I've been gone a week now. Not that blogging isn't always in the back of my mind, but it is such a busy, busy time of year. I know you know what I mean. I've taken fun photos of the kids, sparkling snow photos and even some cleaning-the-mess-and-decorating-for-Christmas photos, but all that will have to wait.
I have something to share.
Yesterday, I had the scare of a life time. You know, the instant tears, shaking hands and very weak knees. Complete panic.
My boys, Nick and Elijah, were hit nearly head on coming home from school. Thank God they weren't injured, but that feeling of fear I got when the call came is something I don't want to experience again.
They were headed South on Peger. The on-coming car was about where the red semi is on the left of the photo. They were in the far right lane just behind where the black truck is in this photo. The driver of the other car was messing with his phone and drifted off the road. He jerked his car back, lost control, shot across two lanes to hit my boys in the third lane. It happened so fast Nick never even hit the brakes.
The little red car slammed into the front of my Excursion pushing the bumper up under it.
He then spun around and hit the back of the truck before shooting back across the traffic and hitting the ditch on his own side of the road.
The airbags deployed.
Nick suffered a burn on his right arm from the air bag. Elijah had a burn about the size of a quarter on his arm.
The kid in the other car went by ambulance to the hospital, and Nick learned today at school that he broke two ribs. He was very fortunate. He could have lost his life.
You hear the stories about the dangers of cellphones and driving, but until it hits your own home so to speak you don't think too much about it. Well, I am here to tell you that texting, dialing, answering, looking, fiddle-f***ing around with a cellphone while doing 40mph down a busy, icy road is just stupid.
There are so many things...the cost, the headache, the paperwork, the waiting, but really all I can think about is Thank God No One Died. All night I worried about the young man that caused the accident, and was so relieved to hear he is going to be okay.
All the other stuff will be worked out in time, but today, I think three young men learned some valuable driving lessons that may save a life on down the road.
I don't ever, ever, ever want that phone call again. I'm not sure my heart can take it.
(They were much easier to parent when they were six. A band aid fixed everything).
I have something to share.
Yesterday, I had the scare of a life time. You know, the instant tears, shaking hands and very weak knees. Complete panic.
My boys, Nick and Elijah, were hit nearly head on coming home from school. Thank God they weren't injured, but that feeling of fear I got when the call came is something I don't want to experience again.
They were headed South on Peger. The on-coming car was about where the red semi is on the left of the photo. They were in the far right lane just behind where the black truck is in this photo. The driver of the other car was messing with his phone and drifted off the road. He jerked his car back, lost control, shot across two lanes to hit my boys in the third lane. It happened so fast Nick never even hit the brakes.
The little red car slammed into the front of my Excursion pushing the bumper up under it.
He then spun around and hit the back of the truck before shooting back across the traffic and hitting the ditch on his own side of the road.
The airbags deployed.
Nick suffered a burn on his right arm from the air bag. Elijah had a burn about the size of a quarter on his arm.
The kid in the other car went by ambulance to the hospital, and Nick learned today at school that he broke two ribs. He was very fortunate. He could have lost his life.
You hear the stories about the dangers of cellphones and driving, but until it hits your own home so to speak you don't think too much about it. Well, I am here to tell you that texting, dialing, answering, looking, fiddle-f***ing around with a cellphone while doing 40mph down a busy, icy road is just stupid.
There are so many things...the cost, the headache, the paperwork, the waiting, but really all I can think about is Thank God No One Died. All night I worried about the young man that caused the accident, and was so relieved to hear he is going to be okay.
All the other stuff will be worked out in time, but today, I think three young men learned some valuable driving lessons that may save a life on down the road.
I don't ever, ever, ever want that phone call again. I'm not sure my heart can take it.
(They were much easier to parent when they were six. A band aid fixed everything).
hosted by Cecily
16 comments:
Thankfully, I've never had that experience, and I hope I never do, I can imagine how awful it must feel. So glad that all survived it.
Using a phone while driving is against the law here unless you are hands-free. Not everyone obeys the law of course but it is a bit of a deterrent. I've never understood why anyone would attempt to text and drive, the two things just don't go together.
What a horrible, frightening feeling to receive that call. I'm so glad none of the boys were hurt worse than they were and that all will be ok other than rattled nerves for quite some time! Even though damage can be repaired, it's still a major pain in the butt that I'm sure you didn't need to deal with.
It's also illegal here to use a cellphone while driving. It doesn't stop everyone but it has helped.
Your right - it's WAS easier, especially on our nerves when they were little :)
Oh you poor dear. I am so glad no one was killed. Something like this makes you stop and really think about just how precious life is. I think cell phones should be against the law while driving everywhere.
May your heart calm back down and your fears subside. I know you'll all be shook up for awhile though.
Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady
Gayle...you sure have had your share! Glad that the boys are all ok.
The cell phone thing is no joke...when I drive, no matter where it is, I see people openly talking on the phone...never see them being pulled over by the police. Why don't they do more to enforce these laws?
Hope you are getting back to breathing normally.
Wow, so glad to hear everyone in the accident will be okay. I can't imagine that phone call.
As of January 1st our province is banning cell phone use during driving.
WOW, that is SO SCARY. I'm so glad to hear they are alright. That is a total blessing!
I'm a first-time commenter...I like your blog! I found you by way of Any Mommy Out There. Can't wait to read more!
That feeling makes you wonder if you will ever let them out of the house again. I think a christmas angel had their backs.
Tears in my eyes Gayle....
I am so so so very glad your boys are okay. And of course the other driver. Sending you and your boys a big hug!
Ohhhh myyyyy....(exhaling heavily). These are the moments nightmares are made of. I wake up at night worrying about these things. I'm so glad everyone is ok. And this will make your boys much more aware of other drivers in the future...a good thing, but what a terrifying way to get that awareness. sigh.
Yes, hold everyone closer than ever...Thank God all is well. The dents can be repaired or replaced but, a life...thankfully you don't have to feel that kind of grief. This is bad enough on any road but, icy...another situation. They will never forget it and be all the wiser from it...take care...
That sounds terrifying. Thank goodness the kids weren't hurt too badly.
Cell phones are poison while driving, I agree. I've seen several almost-accidents as a result of them.
I hope the broken ribs heal quickly.
I commented about this on Facebook but just to say it again--it makes me CRAZY when I see anyone driving and talking on their cell phone. And it seems, anymore, like every other car you pass, the driver is on their phone. I saw one the other day holding the phone with one hand, holding the wheel with the wrist of their other hand and gesturing with the hand attached to that wrist. DUMB!! I'm so glad all of the boys are ok.
Thank goodness they are okay. Thank goodness for your pick truck! I agree with Snowbird above, it is rare to see a car where the driver does not have a phone to his ear. I was almost side swipped at a toll booth, the other driver chatting away did not realize he was drifting into the lane I was already occupying, and yes, he was on his phone.
Gayle, I'm so glad everyone is okay! I pray that they stiffen some rules up there...texting is bad enough while driving, but to be on ICY roads!?! That's just pure stupidity/insanity!! We love you guys much and have been thinking about ya'll. Hope his ribs heal quickly!
sorry I'm so late coming in on this. wow! how horribly scary. I'm so very glad your boys are okay. oh dear......hold them tight.
like you, I'm blogging less these days, so I missed this until tonight when I'm catching up.
hugs!
Post a Comment