shock, disbelief and a sense of helplessness are only a few words in which describe this moment in life. Despite Tamara's strength and tenacity, she is now very vulnerable, so I plead to anyone who reads this yet who personally may not know her to please join her family and friends in praying for her safe recovery.

Talk to your children, neighbours, friends, teachers and classmates of the consequences when one consciously decides to turn the key. If one cannot focus behind the wheel of a vehicle, don't drive. A $20 cab ride would have prevented this collision and the heartache of so many.

Tamara definitely did not deserve this fate so my only sense of it all is she has been chosen to send a powerful message with the hope that you and your family will be spared the agony and sadness that so many are dealing with right now. AND WE ALL NEED TO LISTEN! 

I love you, Tamara.

Timothy Cromwell, Toronto, Canada