Grief Diaries: Hit by Impaired Driver

Linda’s husband and two young sons were killed by a drunk driver in 2003. Shelly’s toddler was injured in a drunk driving crash in 1996. Michael’s brother Patrick was killed by an impaired driver in 2007. They all have two things in common: juggling an aftermath of overwhelming emotions while facing a journey in search of healing, understanding, and hope.

Part of the award-winning Grief Diaries series, 19 people take readers inside the world of what it’s like to be hit by a drunk, drugged, distracted, or impaired driver. Offering candid insight into how they coped with the aftermath, each story reveals a harsh glimpse into the culture of impaired driving, and what happens when bystanders ignore the obvious and refuse to take the keys from an impaired driver.

LYNDA CHELDELIN FELL is a grief educator, healing facilitator, international bestselling author and creator of the award-winning Grief Diaries and Real Life Diaries book series. www.LyndaFell.com

MICHAEL GERSHE has a Bachelor’s degree in communications and a Master’s degree in higher education administration. Using stand-up comedy to share his story, Michael created The Magic of Life prevention program as an inspirational approach to raising awareness about the impact of impaired driving. www.TheMagicofLife.org

JULIE DOWNS was born and raised in south Mississippi. When her son, daughter-in-law, and close family friend were killed by an impaired driver in 2007, Julie and her husband Bill founded the nonprofit organization AVIDD. They are dedicated to ending impaired driving by serving as the voice of victims, offer support to survivors, and help educate the public.