Sentenced

Sports
Andrew Gallo, the driver who ran a red light and killed Angel’s pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others, was sentenced to 51 years to life yesterday. Someone brought up to me that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth only received 30 days of jail time, 60 days of house arrest and eight years of probation after he struck and killed a pedestrian while under the influence. Why the disparity? I believe there are several distinctions: 1) Adenhart’s murderer had been convicted of drunk driving previously, 2) he ran a red light, and 3) he fled the scene of the crime. Small distinctions but it is possible that even if Stallworth was stone-cold sober, he would have hit the pedestrian who was trying to cross a busy six-lane causeway to catch a bus.

I’m not absolving Stallworth of all blame, but in his case, I do think it was taken into the account that the victim had some culpability. In Gallo’s case, his recklessness and disregard for the lives of others resulted in three deaths and severe injuries to a fourth person. The timing of the sentencing is probably particularly cruel for his family, but maybe it will serve as a reminder to us over the coming week, as we attend holiday parties and new year’s eve parties, how much NOT calling a cab could cost us.

Life
All I can really think about right now is getting through the next 3 1/2 hours. I’m ready to pack all the Christmas presents in big boxes and bags to head down to Tucson. I’m ready to go out to dinner with Jess so we don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning tonight. I’m ready to get the dogs in the car in the morning and facing a possibly clogged I-10. Most importantly, I’m ready to spend a couple days enjoying the company of Jess’ mom, stepdad, and 95-year old grandmother. It’s most likely Oma’s last Christmas, and I plan on enjoying every minute with her. Christmas is about family, and I’m blessed that Jess’ family has started feeling like an extension of my own.

Other
Merry Christmas, happy Kwanzaa, Festivus, etc etc etc. Whatever you may be celebrating this weekend, I hope it is filled with happiness and relaxation (because we all really do deserve to relax a little this holiday!).

Until next time…