Old Light

Three years ago, I met Luce. Luce was a tall, dark-skinned, and very sweet 79-year-old man from NY. He went from being a close family friend to the father-in-law of my uncle. He was special to me for various reasons, but the biggest was what he showed. He showed the result of an accomplished life. He showed how beautiful it can make a person. He was very wise, always giving me great advice, helping me through some dark moments, but he also knew how to learn. Even at 79, he was fully aware of how much information he knew and how their importance could dissipate as time went on.

I remember having a great conversation with him, sharing quotes from his father and his father’s father. I can remember Luce saying, “Life changes into different shapes and forms, so no matter how important or smart you are, it might not configure into something you like. It’s fair to want to get as far away from it as possible, maybe even ignore it entirely. It’s the ones who cling onto it, though, no matter what shape it takes. They’re the ones who can truly live a fulfilling life.” It can seem heavy, but if you think about it, it’s smart. You don’t have to think of its meaning because its meaning explains itself to you throughout your life. Shift with life, and see where you end up. That’s what I think it might mean, though I’m only 17, so that might change as time goes on.

In our conversations, Luce often reflected on life’s unpredictable turns. This wisdom reminded me of the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving. Just as life’s lessons shape us, driver education shapes safer drivers. Understanding the rules of the road, learning defensive driving techniques, and recognizing the consequences of irresponsible driving are crucial in preventing accidents and saving lives. I can’t say our conversations were one-sided, though. I’m pretty well-rounded when it comes to general entertainment. I’m lucky because that well-roundedness allows me to immerse myself, helping me form sensical opinions based on the story. We were talking about war, and I remembered a quote I heard from a fictional character named “Javik.” The quote in question was, “Stand amongst the ashes of a trillion dead souls, and ask the ghosts if honor matters. The silence is your answer.” Luce sat there and thought about it, then started nodding and smiling. To this day, I’ve been thinking, “maybe there are more layers to the quote I simply can’t understand because of my young age.” I guess that’s just the perk of living so long and through so much.

Reflecting on Javik’s quote, the silence of those lost in traffic accidents echoes a similar message about the importance of safety and responsibility. The statistics are alarming, and each number represents a life lost and a family affected. Effective driver education programs are essential in instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness in drivers, ultimately reducing fatalities on the road. Another time, Luce brought up that he worked at a corner store for most of his teenage life. He put a big smile on his face and started using his hands to set the scene, so I could tell this was important to him. He went into detail on how there was a rivaling corner-store across the street, and that he saw the woman that worked there as an “opposing force.” What if I had an opposite force? There is a quote that has been twisted and turned throughout the years, that quote being “There cannot be light without darkness.” The quote sort of makes sense to me. I get that it refers to the duality between two opposite forces needing each other to exist separately. What I don’t understand, though, is how they can be so different, and need each other so much. Isn’t that just a big ol’ contradiction? Afterwards, I found out that his said “opposing force,” became his girlfriend, then wife after “noticing her elegance” at a meetup after a civil rights protest. As I sat there, engrossed, he reminded me of the importance of being open and how you can experience some great things just by keeping a positive attitude towards new things.

To reduce the number of deaths related to driving, several steps can be taken. Implementing stricter laws on texting and driving, promoting the use of seat belts, and increasing awareness about the dangers of drunk driving are essential measures. Additionally, continuous education and refresher courses for all drivers can help maintain high standards of road safety. I have seen my friends and family members driving irresponsibly, whether it’s speeding, not wearing seat belts, or using their phones while driving. These experiences have shown me firsthand the importance of safe driving practices. I remember a close call when my friend was texting while driving, and we nearly collided with another car. It was a wake-up call about the potential consequences of careless driving.

As for myself, I can take several steps to be a better and safer driver. I can commit to never using my phone while driving, always wearing my seatbelt, and following traffic laws diligently. Additionally, I can encourage my friends and family to adopt these safe driving habits and set a positive example for others on the road.

Luce passed away on November 19th, 2021, and I know there is still a piece of him with me, shining down like radiant, yet old light. He showed me a lot of things, and because of that, I’ve come up with my own set of beliefs and ideas. Ideals that I live by, one of standing out amongst the rest. That ideal would be that “life doesn’t shape a person, a person shapes life.” I can only be as great as my limit, so I have to keep growing and learning. That’s just a part of what it means to live a fulfilling life. By applying this philosophy to driving, I can contribute to creating safer roads for everyone.