Shut It Down Corp.

Tell my story

Hi, my name is Tamiqua Shaunte Kendricks, born March 25, 1988. I have 1 child, a son named, Michael Jayce McNeal. I died in a tragic car wreck, July 17, 2013,  I was using my phone : texting back and forth. Who I was texting, doesn't matter at this point. I left behind my 4 yr. old son; he is the joy of my life. I know he will be okay: I have the best mom, in the world.  I know she will take care of him. My mother was always telling me to, shut the phone down, of course, I would listen, in her face. She was always telling me to put my seat belt on, of course, I would listen. She was always telling me to slow down,  stop rushing my life away, of course, I didn't listen. July 17, 2013, I was in a hurry and  didn't think it would happen to me. I was on my way to pick someone up before going to work. I lost control of my Explorer.   It happened so fast that I couldn't do anything but wrestle that big hunk of iron and call on GOD to help me out. I was able to correct it, but not enough to stop the disaster. that killed me. I was thrown from the truck and it landed on me: killing me instantly.  I only weighed 125 pound soak and wet.  My life gone, my son without a mother, my family left in pain. Oh! the pain was so unbearable that  I wanted to die.  Can you imagine a big truck landing on you? I'm so glad God took me out of that pain.  I know my family must be going through some pain of their own.  If, I could turn back time, I would have listened to my mother, but I didn't think it would happen to me. I was a good driver. My parents always gave me their vehicle to use because: I  was a good driver.

That cell phone is the reason and should never be on: when operating a vehicle. I always bought the best phone. I always wanted the newest phone. Never would I have thought, it would be the reason; I am not there to see my sons smiling face, to watch him play basketball. Oh,  did I tell you he started preschool two months, after,  I died. I wasn't there to see him ride the bus. I was there in spirit,  he wouldn't get on the bus, he cried, and mama took him to school. I knew mama wouldn't make him get on that big, yellow, scary bus, with strange peoples, any way. I wish it was me: watching him get on and off the bus. I can only be there in: spirit. If I had listened, mama wouldn't be going through this. It must have been hard burying your first child. It must have been hard for her to understand. I know she will be okay, she is so strong, but I am afraid for my DAD, he is so sad. I seen him lying in bed, grieving to himself. My son misses me, I can’t be there. My sister needs me, I can’t be there. My friends wants to hangout with me, I can't be there. My family needs me, I CAN’T be there. Sorry, I can’t be there.

My mother has started a non-profit organization called (Shut It Down), I sure wished I would have listened, but as you already know, I didn’t.  My mom started this organization to prevent this tragedy from happening to you or your love one.  If only, I had listened. Shut It Down will make bracelets :with the name of a love one. This will help you to remember, your love one, every time you put your hand, on that steering wheel it will say: Shut It Down and someone's name will be in your face. It’s not a scolding, it’s a friendly reminder (just like mama did for me). Shut it Down will be there to support the loved ones that have lost their special person. Shut It Down will go out to schools and colleges passing out literature and telling my story. Shut It Down will hold candlelight vigils in their community (just like mama did for me). Shut It Down will sell bumper stickers with its logo on it to the world. Do me a favor, PLEASE STOP TEXTING and TALKING ON THE CELL PHONE, AND USE YOUR SEAT BELT. DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU, IT’S NOT WORTH IT.

This is my story:

Please don't text/talk and drive! Don't become another tragic story like Tamiqua

Tamiqua & her adorable son Michael.