This letter may sound a little strange because its subject will seem far away from all of you at this time of year. I want to share a heartbreaking story that I have been watching from afar, that is hurting countless people in a small Ontario community about the size of St. Albert, especially a 14-year-old boy who is fighting for his life.

This young man named Isaac is from Pelham. He was skateboarding on a residential road and was hit by a car. Not all the details are known, but we do know a car hit Isaac. The impact shattered the car windshield and Isaac is now in a coma fighting for his life in critical condition after brain surgery, a collapsed lung, as well as broken collarbone and C2 vertebra.

Isaac is a close friend of my nephews and niece and they fear for his life. The Facebook postings of Isaac’s friends and family illustrate how distraught they are. I am sure the driver of the car, a young mother, is just devastated too. As a parent, I cannot imagine the horror of this experience and it has consumed my thoughts this week. So, you may ask, why I am bringing this to your attention? It likely seems a world away and winter is coming so longboards will soon be put away in St. Albert. Here is the reason – as an Oakmont resident I routinely see young longboarders riding down the hill of Oakridge Drive South as well as Orlando Drive with complete disregard for motor vehicles. On many occasions I have seen near misses because a longboarder came flying around a blind corner in the middle of the road and met a car or truck.

I hope it is now clear why I am writing this letter. We can all learn from Isaac’s situation. To all those longboarders in St. Albert, please wear appropriate protective gear and be respectful of the rules of the road. To all the parents, please encourage your young adults to exercise responsible behaviour. Most of all, let’s strive to make sure similar things don’t happen in St. Albert. Finally, please pray for Isaac, his family and friends and doctors, as well as the driver of the car.

Jonathan Veinot, St. Albert

Editor’s note: Since this letter was written, Isaac has succumbed to his injuries.

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