I’m trying to write more consistently and I think I’ve found a tool titled, “365 Days of Writing Prompts” and downloaded the pdf. Tonight’s prompt hit home.
I’ve had some close calls in the past and I know I’ve heard about people having accidents within a mile of their home. I happened to “dodge a bullet” last week, when something awful nearly happened to me. Life could have changed in a split second.
I was on my way to work and just turned my head to the left as I approached the stop sign at the end of my road. It seemed I was looking at the front grill of the local garbage/recycling truck. I didn’t have time to be confused. The driver tried to turn right onto my street, hit a patch of ice, and slid right toward me! Thankfully, he reacted quickly and skidded the truck forward (almost taking out the stop sign on my side of the road) instead of trying to break and continue to turn.
My husband had a family business and a few large trucks. He often explains how challenging it is to brake so fast and control that size vehicle, especially when people used to cut him off on the expressway. It’s so difficult to control a vehicle that size. People have no idea… or they just don’t care.
Anyway, the (garbage/recycling) driver did an amazing job of taking control of his heavy truck and made the right decision. His quick thinking saved me because he would have hit me head-on. Actually, the garbage truck would have driven right over my front end and into my door. The whole incident happened so fast, I didn’t even have time to think about it. So, when I turned onto the roadway and scooted around truck, I waved in appreciation as I passed him. He honked. I really didn’t realize how close I came to death until I turned onto the next street and noticed my hands shaking as I gripped the steering wheel. This all took place at 7am and I didn’t get a chance to call my husband until 2pm. He immediately heard something in my voice and asked me what was wrong. I couldn’t hold back the flood of tears as I explained what happened.
This certainly has changed my outlook this week. I don’t want to think about what could have been, or what I have done or not done with my life so far. I choose to fully pay attention to this upcoming holiday weekend with my family. Our children are coming home and I can’t wait to hug each one of them. Looking back on that morning, I know I was protected from harm that day. I am so grateful and look forward to each new day and spending time with my family…as much as possible.
Did you see the double rainbow today? Life is that beautiful! I’m so glad I was able to witness it today.
