Monday, January 30, 2012

Mournful Monday


Dear Furriends,

This is a post I've been struggling with for days.  I wasn't sure if I should write it, and if I wrote it, whether I should publish it.  I'm still not sure, and I really don't know where to begin.  I try to keep the tone of this blog tongue-in-cheek and light.  This isn't either. I probably wouldn't even mention it here, except there is a lesson, or perhaps a warning to be heeded.

Last week we suddenly stopped posting.  Wednesday morning a friend and coworker was involved in a horrific freak accident at work.  She survived the trip to Shock Trauma but passed away a couple hours later.

I work at a printing company.  The equipment in the shop is notoriously dangerous and unforgiving, and no matter how careful, how much training, or how seriously we take that training, accidents happen.  Anyone who works in printing knows people who have crushed their hand in a printing press, lost fingers, smashed feet or toes, or have had a variety of other injuries.  Most of the time it involves someone taking short cuts to save time, or who has removed safeties.

Back near the loading dock we have a baler.  It compacts waste paper, straps it, then the paper is recycled.  A was walking past the baler while it was compressing.  We don't know why, but the latch of the door failed, shearing the bolts, and the door flew open throwing A 12-15 feet, slamming her head first into the concrete floor. The door then busted a hole in the cinder block wall larger than my fist, and created cracks several feet long in the wall.  I won't go into her injuries, but even one of the EMTs was shaken.  It was if she had been hit by a truck.

Several people witnessed it, and even more heard it.  I'm proud to say I work with some very courageous people.  They kept their heads, and they did all the right things.  They administered as much first aid as they could, brought her back to consciousness, and comforted her while awaiting the ambulance.  Everyone salutes them for their compassion and cool headedness while under tremendous pressure.

We, of course, are still in shock.  A did nothing wrong except be at the wrong place at the wrong time.  It could have been anyone, or a few seconds earlier or later, no one at all.  One day she was a beloved coworker, always with a smile, and then she's gone.  No one deserves to die that way.  We can only imagine how her family must feel.

Perhaps its cliche, but its so true.  We don't know when our time will come, nor do we know when its our loved ones turn.  We trust all of us will get through the day safe and sound.  Living our day to day lives, we forget how fragile and lambent our lives truly are.  Losing sight of that, stupid things annoy us, we get caught up in petty stuff, we don't say the things we should.  If there is anything to be learned, its this.  Please don't put off telling people how much they mean to you, make that phone call you never seem to have the time for.  Make things right with the people you love.  Tell them you love them.  Put forth a little extra effort.  You'll never regret it!  One day you'll look back with satisfaction that you took the time.

God bless us all.  Lord knows we need it.  God bless A and her family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.  I hope its a comfort to you to know how much she was loved, and how much she is missed.

Sorrowfully,
The Mom

41 comments:

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

We are sending you purrs and purrayers and hugs.
Love,
KC & Fambly

Bengal Business said...

I am sitting here with the chills all over my body. We are so so so very sorry about all of this. You are so true, let s al be thankful for every day,live and love to the fullest of your abbility. We know it must been hard to share this story but we are glad you did.....

Love Momzz and a 1000 headbutt's from Lars and Odin

Jans Funny Farm said...

What a terrible thing to have happen to anyone. It had to be traumatic for all of you. Very sorry for the loss of your coworker. Hugs and pawhugs!

Sparkle said...

Wow. What an awful thing to happen. And you are right - my human and I have a great life, and sometimes I know she does not appreciate it as much as she should! Purrs to you, and to A's family for her loss, and thanks for the reminder to my human!

Karen Jo said...

What a terrible thing to happen! I am so sorry. Herman sends comforting purrs and I send (((hugs))).

Us4 Cats said...

oh goodness. that is sad! we send purrs with hugs.

Hannah and Lucy said...

What an horrific thing to happen to your co-worker and we know you and your co-workers all will be very upset. We are sending our best purrs and mum is sending a virtual hug.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Brian's Home Blog said...

We all send you many, many purrs and hugs.

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

How very horrifying. WE are sending purrs of comfort.

The Island Cats said...

Oh this is so sad. We send comforting purrs to your co-worker's family and all of you as you cope with this tragic loss.

Mariodacat said...

I, for one, am so happy you posted this. We all need reminders now and then as to just how precious life is and how fragile. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family. What a terrible, tragic accident all because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Fuzzy Tales said...

This truly is horrifying for all involved and we are so, so sorry. Fate is capricious indeed.

We're sending purrs, purrayers and universal Light to her family and friends, to you and to all her co-workers.

(((Hugs))) and kitty kisses.

-Kim and the boys

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh we are so very sorry for your loss. What a horrific thing to happen - not something that anyone will get over. You are right - we never know when our time will be, we can only live each day to it's fullest. We try and live each day with love and humor and kindness towards everyone - it takes too much effort to be mean or nasty, and as you know, we cats are lazy creatures and would never waste energy like that. {{HUGS}} to you - we love you!

Marg said...

WE are so sorry about your co-worker. That sounds like a horrible accident. We sure are sending lots of purrs and some mighty big hugs to you too. We are glad you wrote about it. It is good to get support and we sure do support you. Take care.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss and the tragedy that took your friend and co-worker. The other workers should be admired for their calm, now everyone has to deal with the sorrow for a long time to come.

Please know we're here if you need us. I'm glad you posted this because you're right, we all need a reminder, even tho this is a very, very sad one, of how precious people are and to not put off what you want to say today. Again, I'm very, very sorry for your sadness and loss, but we thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Purrs and prayers,
Tom & Mom Julie xoxo

Cat said...

So tragic to lose a friend that way, our sincere condolences to you.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Many comforting hugs and purrs as you cope with this tragic loss.

John Bellen said...

My condolences to you. Whether the person who died was a friend or a stranger, it is a terrible thing that happened. I'm sorry and I hope your co-worker's family find strength from their loved ones. Take care.

Meowers from Missouri said...

oh, goodness; how turrible. yes, we unnerstans only too well. mommer useta werk inna print shop.

we are so furry sorry to hear this news; we are also furry glad that you chose to share it wif us. sorrow shared is sorrow lightened when you're among furriends.

you an' yer co-workers are brave and tough, an' will werk through this. we sends tons of purrs, an' mommer is purrrayin' hard for all of you there, an' specially fur the lady's fambly. may you all find peace.

Pip said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for your comfort.

Thank you for writing this heart-felt post, I know it is not an easy thing to do. But we all need the reminder, and you did so with grace.

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

Sending many purrs and purrayers and lots and lots of (((hugs)) for both you and your co-worker's family.
We are so grateful you have shared your sorrow with all of us. That's one of the reasons we are a family here. We care.

GLOGIRLY said...

Oh we are so very sorry....what a truly awful accident. Our heart goes out to A's family, friends & coworkers and you. Thank you though for sharing your story and reminding us how fragile and unpredictable each day can be. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
love,
Katie & Glogirly

Katnip Lounge said...

Paula, I am in shock...what a terrible thing to happen. My sympathy to you, your co-workers, and A's family. I've seen two close calls in my profession--you just never know. I'm sending you HUGE {{hugs}}.

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

This must have been a horrible shock for you. I'm so glad you chose to share your story. Cat lovers have the most compassionate hearts and we send healing purrs.

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

What an awful thing. Sadly, it embodies the very word "accident" and these things do happen. So you are right. We need to live every day to the full, and love with all our hearts.

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

Oh God, How horrible and sad :((, yes we never know when time is up, so we must live life to the best of our ability....... Soooo sad, so sorry for your friends family. Such a terrible thing.....
Many Prayers and Light to All affected~

*Hugs* Angel

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

We're so sorry for the loss of your friend and co-worker. We hope her family can find some peace. It's so true, we all run through life thinking we have time...but, as you said, we never know do we. (((hugs))) and purrs to you.

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

What a horrifying accident and way to die on.
Me and mom sends lot´s of purrs and hugs !

Rene said...

Oh my, what a terrible accident! We purr for you and for the family of your co-worker. While we don't like to read about these terrible events, we are glad your co-workers did everything they could to help. That's something to be proud of.

GreatGranny said...

I can see how difficult this was for you to relive it. I'm so sorry for yours and the company's loss and her family.. We know life is short, but we do forget and take it for granted. Prayers for you and her family.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I am so sorry to hear that this happened. Sorry for the loss of A for her family and for her friends and co workers. Anyone working likes to think that they are "safe" at work. You are so right about how quickly things can change, yesterday my brother was involved in his first major auto accident. A 80+ woman ran a red light and broad sided him. He was so lucky. But it speaks to your point, day to day you just don't know.
Sending you lots of prayers and hugs.
Debra

Daisy said...

Oh gosh, what a terrible tragedy. I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend and coworker.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

What a horrific thing to happen. We are sorry for the loss of your friend. You, A's family friends and workmates are ll in our thoughts.

Barb's Cats and Quilts said...

I just can imagine what the family is going through. What a horrible tragedy. Yes, every day is a gift.

Mickey's Musings said...

How cery,very sad.WE send purrs to A's family and to you and your co-workers. That is not something you will get over quickly.It will affect you for a long time.Some people may suffer PTSD as a result.
You are right. We need to be sure to tell people that we love them.
{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}
Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Tiger,Treasure and JJ

Callie (a.k.a. Trouble) said...

From Our Mommie:

I am sorry to read about your loss. I have long worked in HR and have been the point person when an employee committed suicide at work and, while working at a small town, when an long time and much loved police officer was killed on duty. Both were very difficult experiences. The best advice I can give you is to talk about what you have been through. Yes, a funny blog is easier to read, but we are also here to support each other.

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

oh heavens, we're so sorry! What a terrible thing to happen! Hugs and purrs!

Jessica said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. My heart, prayers, and lots of purrs go out to you.

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

This was so difficult to read and beyond, I know difficult for you to write and post. I didn't know your friend and coworker but the tears were flowing. What you said is so true that you should let those in your lives know how much they mean to you and not to sweat the small stuff. Hats off for the brave coworkers that worked so hard to comfort and help your injured coworker. My thoughts are with you, your workers, and the family. I am hoping that through work they are offering every one counseling to help them come to terms with what happened. I am so so sorry that this happened. One never know when the last day will be.

The Lee County Clowder said...

Sending comforting purrrrrrayers to you and all of A's friends and famibly. We can only imagine the shock this was to everyone.

ppuurrrrrrr

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about this tragic accident. Sending purrs and prayers, I'm afraid belatedly, as only just noticed the link to the post today.