Heaven Doesn’t Need Extra Angels

Heaven Doesn’t Need Extra Angels

Colors of black and white flashed in the air and in response noise erupted. We had made it. The class of 2021 had finally graduated from high school. It was both nerve-racking and exciting to be closing one chapter and opening another. My best friend and I were quick to experience our newfound freedom, as right after graduation we went from Utah to Alabama for summer sales. Our confidence saw no end and we were as bright and bubbly as ever. We were one week in, when suddenly we both got a call. Although we had graduated, news still spread among students like a wildfire. My best friend and I both looked at one another, shock etched on both of our faces. Two of our classmates had gotten in a car accident, and did not make it out.

I had never been home sick, but in that moment, I felt it crash into me. I was on the opposite coast, miles and miles away from my family and friends, my loved ones, and here I was trying to make money. The idea of financial stability seemed dumb when at any moment someone I took for granted could disappear in a blink of an eye, forever. These classmates were not my best friends; however, I did get the chance to meet them. The driver, the sparkiest little red head I have ever met was one of my first friends when I first moved to Utah. I was switching schools in the middle of my sophomore year, and she along with some of her friends welcomed me with open arms. Over time we grew apart, hung out with different people, but whenever I saw her around, she was always accompanied by the biggest smile. She knew how to light up a room and had the ability to make anyone laugh, and no surprise, but she also had the most contagious smile. Then there was the passenger, the kindest person on earth. I would bet everything I own on the fact that a person could ask everyone in my school about this girl and the response would be the same. The one and only time I had the chance to meet her was at volleyball tryouts. I was still relatively new and deciding to try out for the team seemed like a good idea, but when I got there either everyone I knew was paired off, or I had no idea who they were. We had to do a partner drill, and dread filled my gut as I prepared to be standing alone, paired with a coach, or forced in a trio. Suddenly, this girl with the sweetest smile came up to me asking if I had a partner. Relief washed over me, and I spent the rest of tryouts paired with her. She was a blessing, and from then on out whenever I saw her around school, she would give the cutest wave and most genuine smile.

Now heaven has gained two angels. Same age and grade as me, same opportunities open, same horizon to peer at, but theirs cut short due to a fluke car accident. Cars are taken for granted. Everyday people get behind that wheel and expect to get to a destination, and forget how much damage they could potentially cause, or the power that other people behind the wheel have. This helpful yet dangerous locomotive cannot be in the hands of just anybody. These motorized vehicles require education and awareness. That is why driver education is important. The long multiple choice question test to receive a permit and the instructor driving sessions may seem excessive, but it is necessary. These required tests and hands on learning experiences teach drivers rules of the road, safety precautions, and what to do during certain situations. Fluke accidents such as a popped tire or engine issues are unpredictable but learning safe driving conditions and how to signal to other drivers lessens the chance accidents.

I believe people understand the importance of being safe on the road, but I think in today’s world the line of what is safe and what is not is blurred. By this I mean phones. Cellphones while driving leads to an estimated 1.6 million crashes a year. This is not only texting while driving, but also looking for the perfect song to play, skipping a song that does not fit the mood, and even looking down at a notification. Although it may “only take a second”, that second is all that is needed to miss the car’s brake lights up ahead, or the animal crossing the road, or even the subtle loop in the lane. Does that notification or certain song outweigh a life?

When I get behind the wheel, I fear how my life is at the hands of others. I stay off my phone while driving and check all my mirrors often. I check my blind spots when switching lanes. When the car in front of me has their brake lights on, I brake in response. I stay aware and cautious, always reverting back to my driving education. Me paying attention does not prevent every outcome, but most, and it is comforting knowing I am doing my part to keep heaven from gaining extra angels.