Tragic night a reminder of life lessons

By Colleen O'Callaghan-Miele (contact)

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 | midnight

Portrait by Donovan Fitzgerald

Artist's portrait of Olivia "Lynn" Brandise Hyten, a Coronado High School sophomore who died Nov. 15 after a rollover crash.

Olivia "Lynn" Brandise Hyten, another gift from above, has been returned home.

Yes, another tragic night, another fatal crash.

Our kids are continually being educated on the importance of driving responsibly and the deadly consequences of doing otherwise.

The fact is, this same message will need to be delivered to our kids throughout their adulthood. Why? Because adults are "big kids?" No, it's because they are human.

This is where the old saying "to err is human, to forgive is divine" rings true. As humans, we have an internal need to continually explore everything around us in addition to the freedom to make choices.

The beauty of this freedom is that as infants we learn by exploring our environment in the safety and under the close watch of our family. As adults, we continue to make decisions that are irresponsible and potentially detrimental to the well-being of ourselves and others.

One would think that after years of education about the danger of driving while under the influence and irresponsibly, there would be no need for laws and punishment for those who do so.

The driver of the truck Brandise Hyten was in has been charged with two counts of reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter; the other was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

I attended Lynn's final goodbye and farewell service to share the suffering of my son Timothy "T.J." at the loss of his friend and teammate.

T.J. and Lynn had someone very special in common — Michelle, the owner of Grindz Boards and More at the corner of Sunridge Heights Parkway and Eastern Avenue.

Michelle opened Grindz in memory of her mother and, in turn, created a safe haven for her children and others who love to skateboard at our local skate park.

Our kids are respected and loved by Michelle, her customers, fellow teammates and parents.

Parents such as myself are thankful for business owners like Michelle who dedicate their lives to our youths, share in their ups and downs, and have their best interest at heart.

The kids who hang, skate and work at Grindz are held to high standards of completing homework, maintaining their grades and obeying and respecting their parents and one another.

The bond that Lynn and T.J. shared was one of mutual respect and trust — I've got your back.

This is at the core of my son's anguish over the unnecessary loss of his friend. In his young mind, whoever was responsible for his loss must be held accountable.

Each day, those involved in the accident that took his friend's life will live with the memory and life-altering impact of this one fatal night.

As with all of life's lessons, there are consequences for exercising one's freedom of choice. As I explained to my son, the lesson learned is that the consequences of a young person's actions should result in a judgment based on their level of experience and not as an adult.

Let the memories of Olivia "Lynn" Brandise Hyten be those of her smile, love for her family and friends, taking pictures, skateboarding, dancing and her abundant love for life.

Rest in peace, Lynn. Your laughter continues to ring at Grindz.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or colleen@vegas.com. She writes a regular blog online at mcommv.blogspot.com.