A Moment of Reflection

I've been reading newspapers for several decades now, going back to the LA Examiner and the LA Mirror. During that time there have been many stories about traffic fatalities. Generally I just read the headlines and shrug off the story.
On Friday, February 3, 2006, it finally hit home. My younger cousin was hit by an out-of-control car while riding a bicycle. I pray that the end came mercifully quick.

The Long Beach Press Telegram provided the facts:
LONG BEACH — A 38-year-old bicyclist was killed Friday afternoon when he was struck by an out-of-control car that veered across three lanes of traffic and onto a sidewalk in East Long Beach, officials said.
Police were called to Lakewood Boulevard, just south of Conant Street, a little after 4 p.m. when the crash occurred, said Officer Jason Wong, a Long Beach Police Department spokesman.
Kenneth Clary, a Lakewood resident, was pronounced dead at the scene, Wong said. Clary is survived by his wife, two children, his parents and three brothers, Wong said.
Although the accident remains under investigation, Wong said it appeared as though the driver of a Mitsubishi Mirage was heading south on Lakewood Boulevard when she lost control of her car and skidded across three lanes of traffic and onto the sidewalk. Clary was riding his bicycle home from work, north on Lakewood and on the sidewalk when he was hit by the Mitsubishi.

What wasn't described and, obviously, could not be described, is who Kenny was. Even though we were not very close, I found Kenny to be a good-natured, fun-loving guy. He was always smiling. No matter what, he was a happy guy.

Of course, his parents are devestated and the rest of our family is in grief.