Thank you for helping remember Vincent Michael Mack, 1990-2012
To the editor:
My son Vincent Michael Mack was killed on January 1, 2012 due to a seizure. He ran into the oak tree right outside of Heritage Ranch gates where we live, on his way home. Our family was and I am still devastated. For three years I decorated that tree, for the seasons and holidays, which you may think is stupid, but somehow it was therapeutic and gave me some kind of comfort that people would see his cross (by the tree) and remember him, or to slow down and drive safe. The tree was titled: Vincent’s “New Life Tree,” as we know he is with the Lord in his new life. He was a Cal-Fire volunteer off and on for three years, attended Cuesta College, Santa Ana Sheriff Academy, and Paso Robles High School where he excelled in helping others, along with participating in baseball and football.
This last middle of December, I received a letter from the SLO County Works Department telling me I had 10 days to pull out my cross and all my decorations I had up for Christmastime off the tree. I cannot decorate my house since losing him, as the last Christmas with him just runs like a movie in my head over and over. So I decorate the oak tree, the last place he was alive. If you can, imagine how sad and distraught I was.
It was Christmas time, and a few weeks before the 3rd anniversary of his untimely death. I will never recover from this tragedy. It is the worst thing that could happen to a mother. I called the encroachment permit engineer, Mr. Glenn Marshall. I yelled at him, cried at him, and yelled some more.
After telling me I could have an extension from the 10-day time frame, due to the circumstances, they immediately told me I could have my own sign, honoring my son right across from the tree where he died. We also asked if we could adopt that road, in Vincent’s name as it was up for adoption, to clean the litter in that area several times a year.
The county had the signs up in less than 10 days from my original phone call. Ms. Julia Meyers was assigned to me as my personal helper to plan the sign and what I wanted it to say and how it would read. I can’t even try to count the times she phoned me asking me if I was alright, how sorry she was and how she wanted the signs to be just as I wanted them.
I just want readers to realize that there are people out there that care and make an extra effort for those who need it. Never underestimate the compassion even strangers carry in their hearts even in these crazy days. God bless you San Luis Obispo County Public Works Department, especially Mr. Marshall, Julia Meyers and the good men who put up our sign.
Cheryl Mack
Paso Robles
I freaking love this! Makes me really happy, we often pass that tree on our own travels to and from friends at Oak shores and appreciate the love of the family to keep up the memorial. I guess I am even more so touched to know the story now, and see the sign, as seizures (hubby has epilepsy) are part of our daily lives. My whole heart goes to you tonight from one mom to another, Much Love!!!
This is so wonderful!!! And it is well deserved. What a great story about people helping people too.
This is so wonderful!!! And it is well deserved. What a great story about people helping people too.
Although it was hard losing the tree, God provided another means to express our love for Vincent. He will always and forever be in his family and friends hearts. Thank you SLOC Public Works Dept for blessing our family in this way.
Oh Cheryl we love you so much. And I'm so sorry you were robbed of so much. I'm so happy to see this sign.
So glad to have a visible reminder of Vincent. A truly great young man. My prayers continue to go out to you and Dennis. Will always miss Vincent.
What a tragedy of losing your baby… When God shuts one door he opened the window! I'm so happy to hear about the love and compassion these people had for you!!
Cheryl & Dennid, I am so happy for you and all of us to have this kind harted rememberanceod Vence. As you know my husband and I too lost a son to a tragic crash in the Paso Robles City Limits caused by a drunk driver. The Paso Robles City Manager was not so kind to us. They adopted a "no memorial" ordanance making it alegal to have roadside memorials. Instead, the City of Paso Robles will let you purchase a small non religious plaque for $350.00 for the first two years and pay annually there after. Shame on the City for cashing in on the grief of others! I am still angry! The County had a much better solution for your family.
I see the tree and cross coming in and out of the Ranch and I always feel badly for whoever died there. I'm so happy that these strangers put humanity and compassion before silly little rules. I will always nod to Vincent and think of you and your family now whenever I come and go. I've lost people I love to great tragedy and I know the deep pain and sadness you will always feel. Know that Vincent was being said hello to and thought of even before I learned of what has transpired. You all will be in my thoughts now. Peace to you and those you love. Arly Kovelesky
HI Cheryl , Now I understand why the tree hasnt been decorated anymore. I often saw the different ribbons, flowers and things you have put on the tree as I pull into the driveway here at Heritage Ranch. I heard about what happened to your son Vincent, I didnt know him but my son is also a Firefighter / Paramedic so when I heard it was a Firefighter is really made me sad, and I cried many tears for your son and your family and he being so very young. My heart goes out to you and I do think about him . Every time I pass that tree , I do slow down and I think of you mostly now and your loss, as a Mother to a Mother my heart still breaks for you.
I freaking love this! Makes me really happy, we often pass that tree on our own travels to and from friends at Oak shores and appreciate the love of the family to keep up the memorial. I guess I am even more so touched to know the story now, and see the sign, as seizures (hubby has epilepsy) are part of our daily lives. My whole heart goes to you tonight from one mom to another, Much Love!!!
This is so wonderful!!! And it is well deserved. What a great story about people helping people too.
This is so wonderful!!! And it is well deserved. What a great story about people helping people too.
Although it was hard losing the tree, God provided another means to express our love for Vincent. He will always and forever be in his family and friends hearts. Thank you SLOC Public Works Dept for blessing our family in this way.
Oh Cheryl we love you so much. And I'm so sorry you were robbed of so much. I'm so happy to see this sign.
So glad to have a visible reminder of Vincent. A truly great young man. My prayers continue to go out to you and Dennis. Will always miss Vincent.
What a tragedy of losing your baby… When God shuts one door he opened the window! I'm so happy to hear about the love and compassion these people had for you!!
Cheryl & Dennid, I am so happy for you and all of us to have this kind harted rememberanceod Vence. As you know my husband and I too lost a son to a tragic crash in the Paso Robles City Limits caused by a drunk driver. The Paso Robles City Manager was not so kind to us. They adopted a "no memorial" ordanance making it alegal to have roadside memorials. Instead, the City of Paso Robles will let you purchase a small non religious plaque for $350.00 for the first two years and pay annually there after. Shame on the City for cashing in on the grief of others! I am still angry! The County had a much better solution for your family.
I see the tree and cross coming in and out of the Ranch and I always feel badly for whoever died there. I'm so happy that these strangers put humanity and compassion before silly little rules. I will always nod to Vincent and think of you and your family now whenever I come and go. I've lost people I love to great tragedy and I know the deep pain and sadness you will always feel. Know that Vincent was being said hello to and thought of even before I learned of what has transpired. You all will be in my thoughts now. Peace to you and those you love. Arly Kovelesky
HI Cheryl , Now I understand why the tree hasnt been decorated anymore. I often saw the different ribbons, flowers and things you have put on the tree as I pull into the driveway here at Heritage Ranch. I heard about what happened to your son Vincent, I didnt know him but my son is also a Firefighter / Paramedic so when I heard it was a Firefighter is really made me sad, and I cried many tears for your son and your family and he being so very young. My heart goes out to you and I do think about him . Every time I pass that tree , I do slow down and I think of you mostly now and your loss, as a Mother to a Mother my heart still breaks for you.