Hit And Run Mum.

The decision to end the life of the mother of your children is a burden you would carry with you forever.

James Lehane turned off his wife’s life support after she suffered catastrophic brain injuries following a callous hit and run.

The 34 year old mother of two very small children, Andrea Lehane, was walking across a pedestrian crossing in the car park when she was struck by reckless teens illegally riding monkey bikes. One woman at the scene described the horrific sight on Wednesday of the Andrea laying face down on the ground.

“Everyone was just trying to help her out,” she said, still shaken.

“There was just blood everywhere, flowing everywhere.”

The teens involved have been arrested and are expected to face court for their actions. After being airlifted to The Alfred Hospital, the team did all they could. In a statement issued, her husband James credits them for their efforts.

“The team at the Alfred [Hospital] have done an extraordinary job but the damage done has been confirmed to be too great,” he said.

Mr Lehane said his wife’s life support would be switched off. He went on to say that for his wife’s final act of generosity, the family had consented to organ donation.

“I will be taking her children, her three-year-old son and four-year-old daughter to see their mum for the last time before this occurs.”

“She was very content in her life and loved and cared for her family and friends. She always put them first,” he said.

“She will always be remembered and missed. Words cannot explain how I feel.”

Time is short, and life is precious – Nancy Reagan

A friend tells me she has just had a really traumatic morning, with visitors and her 4 year old constantly losing his rag. Teetering on the brink of meltdown, she reads about the Lehane family.

“Oh perspective, how it sets me straight.”

The fragility of life is an extraordinary thing to fathom to someone who has never experienced grief in this way.

Far too short and precious to waste our efforts on fear, rage, hate and wallowing in misery.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

Events like the tragic loss of Andrea Lehane are a wake up call. A wake up call to be grateful for all that we have each day.

A 2010 report published in Clinical Psychology Review, states that gratitude contributes to people’s well-being and happiness. The key however, is habitual focusing on and appreciating the positive aspects of life, actively cultivating your sense of gratitude.

At the end of every day, you take note of at least three things that went well, and why. No matter how small they may seem. This daily practice helps train you to think about positive things. And in effect, your happiness and well being increases because you’re not letting negativity cloud your thoughts.

The concept is so simple and effective that it is a practice that can easily be done by all members of the family.

In Memory.

Thousands of people turned out for a candlelight vigil at Carrum Downs shopping centre to honour the memory of Andrea.

James Lehane addressed the mourning crowd promising to be strong.

“As they grow up they’ll have a small but beautiful memory of their mother, and I need to step up and be double the father I was, that is something I promised them that I will do,” he said.

“I would like it if everyone could please take something away from all of this “” hold your family and friends tighter than we ever have.

“Life is precious and short, and it can change forever in an instant.”