Post of peace

I was shopping in Albertsons today picking up a few things when I saw him....unkempt, wearing a black hoody with the hood pulled over his face.  He walked, actually shuffled across the floor, looking only at the floor as he did.  I wish I could read minds because I was so curious about what was going through his head, I almost dared to ask him....but he didn't see me.  He is the guy who allegedly caused the horrible car accident here in Lewistown a couple weeks ago, killing an innocent man, a man with a wife and daughter riding along with him.  This man was just minding his own business, driving to a wedding from Missoula to North Dakota, according to the paper.  This man, wearing his seat belt, following all the rules of the road had his life abruptly snatched from him because of one careless individual.  When I heard about the accident, I thought about how many times my children and I are on this exact road, headed to orthodontist appointments in Great Falls, or me headed to my college.  I was sick, disgusted, angry and felt so much pain for this poor family that had lost their father and husband.  I said all the things everyone was saying, "It should have been that guy who died, the one who caused the accident."  And I guess a part of me still thinks that would have been fair. 
You see, I used to work with this guy.  He was a dishwasher and then a cook at the restaurant I was a waitress in.  He was interesting, in trouble sometimes because he had a little bit of a temper.  For the most part, I did not get to know him well, but he was always nice to me and helpful.  I do recall an incident with my mom, who was also a waitress there.  He was angry at her and proceeded to tell her what a fucking bitch she was.....to her face.....really loud.  In hindsight, he was probably saying what many were thinking (after all my mom could be a real bitch) BUT as grownups we all know that you just don't say stuff like that.  You need to act in a respectable manner when you are at your job.  And believe me, I wanted to slap him myself for talking to my mom like that.  But for the most part, I found him to be pleasant and we got along.  He told me stories of helping a neighbor work on his cars and we could chat.  To me, he came across as a very typical "young, lost and stupid" kinda kid.  The kind who doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up, the one who probably drinks too much, tries drugs, etc....I was that kid once too.
The point of my blog is this.  This guy did a horrible horrible beyond horrible thing.  There is no arguing this.  He was careless, stupid, and I hope he gets the maximum sentence he can get, so he doesn't ever do this to another family.  Ever. 
I will still extend love to him.  Not that we ever talk now, besides a hello in passing, but if needed, I would extend love to him.  I wouldn't baby him, I wouldn't reassure him that everything will be okay, but I will not judge and shame him. 
In church the Sunday after the accident, Pastor Paul spoke of the family of the man who was killed.  He spoke of their faith, how after the accident they had such strong faith, that it was getting them through.  I had such admiration for this family, and felt peace knowing they will be okay, because they have God and they know it.  I pray for this family daily, as it could have been my family and I would hope others would pray for me. 
I also pray for this guy, the one who acted in such disregard for human life, who behaved so irratically he took another life without a second thought.  I still am disgusted, but I refuse to hate him.
 I think everyone should consider the irresponsible things we have all done in our past that thankfully didn't take someone's life, but could have.  Have you ever had (even one) drink and then gotten behind the wheel of a car?  Have you ever talked on your cell phone while driving?  How about eating or drinking coffee while driving?  Now granted, from what it sounds like, this guy was racing, which I do feel is a lot more irresponsible than these previous questions, BUT they are all a form of irresponsible and neglectful driving.  We are just lucky enough to not have caused an accident. 
I pray that this guy knows what he did, I pray that the law does its job and this guy pays for his consequences.  But I also pray for his soul, that he will truly understand the depths of what he did, but that he will come to find peace and healing along the way.