THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY CHRISTMAS vacation was replete with a mixture of joy and sorrow. Leaving the cold Washington, D.C. weather to bask in the warm sun; luxuriating in the love of my parents, siblings, and friends; spoiling my nieces and nephews rotten leaving their parents baffled at their less than usual behaviours; eating from the cornucopia of foods so distinctive to the Christmas season; at last just being home.
My sorrow came from the fact that my mother, while taking her daily walk, was mowed down by a speeding car.
She had completed more than one half of the pedestrian crossing on the Molynes Road when yet another motorist with the motto, "if you don't like my driving then get off the sidewalk," decided to include the pedestrian crossing somewhere in that motto too.
I urge more stringent enforcement of our laws to dissuade such wanton disregard for pedestrians, by some of our selfish motorists. That pedestrian crossing is, in fact, adjacent to Calvary Prep School.
My family and I fully realise how blessed we are and are thankful to Dr. Magnus and the Andrew's Memorial Hospital staff for their pivotal role in my mother's ongoing recovery. My mother continues her mantra to "Praise God anyhow."
Additional joy came in the form of Constable Carol Fletcher of the Half-Way Tree Police Station.
I accompanied my mom to file a police report and, despite the less than welcoming physical appearance of the station, Constable Fletcher and his colleagues were very respectful, quite professional and exceedingly patient to not only us, but to the constant flow of citizens who came in to file reports and complaints.
Seeing through the murky waters of our law enforcement system is sometimes difficult, especially in our country's current crime-ridden state.
That is why it's so important for this family to recognise and thank Constable Fletcher for all the kindness he has shown.
I am etc.,
Dr. GOULDA DOWNER
Washington D.C.
Via Go-Jamaica
