Six years ago today my husband called me and asked for me to pull off of the highway.  My children and I and a dear friend were returning from a trip visiting my family, but were still about eight hours from home.  When we were safely off of the interstate and I was standing outside of my vehicle I heard the words that I will never forget…”Calvin’s gone.” 

On October 3, 2001, Trooper Calvin Taylor was killed in the line of duty.  He was returning to his patrol car after speaking with a motorist he had stopped when he was run over by a tractor-trailer.  Not only was Calvin killed, but Cheryl Adams, one of the motorists he had stopped, was killed as well.  Calvin was my husband’s best friend. 

Two days before Calvin was killed, North Carolina passed the Move Over Law.  We were one of only five states with such a law.  Very few people knew about the law besides the legislators who voted to pass it and a trooper from down east who had asked for the law to be written.  Six years later we are one of forty-three states with a Move Over Law.  The public is much more aware now, but there is still a great deal to be done.

Once a year, my family and I have the pleasure of joining hands with Calvin’s family as we create a circle around a bonfire.  My children wait excitedly each year for the wonderful experience.  So, two weeks ago when this reunion took place, and when held hands with this amazing family it was no surprise to feel the warmth and the love.  Calvin’s family, after being struck by too many tragedies, still gather because they can.  They gather because they have the strength from those they have lost and from those who still gather by their sides.

Today I will watch as my husband puts on his running shoes (as he does several times a week), but today will be different.  Today he will run with a friend he has forever lost.  He might run a little faster because he can hear his friend’s voice and he can feel him in his heart.  Today lives will be saved because of one that was lost.  Trooper Calvin Taylor is gone, but will never be forgotten.  Rest in peace Calvin.  Your brothers are safe.

For Calvin, his family and those who have said a sad “good-bye,” we ask that you please remember to Move Over and Slow Down.  It will not bring Calvin home, but it will bring home thousands of others.