When tragedies like this occur

we often look for profound messages that give meaning and value to otherwise

horrific circumstances. In this case, the message cannot simply be that

"anxious teenagers with no patience" endanger the lives of themselves

and others.

We hope and pray that our children

grow to be as caring, responsible, mature, smart, and sensible as Marvin

was. Since Marvin was driving alone, we can only speculate what he was

thinking when he pulled into the oncoming lane. The reasons for teenage

driver accidents are as different as the teenagers themselves.

There are two things we have

learned from this loss. First, we hope all drivers will remember that

cars can be extraordinarily dangerous. Driving takes lots of attention,

caution, and anticipation of what other drivers will do. No matter your

age, driving requires quick thinking, quick reflexes, patience, and good

judgment.

In Marvin's memory, we have

been pleading with all our young friends to acknowledge the millions of

different driving situations that could threaten lives and to be more

careful. As we keep the Moore family in our prayers, we should remember

that, behind many of the commuting "inconveniences" we experience,

there are families with similar stories for whom we should pray.

Second, Marvin showed us that

the Lord can accomplish much in even a short time through a life committed

to following God's lead. Blessed with so much more time on this earth,

we hope we can all learn to find God's direction in our own lives and

have the courage to follow it today knowing that tomorrow is not promised.

Lisa and Douglas Alston

Fayetteville

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