In this moving episode of Stories Mediators Tell, mediator Eric Galton shares the story of a tragic car accident that brought together two families under unimaginable circumstances. After a beloved father and community member is killed in a sudden collision just days before the holidays, the driver responsible is left grappling with grief, guilt, and a deep desire to connect with the victim’s family—despite legal barriers and uncertainty about what mediation might bring. What unfolds in the mediation room becomes a powerful example of how honest dialogue can transform conflict into unexpected moments of humanity and healing.
In this moving episode of Stories Mediators Tell, mediator Eric Galton shares the story of a tragic car accident that brought together two families under unimaginable circumstances. After a beloved father and community member is killed in a sudden collision just days before the holidays, the driver responsible is left grappling with grief, guilt, and a deep desire to connect with the victim’s family—despite legal barriers and uncertainty about what mediation might bring.
What unfolds in the mediation room -- where lawyers and insurance adjusters are bargaining about damages -- becomes a powerful example of how honest dialogue between the actual parties can transform conflict into unexpected moments of humanity and healing. This episode reflects the heart of Stories Mediators Tell: the profound ways conversation can open paths forward even after profound loss.