Wednesday, August 26, 2009

I'd like you to meet my Dad, Kevin Kelly Hart


But you can't. He was killed by a drunk driver.

MY Dad- well, he was just my dad, but he was DAD to me. He was Viet Nam vet and a grandfather and a cancer survivor.

My father was tragically killed by an impaired driver 3 years ago. His name was Kevin Hart, but his grandkids knew him as Poppy. My Dad was only 61 when he died needlessly in an accident caused by an impaired drunken driver.

We had just attended a dance recital for his grand daughters and was driving home when he was struck by a young man who was drunk and high on drugs.

In just a flash, all of our lives were changed.
Dad survived the accident but his neck was broken in 2 places and he was paralyzed from the neck down.

He was so brave in the hospital. Although he was on a respirator for many days he managed to communicate with his eyes and we could hold a valve on the respirator so he could occasionally speak. I never once heard him complain.


He knew there was no hope of coming off the respirator and he knew he would never leave a hospital bed. He also knew his time with us was ending. All of us were with him on his last day, praying with him, talking and reminiscing and thanking him. I know he is with his Savior now. He showed such grace and courage as he left us.

My dad had so much to live for: his daughters Candi and Christi son Louis and grandchildren Cierra. Raven, Ellie and Louis. We all still miss him deeply and think of him every day.

We are awaiting the trial of the man who is responsible, but the courts move very slowly. The prosecuting attorney said it is very likely that the man who took Kevin's life will spend time in jail. Hopefully he will never harm anyone else. Unfortunately his punishment will be much lighter than was my Dad. My beloved father paid the ultimate price for the reckless behavior of another.

I know that together we can stop drunk drivers, please help.

1 comment:

  1. I think you are an amazing person.Keep up the good work! Barney

    ReplyDelete