Small town grief

In so many ways Tracy is still a small town. Although, no matter how big a town is, the death of a child always sort of always brings a sting of pain.

My heart goes out to the parents of those children involved in the high speed crash that ironically took place in front of their own high school Saturday night. As a parent I cannot imagine. Seventeen is way to young to die. Seventeen is way too young to drive a BMW. Fifteen is too young to be in a hospital with severe injuries and learn that your brother has passed away.

I am not about to sit here and question the parenting of anyone or the judgement of some very young drivers. That wont bring Michael Ucci back. That wont change the days that lay ahead for Bret Clifton who was driving that night. It won't help Marie Ucci in the days ahead as the recovers from this crash and feels the void of life without her brother. It wont change things for Justin Baker who was also injured.

I was a teen. I was a racing teen. With a Mustang that I could drive fast and boy did I. I raced down country roads, I think I barely hit 70 mph. I rarely raced in town. Too afraid of cops. Too afraid of crashing. I rarely raced with a car load of friends. But I did race. My father brought it all to an end and took my Mustang away. Thank God he did.

Dominic and I talked about it, as the parents of two boys the days will come for cars and weekend nights. The "go fast fast" gene is firmly in place. How can I escape this tragedy from happening to my family? I don't have the answers. But a firm no. Some strict rules and taking the keys away will happen if they have to.

I hope this tragedy will make some teens in Tracy (and a few adults as well) slow down, wear your seat belt and think about what you're doing when you're driving especially with friends and family in the car.