Written By: Darcy Mann
As we live, we have a series of moments. They often make us cross paths of others who we would normally not.
It was almost 10 p.m. Feb. 21. The movie was pretty good, and the weekend was all but done. We were at a stop light at the intersection of Lefferson and Cincinnati-Dayton roads, what I call the “punishment light” — because it seems to last longer than most. I’m not so sure that I’ll refer to this stop light by this name again.
In the middle of light conversation, I saw — from the corner of my eye — a car leaving the drive-through at the gas station across the street. I knew by its speed it was not going to stop before reaching and entering the road.
Before I could say a word, an oncoming truck struck the vehicle head-on. Instantly, this became my moment. I was to participate and bear witness to many things this night. ...
Everyone who was there will forever be a part of this moment — a participant, an observer or passer-by.
In my moment, I learned that you can pray many, many times in a matter of seconds. In my moment, I saw those who came to save us: Our policemen and women, our deputies, our firemen and women, our EMTs.
Faces in uniforms appeared and they took charge, each trained in their area, each knowing what to do at the exact instant they arrived.
And the most humbling part? They see these situations — that I call life-marking moments — every single day. And they choose this as who they are and what they do.
I commend and recognize those who helped on the evening of Feb. 21. I commend and recognize all of those in uniform who defend, protect and save us.
To Barbara and Ashley: May your experience strengthen who you are, and healing find you quickly. Know that you will forever have people connected to you, from this moment, who wish you well.
Darcy Mann
Middletown