Saturday, August 28, 2010

I GOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT! AARGH!!!

And the worst part of all -- it was MY fault! Oh, that's a hard pill to swallow. It is so much nicer if at the end of a day you can say, "That so and so sideswiped me while I was minding my own business." Not so in my case. No, the lady I hit is probably saying that - but in much stronger language.

I was on my way to a bridal shower when I noted the ribbons and tissue paper blowing all over (I had the top down on my convertible), also my stack of books was falling, so I was messing with that. That's when, in the blink of an eye, I heard a crash, a slash, and a loud rip. Ugh. Yanking my head up I saw a car to my right. Quickly, she pulled off as did I, and then I put my head on my steering wheel and started bawling like a B-A-B-Y! HOW COULD I HAVE BEEN SO CARELESS AS TO TAKE MY EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR EVEN A SPLIT SECOND?

This has been a huge eye-opener for me. Not to look for my phone, a tube of lipstick, a pen, my sunglasses - or anything - in my purse because all it takes is an instant and life can turn completely upside down. Praise the Lord in my case the only thing that suffered was my car, and while the ambulance did come and take a look at a young girl of about 12 or so sitting in the back seat of the other vehicle, everyone is fine and for the most part unharmed. Thank you, Jesus.

I post this as a gentle warning to all of you to BE CAREFUL and ALERT. There are distracted drivers out there (like me) who take their eyes off the road for mere seconds and wind up crossing medians, hitting cars head-on, slamming into trees, and ramming into buildings. PLEASE BE CAREFUL. I love you all too much to say good bye just yet!

Take a look at my fender and headlight. The damage extends for about half the car, but I'm just showing you the front part. I'm sick about it, but so very thankful for another chance to prove myself on the road. I CAN BE A RESPONSIBLE DRIVER!




11 comments:

Kym McNabney said...

So sorry to hear about your accident, but glad that no one was hurt. I was hit by a drunk driver years ago, very devastating. But as always, God brings good out of bad and I know I’m a better person because of it. God taught me much from the situation. Obviously God has taught you something as well, and by doing so you’ve chosen to share that with others in hopes of preventing them from making the same mistake, so thank you.

Blessings,
Kym

Mimi N said...

What a scary moment it must've been for everyone involved. I know this just makes you sick because of the one second you took your eyes off the road. Don't beat yourself up. It's a lesson learned for all of us! You are NOT the only one who does this and hopefully your post will help us all keep our eyes on the road. I am praising the Lord with you that no one was hurt and that the car is the only thing with damage.

Blessings

Mimi

SHARLENE said...

Thank you, Kym and Mimi. Kym, so sorry to hear about your being hit by a drunk-driver. How devastating. I'm sure the memories of that sort of thing are so long-lasting. So eternally glad you are with us today!

Mimi, your words touched me. Especially the part where you said, "Don't beat yourself up." Thanks so much for that. I needed to hear it.

Hugs to both of you.

Jody said...

Glad to hear that everyone involved is ok. Mimi is right....don't beat yourself up over it. We are all guilty of looking for things while driving. Thanks for the reminder that we need to drive without distractions!

Author and Editor Sandra D. Bricker said...

Thank the Lord you walked away to feel regret and post your blog!

Jill Auten said...

Aunt Shar: I'm sorry to hear about your accident. It always helps me to hear that I'm not the only one that's made mistakes so rest assure you're not alone. Here's my distracted behind the wheel story...a few years back I was on my way to the store and making a list in my head of what I needed to purchase. I came upon a signal light that I've driven through a thousand times but with the shopping list playing in my head I didn't notice it until it was too late. Suddenly life went into slow motion. It was slow enough for me to mouth, "I'm sorry" to the driver of the car as I was hitting her. I, like you, started crying instantly. How could I be so stupid and drive through a signal light I know is there? The woman I hit was so kind. She proceeded to tell me that she ran through a signal light just the week before, in front of the mall, and put the other car in the ditch. God knew I was going to do something stupid that day and allowed it to happen with someone that could sympathize. In all things, God is in control. Praise the Lord that know one was hurt in your accident. God was in control. I love you. Jill

Nise' said...

Ouch, sorry for your car but ever so glad that everyone is all right!

SHARLENE said...

Thanks, Jody, Sandra, Jill, and Nise! Your kind words bring me tons of comfort - especially when I hear about others doing similar things!

CatMom said...

Oh poor Shar....I am SO very sorry about your accident, but praising the Lord that you and the others are okay. As some other folks said, don't be hard on yourself - - everyone who drives has at sometime or other reached for something or taken their eyes off the road, so your post is an excellent reminder to everyone to be extra careful behind the wheel!! ~ Now treat yourself to something special to celebrate that things are okay!! Sending you a hug, precious friend. Much Love, Patti Jo

SHARLENE said...

Patti Jo!!!!! Oh, how I'm going to miss you in Indy in two weeks, but I'm thankful you're on the mend and starting to leave comments on Facebook and even my blog! Take care, and thank you for your sweet words to me.

SHARLENE said...

Patti Jo!!!!! Oh, how I'm going to miss you in Indy in two weeks, but I'm thankful you're on the mend and starting to leave comments on Facebook and even my blog! Take care, and thank you for your sweet words to me.