tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post7803563445322063323..comments2023-06-27T07:04:07.053-04:00Comments on claremont road: five years ago: a personal storybrooke @ claremont roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04755736248634302460noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-64161527317218406872010-06-13T15:02:21.079-04:002010-06-13T15:02:21.079-04:00I am just going through old posts of yours. I'...I am just going through old posts of yours. I'm truly truly sorry Brooke.<br />JannaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08262037746106947420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-27929637519442387442010-04-02T18:31:34.639-04:002010-04-02T18:31:34.639-04:00So glad to hear this story has a happy ending. I r...So glad to hear this story has a happy ending. I remember hearing some of the waitstaff brag about driving drunk and getting away with it when I was working up in WA at a resort, and I never understood what they were so "proud" of. Knowing stories like yours will help me lend a personal note to my arguments that driving drunk is nothing to brag about.Jennahttp://thatwifeblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-72705110532204448612010-04-01T11:35:53.465-04:002010-04-01T11:35:53.465-04:00I'm so glad your mom (and you!) was okay! Than...I'm so glad your mom (and you!) was okay! Thanks for sharing your story.Beccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07073791758623134891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-60676432295425818062010-04-01T00:59:00.363-04:002010-04-01T00:59:00.363-04:00Brooke, thank you so much for sharing your story. ...Brooke, thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm touched by the way you've written about the incident and the way that the trauma has affected your life-- but moreso by the strength you've found to process your emotions and channel your anger into passion for a cause. Sorry for the social worker speak, I can't help it :)Amy I.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06511137593846022849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-25553077903330133242010-03-31T23:55:32.174-04:002010-03-31T23:55:32.174-04:00I am so glad that your mom is ok! That sounds so t...I am so glad that your mom is ok! That sounds so terrifying for you both! I have never been behind the wheel after drinking, and am happily the designated driver for Jason and most of my friends. I never mind giving up a night of drinking to make sure we all get home safely.<br /><br />I was hit by a semi truck (not a drunk driving accident) ten years ago, and I still have a huge amount of anxiety any time I am next to a semi on the road or highway. It's a very scary feeling! That truck didn't even stop! eep.Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00053575692579758093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-33463684055046292862010-03-31T08:20:15.461-04:002010-03-31T08:20:15.461-04:00My husband's father was killed by a drunk driv...My husband's father was killed by a drunk driver when he was 11. I never fully realized the consequences of driving even "just buzzed", until I met him and heard his story. Glad your mom is ok and was able to share your wedding.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-32998571025577006962010-03-30T23:29:43.232-04:002010-03-30T23:29:43.232-04:00Thank you for sharing such a personal story.. I ca...Thank you for sharing such a personal story.. I can't imagine being in your shoes that day and am so glad your mom was ok. There is never an excuse to drive drunk or under the influence of anything, unfortunately some people never learn.Kate @ The Fetching Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11330966628289966453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-56871909803870867452010-03-30T22:03:40.244-04:002010-03-30T22:03:40.244-04:00Wow, what a terrifying story, I'm so glad that...Wow, what a terrifying story, I'm so glad that it had a happy ending...Charlene @ Sweetchichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06597290147542370164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-4241886104617082452010-03-30T21:19:17.230-04:002010-03-30T21:19:17.230-04:00Thanks, everyone. I realize that too many people h...Thanks, everyone. I realize that too many people have similar stories, and many stories don't have the fortunate outcome that ours did. There is certainly no excuse for drunk driving.<br /><br />@EthidiumBromide - wow, I am so sorry for your loss, that must have been terrible to go through. In terms of overcoming driving paranoia, it has taken me a while. I did opt to get a car that sits higher up so I don't feel so invisible on the road -- I used to drive a Civic, now I drive a CR-V. I still occasionally feel nervous to drive on unfamiliar highways or in the city, but it comes and goes. The area where I live isn't bad, but driving in center city Philly still stresses me out, mostly because I don't drive around there often enough to be really familiar with the roads and that's when I get flustered. Having a GPS has helped me a lot, because at least I have more warning when I need to be in a certain lane or something for an exit, but of course that doesn't make up for the jerks on the road. When I see someone driving recklessly, it makes me really mad, and close calls have definitely brought me to tears more than once... but when I see someone driving crazy on a highway, I just get in the right lane, let them pass me, and try to focus on keeping myself safe. I think it will always be a little bit of a struggle on occasion, but overall time has helped a lot. In terms of you needing to drive more when you move up here, I'm happy to tell you all of my favorite back roads to avoid the crazies :) I also highly recommend GPS if you don't have one - it helps to at least feel more confident in where you're going so you can otherwise focus on your safety and the drivers around you.brooke @ claremont roadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04755736248634302460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-23218628589782701092010-03-30T18:36:14.317-04:002010-03-30T18:36:14.317-04:00I had a friend in high school who got in a bad car...I had a friend in high school who got in a bad car accident, and had driving phobias for years after her accident. It was very crippling, scary, and life-changing for her. <br /><br />I read this post earlier today, and have been thinking about it all day. I am so glad your mom was okay, and that no one was seriously injured. Drunk driving is no joke. You are an amazing writer, and I love that picture of you and your mom.The Less Than Domestic Goddesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060606277113247652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-30643299045054928452010-03-30T18:14:02.759-04:002010-03-30T18:14:02.759-04:00Thank you so much for sharing this touching story ...Thank you so much for sharing this touching story and how you have learned to cope.<br /><br />Question for you -- I know you mentioned going to therapy, but aside from the site of the accident, have you truly overcome driving paranoia? My high school boyfriend of 3 years was killed by a drunk driver, and even though I will drive when necessary, I still hate it and am not nearly as aggressive as I should be in the city. I haven't owned a car since I moved to DC 9 years ago and LOVE it, but when I finish down here, I'll be moving up to the Philly area where my husband is doing his residency, and he plans to buy a home on the Main Line. Obviously, I'll need a car.. and the thought of having to drive every day really overwhelms me. I don't know if I just need to drive on a regular basis to adjust to the fact, or if this is something that's going to follow me around forever.Julie @ Bunsen Burner Bakeryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16279523327409654066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-35086414469283800022010-03-30T16:53:18.291-04:002010-03-30T16:53:18.291-04:00My brother was hit by a drunk driver while riding ...My brother was hit by a drunk driver while riding a bike not too long ago- the guy stumbled out of his car afterward and actually yelled at my brother bc his bike was stuck underneath the bumper. He tried multiple times to leave the scene but was too drunk to walk or get back into the car. <br /><br />The guy ended up getting off without even paying a medical bill or replacing my brothers bike- even when he was on probation for a previous drunk driving arrest. It is such a shame that there are so many selfish and stupid people in the world. So grateful for happy endings in these circumstances.colleenhttp://www.cleanwashletterpress.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-92050541699444228262010-03-30T16:48:53.097-04:002010-03-30T16:48:53.097-04:00Wow. That is an incredible story and it makes the...Wow. That is an incredible story and it makes the wedding photo with you and your mom all the more special. It's amazing how moments like that can still feel so real years later. I have a similar experience with the day my dad had a heart attack.Jodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07045063394951534653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-1294850712218909322010-03-30T16:06:26.293-04:002010-03-30T16:06:26.293-04:00Wow. Good for you and your mom for sharing the st...Wow. Good for you and your mom for sharing the story with such articulateness and passion. Let's all be more careful on the road today, even sober, and let's all give our loved ones a hug.Mrs. Hot Cocoahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10729150178205701236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-52761382144083632132010-03-30T15:21:01.575-04:002010-03-30T15:21:01.575-04:00That was such a personal story and I think it'...That was such a personal story and I think it's important that people realize that what a few drinks can actually do to a person. Thanks for sharing. I'm so glad everything is closer to being the way it was before the accident.Jessica Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17283561653744769352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-2359446757263125692010-03-30T14:22:41.314-04:002010-03-30T14:22:41.314-04:00@Anonymous, a.k.a. Mom - you're right, I updat...@Anonymous, a.k.a. Mom - you're right, I updated that part a bit :)brooke @ claremont roadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04755736248634302460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-27528147735268787362010-03-30T14:13:14.991-04:002010-03-30T14:13:14.991-04:00hmmm...I had forgotten it was today! Just some add...hmmm...I had forgotten it was today! Just some added perspective: I still have aches on the whole left side of my rib cage that slammed into the driver side door. And 'bruised' is a little mild: I had dark ugly bruising on just about my entire torso, both arms, and 1/2 of one leg - that knee still swells when I'm on it too much.<br />oh, and a concussion! Out of work for 6 weeks, but the mental stuff was so much worse, as Brooke said! LOVE, BROOKE'S MOMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-70050830042505213372010-03-30T13:19:09.634-04:002010-03-30T13:19:09.634-04:00So glad everything is ok. What a horrible accident...So glad everything is ok. What a horrible accident. Thanks for sharing.Sugarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14536167915933177591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-57585634335699471092010-03-30T13:06:56.785-04:002010-03-30T13:06:56.785-04:00I couldn't agree more. Drunk driving is unacce...I couldn't agree more. Drunk driving is unacceptable. Rob has a few friends from his younger days who drive drunk way too often. It makes me so angry! One has been pulled over by cops (AND LET GO) three times! Another is on house arrest after multiple DUI's. Another had his license suspended for a while. I keep wishing that they'd learn their lesson. It's one thing to put yourself in harm's way, but to risk the lives of others? How thoughtless can you be?! I just hope that if any of them get into an accident, they hurt only themselves. They'd deserve it.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02130658432338921623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-72601008678429770102010-03-30T12:51:03.018-04:002010-03-30T12:51:03.018-04:00Geez! What a stupid woman to get drunk and get beh...Geez! What a stupid woman to get drunk and get behind the wheel like that! I have the same reaction you do about people who drink and drive. When you get behind the wheel like that, it is not just yourself that you are endangering. My husband feels the same way and therefore won't drink a drop if he knows he has to drive somewhere. I look forward to the day I finally get my license so I can be the designated driver and thank him for all the times he's been smart and done what he can to keep us safe.<br />I am so happy your mom was okay! Big hugs to her and to you. The picture of the two of you at your wedding is incredibly sweet. :)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14407339959089381343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-63700169771713851782010-03-30T12:36:34.496-04:002010-03-30T12:36:34.496-04:00WOW!! What an amazing story, i'm so glad your...WOW!! What an amazing story, i'm so glad your mom was okay. What a horrible thing for you to go through. <br />Thank you for sharing this message.Geezees Custom Canvas Arthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08170120825583173366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-23849681252317614302010-03-30T12:36:29.187-04:002010-03-30T12:36:29.187-04:00Wow, what a powerful story to tell. And you did it...Wow, what a powerful story to tell. And you did it so beautifully and with such a great message. You are a strong women and so is your mom. I'm glad that everything worked out for the positive in the end.Laurahttp://wonderlandpapers.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-44416664259124213222010-03-30T12:19:07.264-04:002010-03-30T12:19:07.264-04:00I am SO glad she's ok! I agree with you 100%. ...I am SO glad she's ok! I agree with you 100%. Drunk driving upsets me more than almost anything.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14477909099094323936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-92021827808293165462010-03-30T12:11:47.748-04:002010-03-30T12:11:47.748-04:00brings back memories. my sister was hit by a drunk...brings back memories. my sister was hit by a drunk driver about 10 years ago. that's a story i'll have to share with you another time. makes you thankful for every minute you have with the ones you love.terrynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865905393339379796.post-91694748820024576652010-03-30T12:07:35.607-04:002010-03-30T12:07:35.607-04:00I 100% agree. Thank God your mother was okay. My c...I 100% agree. Thank God your mother was okay. My cousin was killed by driver who was under the influence (not of alcohol); he barely had a scratch on him, while she broke her neck and suffocated. It's a terrible, terrible thing when people take their problems onto the road.A. Marigoldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17250396680228283382noreply@blogger.com