You know, the reason I thought it was okay to open up a pottery store during a recession was simply because it would be in Damascus. Damascus is a bit of an oddity. We take care of our own -- after family, community is everything. I don't think that was any more apparent to me than this week.
Monday evening just after 9:00 pm a car with five teens ran into a tree. This happened on one of the dark, back roads of Damascus. One I take two times a day, every day. Of the five kids, two of the kids were in critical condition and flown to Baltimore Shock Trauma, the other three had lesser injuries and were sent to a local hospital. The doctor's couldn't save one of the kids and he passed that night. It's the school's homecoming week and rather than celebrating they are facing one of the saddest parts of life, death. There was a candlelight vigil held Tuesday evening attended by more than 1,000. Ryan's father spoke to these children and parents, reminding each of us that no matter how cautious or careful, or how many times we tell our kids to do the right thing, sometimes they don't. Ryan wasn't wearing his seatbelt. This comes from a man who teaches, is an advocate, for safe teen driving. Ryan's mom is also a driving instructor. I don't think I could have been strong enough to send this message less than 24 hours after my child was gone, no - I know I couldn't have.
His funeral was yesterday. I wasn't able to attend but did pay my respects as the funeral procession passed my studio -- it took nearly 20 minutes for the procession to pass. It is rumored that there were more than 1,000 attendees.
I have a 17 year old son who goes to Damascus -- I told him that the picture of the kid who passed looked familiar. "Mom, he spent a lot of time here about four years ago -- you know, when we'd all go dirt bike riding and come back here hungry." Yep, that's where I knew him from. He was a good kid, one that made you smile just because you could see he was happy.
It seems that during a summer trip Ryan got a mohawk, so in remembrance of him after the funeral yesterday the boys of Damacus got mohawks. My son is one of those kids -- and while I can't say I really like the cut, I am pleased he did this to remember and honor his friend.
The studio has been eerily quiet with just a few from Germantown and Clarksburg coming in. I'm still hoping to hear good news about the other teen who was in critical condition at Shock Trauma. I know all of Damascus is holding out their hopes and prayers for her. The other children have been released and while their physical injuries are healing, we can only pray that their mental injuries heal with time.
RIP Ryan, and may mohawks, #101 and dirt bikes be welcome in heaven.
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