Picture
Left:  Carole's Son, Mickarl D. Thomas, Jr on
Graduation Day June 8, 1997
____________________________________________

Last week a foolish prank could have ended in tragically. Thank God it didn't.  It involved a newly minted high school graduate who celebrated way too much with alcohol. While partying before and after a concert, he took his celebration to the suburban Boston train station for the ride home.  While riding up the escalator to catch his train, Sean O'Malley decided to be a bit unconventional and hop on the moving escalator railings for the thrill of it.  Soon his wobble left him unsteady.  He lost his balance as the escalator steps entered the second floor, and Sean fell straight down to the brick flooring below.

He fell on his elbow. And it was all caught on tape.

Had he fallen on his head, he would have joined the countless young teens whose flirtation with death proved fatal.  Sean was fortunate, just a broken arm and a bruised ego. 

You can witness this near miss here on my newly relaunched website. Look for yourself and share this stupid stunt with the young people you care about in your family and neighborhood.

Here's the link.  Just scroll down the page and watch the video.

This amazing accident happened in June during Student Safety Month, the commemorating month I started in 1998 following the tragic accidental death of my own son, Mickarl D. Thomas. A good kid just like Sean, Mikey (our nickname for him) wasn't so lucky and didn't have a second chance on life.  He died minutes after crashing into a tree on June 14, 1997. My life and the life of my entire family changed forever.

Although we're all preparing for the festivities of the July 4th Weekend, I wanted to stop long enough to call your attention to Student Safety Month (SSM).   Please visit the web page for SSM,  download the Tool Kit on the page and work on preventing one more Mikey or Sean accidents from happening.

Take the message of Student Safety Month wherever you go and help keep our young people away from harm's way.  It's worth the effort. They are worth the effort. Our future depends on our young people playing it safe whenever possible.
-Carole

Your comments and feedback are welcome.
 
 


Comments

Diane Ripstein link
07/01/2011 08:36

Hi Sweetie --

I always think of Mikey at this time of year.

I always remember your spotlight presentation at NSA (you had asked
me for some coaching help), just weeks after Mikey's death.

I always remember the football you held
high, signed by all the members of Mikey's team. You spoke with such power and eloquence, moving from tragedy to inspiration. It really was unforgettable.

I always remember to bless my two sons and feel extraordinarily grateful for their lives.

Hugs and support and blessings to you
-- Diane

Reply
Carole Copeland Thomas
07/03/2011 22:36

You are a treasured friend, Diane. I will always remember the support and comfort you gave me in 1997 and continue to give me today. Blessings to you and your wonderful sons.
-Carole

Reply
Kathy Smith
07/07/2011 11:02

Hello Carol,

What a wonderful column! You remind us all of the freedoms we take for granted in this country (never lost on immigrants, however) and that it's ok for people of color to show patriotism for their country without apology. There's no country on earth I'd rather live in. I enjoyed reading about your family history. Greatness runs through the generations!

I did not know about your son, Carol. I appreciate how you are using that tragic time in your life as a teaching opportunity for other young people. You have such courage! Thank you for the "gift" of your weekly online column. We need to hear your "voice."

Warmest regards,

Kathy

Reply
Carole Copeland Thomas
07/07/2011 11:47

So honored by your comments, Kathy. I have learned how to criticize the injustices of this country, yet still remain patriotic. That is what America is all about. The ability to agree to disagree without fear retribution, torture or death when you disagree.

Keep reading my blog and comment whenever the spirit moves you to do so.

Warmly,
Carole

Reply



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