The following is a letter penned by Jason Prigge, read at a candlelight vigil Saturday evening.
I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. When something as life changing as this happens we are pushed to our human limits.
Our lives will never be the same.
We can’t go back, we can only move forward.
Since I was conscious during the whole ordeal all I could do was look at Tina in the ditch bleeding out and scream how much I loved her. I couldn’t move with my motorcycle pinned on top of me, all I could do was yell “I love you Tina! You got this!”
Then the magic started to happen. People stopped and got out of their cars and started comforting me and attending to her.
I was in a state of shock and had massive bleeding from my crushed leg.
As I look back, the thing that I remember is the kindness of the helpers. Ordinary people helping ordinary people that just entered an untenable situation.
Mr. Rodgers said “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
I believe that the majority of people are good and given the opportunity, show that goodness and perform miracles.
My higher power is the love that exists between Tina and I and the love we have for community. It has been the fuel that drives me daily.
Although I suffered a major injury, Tina is in critical condition. If I could switch places with her I would do it without hesitation. She is the best of us.
She has a long road ahead, she will need our help. She will need love and support to help her see a future.
The loss of limbs is horrific, but I haven’t lost my beautiful wife. She is alive and fighting.
Let’s all concentrate on that love we have for each other. Think about your own family and hold them up as well. Think about the lonely and destitute in our community.
You are here to show us support, but know that I am here to support you as well.
We have a short ride on this wild rock hurling through space. Let’s do something to make it a worthwhile trip.
Love each other.
All the time, not just when it’s convenient or when you feel like it. Love is a daily practice, a daily meditation.
Thank you all for your love and support. We are not the only ones hurting. Acknowledge your own hurt and your neighbors hurt. Hold them up and together we can do miracles as ordinary people. The magic is inside of you.
We love you all and I know if Tina could speak she would agree.
Love each other fiercely. We are all one.
Blessings and strength to all of you.
Jason
