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On June 16,2006, the most horrific and tragic event that I have ever suffered happened. My beautiful daughter Chelsea was killed on White Pine and Esmeralda. She just turned 15 years old on April 19,2006. Chelsea loved this valley. Even though we had only lived here for three years before her death, she had a great many friends here. I take comfort in knowing that Chelsea's last view of this valley was Mt. Rose. I also believe that Chelsea would find comfort in knowing that because of the small, quaintness of this valley, I was able to sit in that street with her at her last moments with us.
Brothers, her sister, friends, mom, dad, have tried to maintain a small memorial at the site of Chelsea’s death and we. It is a constant reminder to all, regarding the fragility of life. It is a reminder to parents and everyone who live here to watch out for each other. If, just one of the many people, who saw that reckless driver before he came for Chelsea, had stopped him, Chelsea might still be here enjoying this life. If, just one of his many buddies who were with him, enabling him to be so reckless all day had stopped him, Chelsea might still be here. If, just one of the parents of the child who owned that bike had stopped to question just what their child was doing with that "toy", Chelsea might still be here. If, our neighbors on the southeast corner of White Pine/Esmeralda had been a little more aware of their responsibilities as homeowners, and did not allow their bushes to block the view to the right, Chelsea might still be here. If, I had not left for the few minutes it took for that unwelcome visitor to our home to take Chelsea, Chelsea might still be here.
Chelsea was raised in a home where looking out for each other was a way of life. Chelsea naturally assumed that all adults watched out for each other and their children. Chelsea knew there was evil in the world, but she trusted in the inherent goodness in others. Maybe this is a naive way to raise our children, but I do believe it is the only way to raise a child.
Chelsea's memorial on that street is a reminder to all, of the danger of not being constantly vigilant to what our children are doing. I can't begin to tell you the number of kids that have been brought into our home because they did not want to go home to their own family. I also can't begin to tell you the number of parents I contacted to let them know where their children were and that they were safe. The more typical responses are disbelief that someone would care enough to make that call to them. It really does take a village to raise a child.
Having said that, I would like to know why there are person/persons in this valley, who insist on removing or otherwise vandalizing Chelsea's memorial? According to Washoe County Roads Dept. and the Engineering Dept., as long as the memorial does not obstruct traffic nor the view of traffic, Chelsea's memorial can be placed there. I find comfort in the constant reminder to myself and others to always be a guardian angel to each other. Everyone has the right to grieve and remember in his or her own way. This is where and how I choose.
Sincerely, Bruce and Cindra Morrison, parents of Chelsea Angeline Mendoza-Morrison 04/19/91 to 06/16/06 |
