So I should finally blog about this as it’s become the lead story on CNN and other national media outlets. The problem is I just don’t know what to say. The girls weren’t from my town but the crash occurred the next town over. My dad was one of the responders on the scene, rolling out with the volunteer fire department that he’s a member of.

I think what upsets me, and I’m sure most people, about this accident is that it’s just that: an accident. There was no one at fault, everyone was obeying the law, no one was speeding or driving recklessly, and yet still five young women, new high school graduates with their whole lives ahead of them, are dead. Five sets of parents are living every parent’s worst nightmare. Four other girls will live with the image of watching helplessly as their friends crashed. And many others will try to comfort them the best they can in the coming months, but will never really know their pain.

Remember that could’ve been anyone in that SUV. And hold your family a little closer tonight and be glad you aren’t dealing with that kind of pain and pray that you never have to. This is a horrible tragedy and if you can learn something from it, let it be to love life because you don’t know when it could end.