I went to the party and remembered what you said. You asked me not to drink alcohol, so I drank a Sprite, instead. I felt proud of myself, as you said I should feel.

You said I should not drink and drive, contrary to what some friends told me. I made a healthy choice and your advice was correct, as it always is. When the party finally ended, people began to drive without being able to do so properly. I went to my car with the certainty that I would return home in peace. I never imagined what awaited me, mom.

Now, I'm lying in the street, and I hear the policeman say, "The kid that caused this accident was drunk." Mom, his voice seems so distant. My blood has spilled everywhere, and I'm trying with all my might not to moan. I can hear the doctors say, "This girl is going to die." I have the certainty that the young man who ran at full speed decided to drink and drive, and now I have to die.

Why do people do this, mom, knowing it will ruin many lives? The pain is cutting me like a hundred knives. Tell my sister not to cry; tell daddy to be strong. And when I go to heaven, I'll be watching for you all.

Someone should have taught that boy it is wrong to drink and drive. Maybe if his parents would have told him, I would not be dying now. My breath is getting weaker. Mom, these are my last moments, and I feel so desperate. I wish I could hug you while I'm lying here dying. I wish I could tell you how much I love you, mom. So...I...love...you... good-bye..."

Please be responsible—don't drink and drive!

It might be your own life that you save, or the life of a loved one. Please don't let anyone else drive that's drunk either. Offer to drive them, call them a taxi or a friend. 

Elizabeth Lefevre

San Fernando