To the editor:

The following letter was written by Rebecca Bender Van Wagner, a native of Cape Girardeau. Her 17-year-old son, Clayton Van Wagner, was killed in a go-cart and car accident July 10. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Martha Bender of Cape Girardeau. Rebecca and her husband, John, reside in Miami, Fla. The letter was written the night Clay died.

To Clay's cousins, friends and sister:

Young people think they're indestructible. I can hear Clay's voice now, in conversations we've had over the years ... .

"Oh, Mom, come on! Nothing's going to happen! What do you think is going to happen?"

... at which time, I would list a parent's fears.

"Oh, Mom, you can't be serious! Nothing's going to happen. I promise I'll be careful!"

Clay was always a careful driver. He bought his go-cart when he was in elementary school with money that had been given to him when he was born. Clay is the only person who could tell us exactly what went wrong. When Clay was little, we always insisted that he wear a helmet. I think it had been years since he had ridden his go-cart out of the yard.

He left on this time without a helmet.

Never take a chance with your life. It's far better to be overly cautious, even though you'll think it's unnecessary.

When you are about to do something foolish, please stop and remember Clay and the hole that is left in the hearts of his family, the emptiness that will be with us forever.

Clay was a precious, sensitive child who loved his family, loved his friends and loved animals. I believe he was loved by everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Be smart. Make wise choices for yourself. Hug your family members long and tight every day, and tell them that you love them.

Love,

Clay's mom

REBECCA BENDER VAN WAGNER

Miami, Fla.