Fiesta is time for a lot of fun and partying, but you should always find a safe way home. This medal submitted by Sandee Mewhinney Johns is the fourth in a series that was made in memory of her son Preston Mewhinney who was killed by a drunk driver. Mewhinney was only 25 years old at the time.
Sandee’s note to me was equally part tragic and inspirational. As a relatively new father (my daughter just turned two today), I can’t imagine the pain that she felt and her strength to move one. Below is her note to me in its entirety. Remember: driving drunk is not worth it. We live in a time where a sober ride is a click away with Uber and Lyft, and you can always hail a cab or grab a bus at the many events.
“The fourth in a series, this medal is made in memory of my son, Preston Mewhinney. He was 25 years old when killed by a drunk driver. He as my only child. Preston loved Penguins. He thought that since they looked like they were dressed in a tuxedo all of the time that they were always ready to party!! He was an adept party planner, so the penguin was his ‘trademark.’
This year’s medal highlights his wonderful birthplace, Texas. His full name was Preston Blake Mewhinney and his initials are on the license plate along with the year. There are tow bluebonnets on the medal—the Texas state flower. The saying, “Fiesta is cool” has been on all of the previous medals. The star on the medal represents San Antonio, although it is not “geographically” correct.
The ribbon continues the Texas theme with the Texas state flag. On the back of each medal is ‘In memory of Preston, 1965-1990. Don’t drink and drive.’ Making a medal enables his spirit to be with me as a part of Fiesta. They are not for sale and are available from me, at the various Fiesta activities.”
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