As you travel along I-75 near Standish, keep an eye out for Mile Marker 199. Beside it stands a solitary evergreen tree, adorned with various decorations and an American Flag. This isn’t just any tree; it’s a poignant memorial, marking the site of a devastating accident that occurred two decades ago and serving as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility.
The tragedy unfolded on a Father’s Day weekend when 20-year-old Jason Porter, from St. Clair Shores, was heading north with his uncle to meet his father at the family cabin. Their journey was cut short near Mile Marker 199 when a drunk driver, speeding the wrong way down the freeway, collided with their vehicle head-on. Jason was killed instantly, as was the drunk driver. Jason’s uncle remarkably survived, escaping with a broken ankle.
In the immediate aftermath, Jason’s mother, Kathy Porter of Roseville, sought a way to honor her son’s memory at the site of his last moments. She placed a small wooden cross in the grass along the highway, but it was repeatedly removed, first by the local road commission and then by a construction crew during repaving. Heartbroken, Kathy contacted the highway crew, hoping to retrieve her cross, only to learn it had been discarded.
However, a compassionate worker, moved by her story, offered to plant a tree at the spot in Jason’s memory. This act of kindness blossomed into the memorial you see today. The tree has since become a focal point for remembrance, continually decorated with items that honor Jason’s life.
The next time your travels take you past Mile Marker 199, take a moment to acknowledge this decorated evergreen. It stands not only as a testament to a mother’s enduring love but also as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
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