[Young men (and sometimes women) always have had and will have a sense of invincibility. Prior to the invention of the internal combustion engine, this zest for life usually resulted in skinned knees, broken wrists, and bruised egos. Since teen-agers began to conclude that speed is good but ignored that sometimes it kills, parents have grieved the loss of children from high- velocity injuries. Our words of consolation do little to warm the chill of grief that envelops these families. This was written after a young man in my community died after his car collided with a tree.]

I left in a blink, unmindful. I cannot express the depth of my regret. I know that we can no longer share a gaze, embrace, or laugh together, but know that still I am with you. You will always be a part of me and I will be part of you.

I realize things were done and said that upon wise consideration should have been eschewed. Please forgive that my enthusiasm exceeded good sense. This we cannot amend. If harsh words ever flowed between us, let them run to the ocean and sink to the depths, for that exchange was not you and not me.

And many things were left unspoken but instead were left to rest in hearts when time was plenty and tears scarce. I will always love you and I know you love me. Forgive yourself for not telling me so on a day that started like the thousands before.

To fathom what has happened seems more daunting than swimming the Atlantic. Now I comprehend what, on earth, is a mystery. Trust that I am at peace. Let me carry your load because for me it is light. Allow me to understand what you cannot until we embrace again and this burden falls to dust at our feet.

Dr. Baehren lives in Ottawa Hills, Ohio. He practices emergency medicine at Wood County Hospital. Your feedback is welcome at DBaehren@premierdocs.com.