Letter: A reminder to slow down

EDITOR,
I pulled onto Highway 9 for my regular commute to Santa Clara. It was Friday. I was so ready for the weekend, and the morning was spectacular, as only mornings in the mountains can be.
Rounding a corner, my heart was saddened as I spotted a deer lying in the opposite lane. As I passed her, she suddenly moved in an attempt to stand. She was still alive! I crossed the lane and parked with flashers on.
She was not doing well. I called 911 — they would send the California Highway Patrol from Santa Cruz. By this time, several people had stopped to help and give advice. I promised to stay with her and moved my car closer.
Thank you to all who stopped and slowed down. I was scared.
If you want to put your life in perspective, spend an hour with a bleeding animal who’s fighting to live. Or struggling to die. It’s horrific, and I felt so helpless.
In between directing traffic around her (there were a lot of us commuters) and the moments of early morning stillness, I thought a lot about priorities and perspective. I moved to the mountains to leave the city pace and attitude behind. I love living here — this is where I belong. Wildlife belongs and lives here, too.
Next time I get caught up in that frantic pace, I will remember this experience — how this deer’s day probably started out with a cool drink from the river and ended up in a horrible, painful way.
Please slow down. Please be watchful. It will be good for all of us. Accidents happen, but those few seconds can make a difference.
Jeanne Rose, Boulder Creek