An interesting thing happened to me last night. I got in a car accident.
I had just left Chipotle with some friends and I was on my way home. Typically I go south on i75, but I can go north too. It's about the same distance, really so I mix up my route a lot. Well, leaving Chipotle, I was deciding which direction to go and couldn't make up my mind so I passed both ramps. I had to turn around and start coming back the other direction. It was dark and I'm not in this particular area very often, so I was focusing on which lane to get into. You know, looking UP at the signs. By the time I'd made a decision and figured it out I looked forward. JUST in time to see a car turn in front of me AND the blessed red light. I had 2 seconds to react and besides slamming on my brakes to no avail, I closed my eyes. When I opened them all I could see was my air bag and some smoke. I knew two things right away. I was OK, and it was MY fault. I got out frantically looking for the other car, crying hysterically, and praying that there weren't children involved and everyone was OK. Thank GOD, they were. It was one girl by herself, and she was definitely shaken up, who wouldn't be, but OK.
When my car blasted hers and I opened my eyes, the following thoughts flooded my mind immediately. 1. This is a freaking TERRIBLE way to begin a new year. Where's that financial freedom I need NOW? and 2. DANG IT. I was going to have my car paid off by November. By the looks of it, my car is probably totaled.
However, these petty details literally faded to petty the moment I saw her car, and mine. The moment I saw her shivering with anxiety. How blessed am I, that it wasn't sooo much worse than it could have been? How blessed am I to have family willing to respond, support me, even if it was my own dang fault. How blessed am I to be able to apologize to her (to no avail lol, which is totally understandable) because we're both alive. I was suddenly not so irritated about having a car payment, and a lot more appreciative to have life.
Obviously, perspective gained, lesson learned. But I'm just thankful for preservation. And thankful for that annoying reminder that I'm human. I have to go through the difficulties and triumphs of life. I have smacks in the face sometime that prove what I'm made of. Sometimes I pass the test and sometimes I don't. But I know this much, I am so blessed to have the opportunity to LIVE. We get to live. That's a beautiful gift :)
Glad you are ok and the only worse way to ring the new year would be visiting you in the hospital again or worse. I do have a saying i use frequently and it applies here to a mistake is only a mistake if you don't learn anything from it otherwise it is simply a learning experience.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful you are okay! You and the others are definitely in my prayers! But, this is just an inconvenience. All that matters it that you all are okay. No one was hurt, no one was killed. Cars can be fixed, or new cars can be bought. Bad things happen so BETTER things can be put together! This is just an inconvenience. Always remember that. You will still have your financial freedom in 2012 because you want it! You want it so bad that your not going to let such an inconvenience hold you back! I believe in you, and I believe you will do whatever you have to to make 2012 your year! Not only will 2012 be your year, every year after that will be your year as well! I am SO blessed to call you my cousin and best friend Leslie! Your positivity inspires me to make every situation as positive as possible! I love you!!
ReplyDeleteWrecking a car is awful no matter whose fault it is. Glad you're OK, and have such an amazing outlook on the whole situation. I'll be praying all the other details work out. God always takes care of us. :)
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