DEAR ABBY: Ten years ago this month, a drunk driver killed my girlfriend. She was only 29. I still miss her and think about her every day. I think about all the things that intoxicated driver could have done to avoid the tragedy of that night -– things such as calling a cab, letting someone else drive home, or giving the car keys to a designated driver.
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However, I cannot admonish the driver or ask why these precautions were not taken; I do not have that luxury. You see, Abby, the driver was my GIRLFRIEND.
She got into her car that night without thinking it would be the last ride of her life. She got behind the wheel without considering all those who loved her and would miss her smile, her voice, her presence. She did it without thinking of her two little boys who would have to grow up without a mommy.
I know it's a cliche, but if this letter makes just one person out there stop and think before getting behind the wheel while impaired, my girlfriend's death may not have been in vain. -- KURT E. WERTHEIM, SAN ANTONIO
DEAR KURT: It is clear that you are still in mourning. Please accept my sympathy for your loss. Your letter points up one sobering fact: The person most at risk is the one who can't think clearly and believes "it can't happen to me."