On Feb 9th, 2007 my family was hit by a drunk teenage driver killing my wife who was 6 months pregnant, my son Benjamin 11 and my daughter Anna 9. My son Sam 6 and I survived the crash. My oldest son Michael 14 was not with us in the car. Immediately after the impact, I was conscious and able to move enough to check for a pulse on my motionless wife. There was no pulse. I strained to look into the back seat to see my son and daughter sitting by each other, also motionless. I knew immediately in my heart that they had died instantly. Amidst my cries of anguish for my wife and children that I had lost as I waited for medical personnel, I looked through the driver’s side window at the car that had struck us. I didn’t know who had hit us, or why they had crossed the median striking our vehicle.
The Savior taught the importance of love, gratitude and forgiveness, and now in my moment of extreme trial as I grieved for my wife and children, I could only think to do that which he would have done and I completely and without reservation forgave whoever had struck our vehicle. I don’t think it is coincidence that as soon as I had made that decision in my mind, I heard my son Sam cry out from the back seat. I now see more clearly why the Savior exemplified and taught forgiveness. I have felt strength beyond my own as I have sought to cope with this tragedy.
That forgiveness has allowed me to understand that I am not strong enough to be angry and to heal at the same time or question why and also move forward with hope. In my weakness through the grace of my Savior, I have found strength. Forgiveness has filled me with such gratitude for my dear wife, and my children. I know the healing road ahead for my family is a long one, yet having forgiven I know the journey will be filled with gratitude and love, and that in those wonderful emotions my wife and I and all our children will live on.
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