Human Thoughts in a Silicon Valley Life

Serendipitously, I and my two children just met the parents of Emily Bordallo, the 25-year old woman that was killed in a car accident three days ago, becoming the first fatality of the year in San Jose, CA. We were trying to re-light a few candles that had subsided to the chilly and humid morning dew of Silicon Valley winters.  Two strangers told us to not worry about it, and quietly mentioned they were the parents of the young woman in the fatal accident. 

I offered my condolences among hugs and tears as well as any help we could give them. I had been worried about what parents must suffer through when a child is taken away from their lives in such a tragic and sudden way. The dad looked at my daughter and lovingly told her to never speed and be careful when riding her bike or driving a car when she grows up.  The mom told us she finds solace in knowing her daughter had a very good life.  My son noticed our sadness and told me in the car once we were on our way to school: “Dad, I know you are all sad, but I wasn’t that much”. I asked why, he responded “because she is in heaven”. He told me this with the unwavering conviction of a saint.

I wish we adults weren’t so cynic about death sometimes.

I never met Emily, but after meeting her parents and reading the comments people who knew her had to say, I wish I had, and I hope my children grow up to be the same kind of generous, happy, selfish people she was a fine example of.

May she rest in peace, and her soul be in heaven.