Tragic reminders, and a challenge

McCook, Oberlin and surrounding communities were shocked and saddened to learn that a 10-year-old Oberlin boy on a bicycle was struck and killed by a pickup truck Tuesday in McCook.

The accident comes in the same week athletes from the McCook and North Platte areas will take part in a triathlon to celebrate the life of Michelle Walters, who lost her life when she was struck by a pickup truck as she was taking part in the bicycle portion of the Boulder, Colo., Ironman Triathlon.

This won’t be another editorial about the need for car and bicycle safety, we know the drivers of the pickup trucks in both cases would do anything to turn back the clock to the moments before the accidents occurred.

The Michelle’s Tri sprint triathlon will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the McCook City Pool, consisting of a 500-yard swim or water walk, 14-mile bike ride and 5K run. It will be conducted with individuals or relay teams of three, one person each event.

We do hope drivers and cyclists will be extra cautious because of the tragic reminders.

Even more important, let’s hope we are reminded to appreciate our friends and family while we still have them and to challenge ourselves to take on new adventures the way Michelle Walters did.

In Michelle’s words, “If not now, when?”