Chancey, Three Years Later

So here we are three years later. For those that don’t know, a life was tragically cut short three years ago today. A great father, friend, husband, son, brother, just a great man, Chancey James Smith passed away three years ago today.
I was debating whether I wanted to write today. What is there to be said about Chance that hasn’t already been said? He had and still has a big impact on many people’s lives. His goofy smile and usually a step-behind wit made everyone around him smile and laugh. He died doing something that we all have done even though we know the risks. He had too much to drink and then got behind the wheel. Took a road he had driven a thousand times before, but this time, that little kink in the road jumped up and bit him. I think maybe that not many people who claim that they love Chancey learned from what happened to him. I am not claiming to be innocent of doing it myself since he died, but I think I need to give it more thought.
I got to spend a little time with Little Chancey this past Saturday and man is he just like his Dad. He has some of the same mannerisms already and he has that goofy Chancey smile. He is turning into a great little guy and his Dad would be proud of him!
This got me thinking about my own kids and what they would have to go through if I died. It’s a thought process I have been through many times, but this time it resonated a little bit more. I realized that if I go out and get trashed and then get behind the wheel, not only would I be putting myself at risk, but also my kids. Plus, it is quite frankly an insult to Chancey’s memory if I do that. We always need to find a positive in the negative things that happen in our lives. Chancey’s death was an unfortunate and tragic reminder that the things we do, not only impact us, but also the people that love us. I for one, pledge to ensure that I don’t take the unnecessary risks involved in drinking and driving and ensure that people learn from Chancey and honor his memory in doing so.
Chancey, my brother, I miss you, I love you and may you never be forgotten! Rest in peace my friend.