I’m still in shock.

Both Radley and Ryan commute to Yonge and Finch every single day. Whenever we go into the city, we park at that station and take the subway down from there. It’s devastating to see this stretch of road so familiar to us and so close to home go through something unimaginable and horrific.

Yesterday, I sent Ryan to the passport office at Yonge and Sheppard. We are going to Punta Cana at the end of June and really need to get this done. I was there last week when I realized I had filled out the wrong form for his application.

The area is very busy with limited parking. Being a new driver, he didn’t want to deal with that headache and told me he was going to drive to Fairview mall instead and take the subway from there. I told him he’s going further away. Time is money and all that unnecessary commute is just a waste. I gave him my credit card and told him to drive to the office and pay for parking. Or, drive to Yonge and Steeles and park at the mall. It’s only a 10-minute bus ride. He said “ok mom” and left the house around 11:30. It was nearly 2pm when I realized he hadn’t checked in yet so I called him. He was still waiting in line. He called me back half an hour later saying he’s finally done and is going back to the car. He asked, “Mom, did you hear about the accident? A van hit several pedestrians. They blocked off Yonge Street from Sheppard to Finch.” Clueless, I said no, but to drive west to Bathurst and go around since he can’t take Yonge back home. He said “no mom, I parked at Fairview. I’m going to the subway now, call you later.”

I never ever thought I would say this but I’m so glad he didn’t listen to me yesterday. I’m thankful he was unharmed despite being in the area at the time this tragedy occurred. I’m also thankful Radley was right beside me working from home.

We are heartbroken.

To our city, and to everyone affected by this tragedy, our thoughts and prayers go out to you.

For more information or to find out how you can help, click here.

(I know it’s blurry but it’s the latest photo I have of us)

[ Project: No show socks // Hat from my cousin: In The Cut ]