Thursday, November 21, 2013

A Close Call

I had originally planned on doing a very different post today, and I may still publish it later if I can find the time.  Right now, though, I need to take a moment and reflect on yesterday's events.

Last night, on the way home from a long work commute, my husband fell asleep at the wheel.  He woke up in time to see approaching headlights and realize his car was drifting.  He over-corrected, spun out, and wrapped the trunk of the car around a tree off the side of the road.  The car is totaled, and he has a pretty major shiner and some minor cuts, but other than that he's okay.

The tow truck driver who came to get the car said that on that particular stretch of road, 90% of the people they come help don't make it.  There are many huge drop offs and other dangerous areas all along the way Hubby came home.  The place he stopped thankfully had a tree and a fence to stop him instead.  He also is convinced that if he had run into the tree at any other angle, he would have been seriously injured.  We are all praising the Lord for His protection.

I think the reality of the whole situation is still sinking in for me, partially because I have a hard time thinking about what could have happened.  I could have been a widow this morning, or I could have spent my morning in the hospital, watching over a husband with serious injuries.  It's enough to bring me to tears.  I can't thank the Lord enough for His intervention.

Moments like these are a reminder of just how short life really is.  We all know that someday we're going to die.  We get so distracted by the daily routines, jobs, and hobbies that take up our time, however, that it's easy to forget that any day could be our last.  It's caused me to think about how I spent this last week.  If yesterday had been my last day with my husband, what things would I have regretted?  What things would I be thankful for?  What things would I wish I could go back and change?

We can't play the "what if" game, and in this scenario, I don't really want to play it anyway.  But I do know that I want to make sure I live a life with no regrets.  I want to make the most of every opportunity to show love to my family and friends, to be a godly example for those around me, and to make a difference for eternity.  That's what truly matters.

And while I'm at it, I'm going to give Hubby a few extra hugs today.  I would have really missed those.

26 comments:

Kirren said...

Oh dear. Praise the Lord that he is okay. *hugs*

Unknown said...

I am SO thankful that you guys are OK! What a blessing!

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks, gals. :)

Lydia said...

Thank goodness he's okay! My dad fell asleep at the wheel once. Luckily it was only for a second so he didn't get hurt.

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks, Dollygirl. I'm glad your dad wasn't hurt when he fell asleep at the wheel. My husband works such long hours, he's often behind on sleep. I'm hoping we'll be able to find a way to make some changes so this won't happen again.

Michaela Bush said...

Oh my goodness! So glad he's okay!

Chloe said...

So glad he's okay!

Nina said...

I'm so happy everyone's alright! I know what it's like to go through that, so you have my sympathy. And don't worry, my aunt who was in the car crash is fine.:) You and your family are in my prayers:)

BlackKitty said...

Oh, this was really close! I'm so glad you're all okay! You are really lucky that you can decide not to sink into the "what ifs" and just go on with a few extra hugs. I'm constantly aware of all the horrible ways I or my loved ones could die or be injures. While trying to fall asleep, while waiting for 10 minutes to cross the road, while planning a trip, stepping into the bathtub, descending stairs... I wish I could clear my head of all this mess and not be afraid of everything in life. Which is not to say your hubby's accident is something to brush off, you are right to talk about it and remind your readers to care about their family. I hope nothing like this happens again.

agmuffinstudios said...

oh my god. moments like this make me think of how lucky we are to be alive.

Shannon said...

What a frightening thing to happen. Praise the Lord he is alright! My husband has trouble nodding off at the wheel and he just started commuting again this week. It's not super far but it can still be long when there is a lot of traffic.

Paige said...

I'm glad to hear that he is okay! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about being thankful for those in our lives while they are right with us. :)

Anonymous said...

Praise god I'm glad your husband is ok! I will keep you in my prayers,

Bookworm

Christina L said...

Oh wow. Those things are terrifying, especially the thoughts of what could have happened and what your life could have been like at this moment. It seems like God allows us to experience those things so that we can get life "shot back into us" and can again appreciate how frail and dependent we truly are. :)
However, it's amazing and wonderful that he's okay. Wow. That would just be so strange.

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thank you so much, everyone. It was so touching to come back and see how many of you expressed your concern and well-wishes. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry I'll keep him in my prayers. Hope he gets better very fast. Could you please tell him I said to get better.

Ps:my name is jasmine

The Dolls said...

I'm going to be adding you to my prayer list. It must not be a good week, first me having to have three teeth extracted, (braces... ) then,m an online friend of mine, (poor girl) had a tornado go through her house, she lost all her stuff and one of her pet dogs. She and her family are safe, now it's your husband. I send my regards,


Abbie R,

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thank you, everyone. :)

Jen said...

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad your husband is okay! I have to second your call to make the most of every opportunity (and give extra hugs) - I know how quickly a car accident can take those things away. Sending best wishes that he makes a speedy recovery from his injuries!

honeysucklejasmine said...

beastsbelle, I'm really glad your husband is alright! Your post was so emotional it almost made me cry, and I have to agree with everything you stated there. :-) I'm praying for your husband's soon recovery! :)

Catherine said...

I'm glad your husband is ok. Not sure the Lord had anything to do with it as why He'd throw in the scare, the injuries and the car damages when there are time when people do the same and there aren't even those, or even more times when there is no accident. Not to mention some very good people whose lives and children are devastated by death. Chance is more like it, unless you think He picks and chooses who gets the bad card, the level of damages and the go scott free card.

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks so much, everyone. It means a lot to hear from all of you. :)

Catherine, I have to admit I don't know the best way to answer you. I have had friends and family who have gone through some horrible things for no apparent reason, so I can understand where you're coming from.

I don't know everything about why God works the way He does. I don't know why He allows some things to happen in some lives. But I firmly believe that He loves us and is never taken by surprise by anything. He is in complete control of everything that happens, and He has a plan and a purpose for everything He allows to come into our lives.

I wish I had all the answers...I don't. As I read His Word, though, I read of His love for us, His grace to get through the trials that come our way, His sacrifice for us at Calvary, and His command that I trust Him, even when I don't understand what He's doing and why He allows certain things to happen.

Everything I have is His. Any merit I have is because of Him. I believe that He has my best interests at heart, even if from a human standpoint I can't understand why He would choose to allow things in my life that I wouldn't choose for myself.

I don't expect to change your mind with this comment, but I hope you understand a little more where I'm coming from.

akasailorsea said...

I'm glad your husband is okay.

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks, akasailorsea. :)

Alexandra said...

Just read this. Praise the Lord he's okay!

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks, Alexandra. :) We're especially thankful this holiday season. :)