By Laurie Besco
Osceola
I’m writing this letter because I was disheartened to read the Dec. 6 edition of this paper and see that Elizabeth Ann Dominguez was arrested for an OWI on Nov. 29.
You see, I happen to know this is her second OWI arrest as a minor in less than eight months. On April 12, 2012, I was driving to my job in Creston at 7 a.m., when Miss Dominguez crossed the center line and hit my car head-on. I spent four weeks in a wheelchair, three weeks with a walker and cane and months in physical therapy.
I can still look down at my legs today and see the bruising and swelling as constant reminders of that day. My mother still cries if I mention that day. It was a day that changed my life, but apparently, not hers, at least not yet. On Nov. 29, the day she was finally sentenced for the OWI that caused this accident, she was arrested a few hours earlier for another one.
I realize that alcoholism is a disease, but it is not something that should be used to excuse poor choices.
So, what is the purpose of this letter? It is not to publicly embarrass Miss Dominguez for her choices. My hope is that some friend or family member of Miss Dominguez’s will see this letter and get her the help she so desperately needs before she kills herself or someone else.
Even if you don’t know her, you may know someone who has similar problems, and I would encourage you to give them the support needed to seek help. The holiday season is quickly approaching and there are bound to be many celebrations involving alcohol.
By all means, enjoy your friends and family and celebrate, but if you are planning to have alcohol, please plan ahead. Plan for a designated driver, a ride home from a friend or family member, walk home, or stay where your celebration is, but please don’t drink and drive.
I doubt that anyone can be prepared to live with the lifelong consequences that would result in accidentally killing someone.
I wish Miss Dominguez a long, healthy and happy life, and I wish a safe and joyful holiday season to all of you.