Inspired Living with Rochelle

Have you ever heard the saying, "sometimes those that are in your lives the shortest time make the most lasting impressions"? Those may not be the exact words, but in my life it has often proven true.

I met Clay a few years ago while working as a server at Sienna, a high-end Italian restaurant located on Daniel Island, a few miles away from Charleston, South Carolina. The executive chef was well-known in the culinary world, and much of my appreciation and knowledge for food & wine blossomed during my time at Sienna. The restaurant was small, seating 70-80 people, and its off-the radar spot spot meant we were blessed with a high percentage of regulars, and few tourists. Those of us that worked at there felt like family; there were only four servers, one manager, and five that worked in the kitchen.



Clay was a remarkably handsome, energetic young man, and it seemed he was always smiling. His energy was a welcome fit at Sienna, and his culinary talent promising. With his charisma and culinary capabilities, it was evident he was on his way to be a successful chef. In a restaurant setting, you learn the best and worst about a person and their character in a short amount of time. I respected Clay for his exemplary poise during the most hectic of evenings, and with our open-air kitchen layout, the diners were able to view this as well The Christmas of 2007, Clay attended our holiday party for Sienna. That is the last time I spent time with him, but it was him as I will always remember, smiling, enjoying life. "Contagious enthusiasm" could not be a more fitting term than that of Clay's demeanor.

I received a text message from a close friend of mine last February, a young woman who had been the manager at Sienna. She mentioned in the text that Clay had died in a car accident. He was 21 years old. In the days following, I learned details of the accident, including that it was alcohol related (he was a passenger in the vehicle driven by the intoxicated party).

The loss of the life of such a driven, talented and good-spirited young man is a tragedy. And that it was so senseless in the fact that his life was cut short by the irresponsible decision by another to drink and drive makes that loss that much more tragic. Yes, this is one more of "those" stories, one more time to beat the nail on the head, but one more life lost with hundreds left to mourn.

Three years ago, I made the decision I would never again drink and drive. In that time, I have realized all I can do is try harder to make others make that same decision. It is not an easy one, it is one that impacts your social life greatly and also can reduce your social circle as well.

Clay lost his life one year ago today. In honor of his memory, I will work that much harder this next year to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road. It may only be one, two, or a few, but if even one life is saved it is worth it. At the time of his death, Clay worked for the Maverick Southern Kitchens at the Old Village Post House. Maverick Southern Kitchens had suffered loss less than two years before,  involving an alcohol related fatality. Brett Maynard, local chef and husband of the then-General Manager of High Cotton Jill Maynard, died from being in a vehicle that was struck head-on by a drunk driver.

Think about your family, your close friends. Think about the way you would feel if an intoxicated driver took away the chance for you to ever spend time with that loved one again. Now think about the person taking that life being you, that feeling of regret, with no chance of your life ever being the same.

Is it worth it? Less nights out, more money spent on cabs, and the occasional night as the designated driver.  It is worth it, and every night I am amazed at how many selfish, stupid people end up behind the wheel and on the road. This is just the first step of many, but someone has to point the finger to go in the right direction.

RIP, Clay, you will never be forgotten. I have no doubt you will change more lives than you could ever have imagined.

Links:

*Fundraiser created by Chris and Jim Phillips to grant scholarships to aspiring chefs:
http://skiponeforclay.org/