Wow.
That’s probably the longest title I’ve ever used, but it’s absolutely true.
When you really think you’re going to die and then you don’t– It’s incredibly freeing.
My mind has been very full lately.
I feel like I’m constantly thinking of different things throughout the day as I care for the boys and our home.
Do we have enough milk in the fridge to last until Charming goes to Costco on Saturday?
Is it time for me to start making lunch?
When was the last time I changed Boots’ diaper?
I’ve also started writing stories again and recently decided to finally write that LDS Romance Novel I’ve always wanted to write.
So that’s been filling my mind, too.
What should I name the heroine?
What does she look like?
How should I start it?
And then the snow storms moved in this week and my mind got even more full.
One of our trees fell over and I wondered, “Did the trunk damage our new patio? Now we don’t have shade there anymore… Should we plant another tree?”
And today, I wondered, “Should I reschedule my appointment with my new doctor? Or should we go ahead and drive there in the snow?”
Because in the back of my full mind, I feel the constant weight of questions that worry me.
Will my hips ever heal?
Will my pelvis ever heal?
Will I ever be able to shop at a store again?
Will I ever be able to run with my children again?
Will I be able to have more children?
After 10 months of pain, limited mobility and watching life from the sidelines, it’s wearing me down.
And when I recently mailed off an application for a disabled parking placard, it was very bittersweet.
But then my parents and siblings said they’d pray and fast for me and boy has that helped!
They also encouraged me to find a specialist and I did!
So, despite the snow, we still wanted to go to my appointment. I asked Charming (a veteran snow-driver) to drive me and then confirmed with the clinic that the weather wasn’t too bad.
And with hope shining brightly in my mind, we prayed for safety, drove to the city and embarked on a new path of assessment and treatment options. (Hurray!!)
And then.
As we were driving on the freeway back to home, Charming accidentally hit a slick build-up of snow.
And we lost control.
Our van started sliding and spinning through the middle of traffic.
And as I watched the scene unfold before me in slow motion, I thought we were going to die.
Realizing there was absolutely nothing I could do to stop it, I closed my eyes, clutched tightly to my seat belt and desperately said, “Heavenly Father, Please!”
WHAM!!
Our back bumper slammed into the guard rail off the shoulder of the freeway and our van stopped sliding.
Stunned and breathing heavily, I opened my eyes.
I’m alive!!!
I looked over at Charming.
He’s okay!!!
We looked back at Baby– sitting in the exact corner of the van that hit the guard rail.
He’s kicking his feet and babbling!!!!
And then I thought of Boots.
And Brother.
Who were playing at their friend’s house.
I’m still with them!!!
—-
And now I feel free.
Who cares if my hips never heal?
Who cares what I name my heroine?
Who cares if we run out of milk?
Who cares if I spill all my Costco cookies onto the garage floor?
I don’t.
Because Heavenly Father answers prayers.
And I’m alive!!!
And that’s all that really matters.
That’s a lovely blog! I’m glad everyone is alright… I had no idea you’d been having such a hard time after your pregnancy. With three little ones I completely understand your point of view!! Feel free to call me ANYTIME you need some support!!
I’m so glad you’re okay! It puts everything into perspective, doesn’t it.
What a touching story. It brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad that you all are okay.
We’re so grateful everyone is alright and no one was injured. That’s a good perspective to have.
Been there done that, Heidi. It was about 25 years ago on I-5 near Boeing field, but in the summer, when I had a tire blowout. (BTW, You are not supposed to hit the brakes when the your tire blows out suddenly, which of course I did). I had been driving in the far right lane when the car started to spin. There were 4 lanes going in my direction and by the time I got to the third lane over I had spun facing the
oncoming traffic. I was sure I was going to die. You are right about the slow motion part. Then miraciously I continued to spin and found myself facing the right direction again before stopping on the left shoulder of the road. Good thing that I was in my bubble of space before this happened because I could see the fear in the faces of those heading for me, or so it seemed. Another thing not to do is run across all lanes of trafiic on the freeway to get to the exit ramp and then walk through the bad part of town. Just stay in your car, it is safer and we have cell phones now. Even back then an officer came by soon enough to have my car towed away before I could get back to it. Next story, the time I rolled my sister’s car when I fell asleep at the wheel in eastern Washinton while traveling to Spokane for a Special Olympics tournament with my son. And people wonder why I now teach driver’s ed.
I’m so glad you’re all alright!! Glad you’re good at seeing the best from experiences like that. Hope the appointment went well, and we’ll keep praying for you!
First of all, I’m sooo glad everyone is okay. Secondly, bravo to your perspective. Thirdly, can I get an advance copy of your book? Fourthly, I loved your newsletter my dear. And finally, sending you my love and prayers. I cant imagine what this last stretch has been like for you. Thanks for this post!
Oh, thank you, everyone! Another blessing from this experience has been the outpouring of love and support from our friends. You are wonderful– thank you!
Glad you’re okay and by the way, you’re going to LOVE your handicap placad. It’s so nice to have with little ones. I love mine and am grateful everyday for it.
So glad you are all ok. You are such a faith-filled and strong lady! I am inspired by you and your wonderful family! We will be praying for you!!