Wednesday, May 30, 2001

Fifty months ago, my son died in my arms. Joe had experienced an asthma attack at the age of 14, and neither I nor the arriving paramedics were able to save him. It was, as you might imagine, the most tragic event that can occur in one's life, and I realized shortly thereafter that the worst thing I would ever have to experience was behind me.

Last Sunday, however, I thought the possibility existed that I might have to endure the same pain all over again. I received a telephone call from a city official informing me that my 3-year-old son had been involved in a golf cart accident, and was being airlifted to Eggleston Hospital.

Before I tell you anything else, and the purpose for this letter, let me thank all the emergency services personnel involved in the matter, and all the wonderful people who prayed for my son.

The story ends on a happy note this time. My son, although badly hurt, received no broken bones or internal injuries after he was accidentally run over by a golf cart in the driveway of his mother's house. The golf cart was "operated" by a 2-year-old boy.

As for the family whose son depressed the accelerator when my little boy was standing in the wrong place at the wrong time, I can only imagine the pain they must have experienced, and my prayers are very much with them, even now.

Accidents happen in this world, and this fine Christian family is hurting because of this accident. Keep them in your prayers. But let us all be thankful no permanent injuries resulted in this mishap.

Back to the purpose of this letter I have been as guilty as anyone who owns and operates a golf cart of leaving my keys in the cart's ignition when I am parked at a friend's house, at a park, or even at a store. It's just one of those things that is easy to forget.

Well, I won't forget any more. Little kids are curious creatures, and despite the precautions we all take to avoid the risk of injury to our kids and others, this is one thing we can all do to further lower that risk.

Please, whenever you park your golf cart, make a conscious decision to take your keys out of the ignition and take them with you, even if you're only going to be a few feet away from the cart or gone for just for a few minutes. You just might be saving a life.

I write a lot of letters, mostly on political subjects, but this is the most important one that I have written. Life is short. Do the little things you need to do to make it as long as you can for your kids. Always remember to take your golf cart keys with you when you park your cart.

Dan Tennant

Peachtree City Council member

DanTennant@aol.com

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