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A Parent's Worst Fear
by Elizabeth Bossell It happened to me. It is a parent's worst nightmare. I hear it on the radio, see it on TV, hear stories of it happening to other families, but this particular day in 2006, it happened to me. I was handed the greatest loss that a parent can face, the death of a child. I feel a tremendous loss, pain and sadness that is hard to explain. Not only was the actual death untimely and tragic, but I had to endure funeral arrangements, the actual funeral, court dates, sentencing, and the perpetrator's release from prison. It has been two years and the drunk driver has not begun his sentence My story begins with my one and only child named Dominique Green, born July 31, 1984. Dominique, 21 yrs old, was a typical young man, who was not perfect, but on a good path. He was attending Wichita State University wrapping up his last year of college. He would have graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in May 2007. He decided to accompany a visiting relative, Adrian Crosby, out for a night on the town to celebrate Adrian's birthday in Hutchinson, Kansas. Adrian was visiting home in Wichita for a week on military leave where he was serving in the United States Navy. Adrian's birthday was the next day. He would have turned 22. Dominique, Adrian and two of their friends were heading back to Wichita from Hutchinson. Leaving Hutchinson is where the tragedy happened. The car that my son was riding in was hit head on by a drunk driver. This drunk driver, Robert Silhan was driving on the highway in the wrong direction. I woke up this Friday morning not realizing that this was Good Friday (the same day that Jesus Christ died on the cross). I climb out of bed then checked my cell phone that had been on vibrating mode. I had approx. 20 missed calls. I knew immediately that something had happened. My heart sank. My very first thought was that something happened to my mother. I knew that she wasn't sick. Then, I spoke with my sister who was crying uncontrollably and I received the news that would rock any parent's world. My only son was KILLED in a car accident. The following week was unimaginable. I had to write my sons obituary, view his lifeless body and attend his funeral. After the funeral, the following months and years have also been hard. It is a constant reminder of my son's death due to the many court dates and/or legal proceedings. What I thought was the last court appearance, was the sentencing process. Throughout this long process, which has lasted over a year, we have had some help that explained the process in detail, told us what to expect, answered all of our questions, and most of all, prayed for our family. Jim Pykiet of the DUI Victim Center of Kansas has been an awesome advocate by our side throughout these proceedings. He is always there for us and is willing to listen. The DUI Victim Center of Kansas also provided a dinner the night before sentencing for our family. This gave them an opportunity to inform and prepare us on what to expect on the day of sentencing. Their support has been instrumental for my family as we continue our journey through the justice system process, to the final verdict and beyond. The verdict of the sentencing for the drunk driver was less than eight years. The drunk driver, Robert Silhan, killed two young men and injured two young ladies. He was over two times the legal limit drunk. He served 91 days in jail and is currently out of jail awaiting an appeal. It has been almost two years and it is not over. My story is to be continued.... I want to thank everyone for every prayer, thought, word or deed that was extended to my family. I know that God and prayers has carried me this far. I think about my son EVERY DAY. Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers. For the families that have lost loved ones to drunk drivers, you are not alone. We have each other. We have to direct our energies to help get laws changed, assist other families and volunteer in any capacity that is in our hearts to help victims. If you would like to contact me, please email mebossee@aol.com A special thanks to the DUI Victim Center of Kansas, for all the ways that you make a difference by being an advocate for victims that has experienced loss due to drunk drivers. Thanks for everything that you do. |
