What if, perhaps, you were to pull on a lever underneath your steering wheel that actually dispatched the steering wheel from it's home?
What if, perhaps, you were driving during this occurrence? On a freeway? Going 75 mph?
Okay, now let's discuss. (Aka, the Five Stages of Grief, by Kubler-Ross)
Stage 1: Denial. "I feel fine."; "This can't be happening, not to me." "My steering wheel didn't just detach." "I'm not going to crash into this wall going 75." "It will click back into it's place in just a few moments."
Denial is usually only a temporary defense for the individual. The driver is most likely still trying to re-attach the steering wheel.
Stage 2: Anger. "Why me? It's not fair!"; "How can this happen to me?"; "Who is to blame?" "How was I supposed to know it would come off?!" "I always knew Toyota was cheap!" "Why would this lever be here?!" "Who did that?"
Once in the second stage, the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue. Because of anger, the person is very difficult to care for due to misplaced feelings of rage and envy (and in a moving car). Any individual that symbolizes the ability to steer is subject to projected resentment and jealousy.
The said individual holding the detached steering wheel in his/her hand is likely to feel envy for the driver of the Honda Accord in the adjacent lane (WITH the steering wheel still firmly secured and in working condition).
Stage 3: Bargaining. "Just let me live to see my children graduate."; "I'll do anything for a few more moments."; "Please, just don't let me hit the wall going 75. Let me slow down first."
The third stage involves the hope that the individual can somehow postpone or delay doom. Usually, the negotiation for an extended life is made with a higher power in exchange for a reformed lifestyle. Psychologically, the person is saying, "I understand I will die, but if I could just have more time..."
Stage 4: Depression. "I'm so sad, why bother with it anymore?"; "I'm going to die . . . What's the point?" "And I spent so much money on these custom leather seats..." "Look at that car... HIS steering wheel is still on." "Look at him steer, he doesn't know what he has." "Ungrateful maggot." "I probably deserve to die."
During the fourth stage, the person begins to understand the certainty of doom. Because of this, the individual may become silent. This process allows the doomed person to disconnect oneself from things of love and affection. It is not recommended to attempt to cheer an individual up that is in this stage, through honking or waving. It is an important time for grieving that must be processed.
Stage 5: Acceptance. "It's going to be okay."; "Well... I DID pull it off."; "I can't fight it, I may as well prepare for it." "I should probably warn the driver next to me, he probably has a family."
This final stage comes with peace and understanding of the impending doom that is fast approaching. Generally, the person in the fifth stage will want to buckle up. This stage has also been described as the end of the struggle. The steering wheel is most likely resting on the passenger seat at this point.
Bear in mind, this is is all happening in a period of 5-10 seconds. What time do they have, really?
And now behold, the majestic llama.
