I pin things here.
I write short things here.
My author page is here.
My photos are here.
I talk about books here.
Monday
Nov052007
Five
November 5, 2007
I guess you never really know how things will turn out. One moment you are driving along, listening to your kids talk in the back, watching the snow come down, and the next minute you are skidding out and you cannot stop yourself.
Two hours from my starting point, yesterday, our car skidded out on some slush and hit the barrier to our right, which propelled us across the highway, where we flew over the median and across the lanes of oncoming traffic, plunging down a fifty-foot embankment and crashing down at the bottom. We flew. We literally left the ground and landed, fifty feet down, crushing the nose of the van and then landing on the passenger side.
And then our angels dusted themselves off and we miraculously all walked out of it.
I mean, it was crazy. There were screaming children and YaYa's hands were bleeding, and I couldn't get them out of their car seats, and the van was filling with the smell of gas, and we were in the snow, and I didn't know if anyone would find us. But then there they were, on their way to the ballet in Merritt, the town that we crashed fifty km away from, a group of guys who pulled us out of the van through the shattered back window. And then there happened to be an emergency nurse who checked the kids over and we sat in someone's car until the ambulance came.
And then I was strapped to a gurney, with a back board, and a collar, until they could check my spine out. So the whole time I was in the ambulance I was strapped to this thing, and trying to keep it light for the kids. "Don't you think I look funny like this, Kid A?" "No," was the reply. Kid A was really, really worried about the fact that we were borrowing Grandma's van to make the drive, and what was she going to do without her van? I had to work really hard to convince him that he didn't need to worry about the grownup problems.
Finally the hospital, and x-rays, and a doctor who wasn't so nice, and two victim services people who took care of the kids and were absolutely some of the sweetest people I've ever met. And YaYa's arm was bandaged, which caused some more trauma. When they finally let me get off of that board, I wobbled over to where the kids were and found them all cuddled on the bed together while Yaya was getting her hand taken care of.
I am still a bit bewildered, the whole day was so crazy. Which is an understatement. Looking down, after, at how far we fell, I couldn't believe we were all okay. Seeing the van in the towing yard, when we went to get our stuff, I couldn't believe we were all okay. Seeing the window that was next to YaYa's all smashed in, I couldn't believe we were all okay. Finding her blankie with blood all over it, well.
There were mercies, mercies. There were angels. We came bruised and shaken, and in YaYa's case, a bit cut up, out of a crash that could have been so much worse.ÂThere are so many things that were like pure mercy.
On Saturday night, before we left, my dad felt uncomfortable about the seatbelt in the middle of the back seat of the van, where Leafy's car seat was going to be. So he put a piece of chain link through the seat belt, fastening it so that there was no way that it could budge.
I was kicking myself on my way, because I forgot the camera. This, however, is the camera that we use for some of our income, the camera that we could not replace because of its crazy expensiveness. And it was safe at my parents' house, rather than being smashed up in the wreck, like some of our belongings. It's a small thing, but rather important, because it's part of our livelihood.
I feel like I'm rambling, and I don't exactly know what to say, except that I'm thankful, so, so thankful that my YaYa girl is alright, that we are all alright. That I am only bruised. That there are no broken bones. That we are all alive.
Two hours from my starting point, yesterday, our car skidded out on some slush and hit the barrier to our right, which propelled us across the highway, where we flew over the median and across the lanes of oncoming traffic, plunging down a fifty-foot embankment and crashing down at the bottom. We flew. We literally left the ground and landed, fifty feet down, crushing the nose of the van and then landing on the passenger side.
And then our angels dusted themselves off and we miraculously all walked out of it.
I mean, it was crazy. There were screaming children and YaYa's hands were bleeding, and I couldn't get them out of their car seats, and the van was filling with the smell of gas, and we were in the snow, and I didn't know if anyone would find us. But then there they were, on their way to the ballet in Merritt, the town that we crashed fifty km away from, a group of guys who pulled us out of the van through the shattered back window. And then there happened to be an emergency nurse who checked the kids over and we sat in someone's car until the ambulance came.
And then I was strapped to a gurney, with a back board, and a collar, until they could check my spine out. So the whole time I was in the ambulance I was strapped to this thing, and trying to keep it light for the kids. "Don't you think I look funny like this, Kid A?" "No," was the reply. Kid A was really, really worried about the fact that we were borrowing Grandma's van to make the drive, and what was she going to do without her van? I had to work really hard to convince him that he didn't need to worry about the grownup problems.
Finally the hospital, and x-rays, and a doctor who wasn't so nice, and two victim services people who took care of the kids and were absolutely some of the sweetest people I've ever met. And YaYa's arm was bandaged, which caused some more trauma. When they finally let me get off of that board, I wobbled over to where the kids were and found them all cuddled on the bed together while Yaya was getting her hand taken care of.
I am still a bit bewildered, the whole day was so crazy. Which is an understatement. Looking down, after, at how far we fell, I couldn't believe we were all okay. Seeing the van in the towing yard, when we went to get our stuff, I couldn't believe we were all okay. Seeing the window that was next to YaYa's all smashed in, I couldn't believe we were all okay. Finding her blankie with blood all over it, well.
There were mercies, mercies. There were angels. We came bruised and shaken, and in YaYa's case, a bit cut up, out of a crash that could have been so much worse.ÂThere are so many things that were like pure mercy.
On Saturday night, before we left, my dad felt uncomfortable about the seatbelt in the middle of the back seat of the van, where Leafy's car seat was going to be. So he put a piece of chain link through the seat belt, fastening it so that there was no way that it could budge.
I was kicking myself on my way, because I forgot the camera. This, however, is the camera that we use for some of our income, the camera that we could not replace because of its crazy expensiveness. And it was safe at my parents' house, rather than being smashed up in the wreck, like some of our belongings. It's a small thing, but rather important, because it's part of our livelihood.
I feel like I'm rambling, and I don't exactly know what to say, except that I'm thankful, so, so thankful that my YaYa girl is alright, that we are all alright. That I am only bruised. That there are no broken bones. That we are all alive.
Reader Comments (24)
I'm so thankful too. Praises to God whose angels kept you all safe. I'm so glad you're all as okay as can be, and I pray for peace in your hearts as you journey on.
So thankful that you all walked away- we all pray for "traveling mercies" for one another and in your case, there was some big time mercy, and provision and protection. Wouldn't it be incredible if we all listened to the Holy Spirit when He provides us with those uncomfortable feelings as a means of protection? Praise God your dad did. Praying for you all as you process what has happened and what great thing has been done on your behalf...and of course for little Yaya's hand.
Oh my goodness Rachel!!!!! I don\'t know what to say, I am so happy your safe. God is amazing, you are amazing, I am sorry you had to go through all that.
god, rae, i am so glad the angels carried you safely down that embankment. it is on their wings, isn't? i am glad you and the babies are safe...and sorry it happened. bug hugs to you and yaya's boo-boos.
I'm so glad you are all okay! Is everyone still alright today? Sore? Upset? Completely fine?
Wow. I'm not normally a 'believer,' but listening to your story I can't think of people more suited for a guardian angel than you and yours. So, so thankful that all are safe.
How scary! I am so glad you are okay. It certainly sounds like you were protected in so many ways.
Love and hugs to you and your little brave ones.
I am so surprised to be reading this, and moved and touched to see that you could feel angels and safety out of an uncontrolable situation.
I know those roads well, and one little skid can turn into a situation you wouldn't have thought to happen...
Our farm is about 30 km north west of Merrit and if we were there right now i'd be zooming to your rescue. . . . .
you handled this with such grace,
indeed God is with us always, and in times like those it illuminates!
Kisses to Yaya's boo boos from me too, even though she doesn't know me...
Your spirit shines strong and your love for your family is so gorgeous, I pray you make a safe journey to where the next stop is, (hopefully to rest and relax)
Things are temporary, vans, stuff, but our spirit shines through any matter, your kids are like beams of holy light shining for all of us to see how merciful God is.
Love and prayers for all of you, and welcome back to canada, i hope you can enjoy the snow in a fun way now. . .
melissa
I have been reading you for a long time, and been very touched and edified by your posts, but never left a comment. I had to comment today; I read today's post with great fear followed by relief. I praise God for the outcome of this very frightening event. Traveling Mercies, indeed!
It would have been okay if the Big O tireman had not convinced us that it was safe to put a studded snow tire on the rear wheel (which was rear wheel drive). Apparently it's not illegal but not really safe (the police told us afterwards) so it's something not to do for sure.
sorry Rachel that we were misinformed and that you had to go through all of that. We're so very thankful that you and our precious grandchildren came through okay. We would have died if anything had happened to really injure you in our van.
Thank you God for your faithfulness!! Thank you for letting us hear you! Thank you for a van that was very strong structurely so that the whole roof did not collapse (or was that the angels?) and thank you that Rachel's back does not seem as injured as first believed.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I'm sure everyone is sore and tired from all the truama.
Take care and please be well.
Wow. That is an inrdible story. Driving is scarey! Thank God you are all safe and that your Dad is nifty with the chain link.
Eva
Thank God you're safe now, and that your angels were watching over you!
wow...
beautiful angels holding you all close...
praise God.
Oh my gosh. Thank God you're all okay. I want to cry just thinking about how scared you must've been checking on your babies.
Not that there's anything good about a car accident, but my mom was in one when I was around 9 or 10...just old enough to be scared but not too scared. It made enough of an impresison on me that I was always (not counting the six months spanning age 16-16 1/2) a fairly safe driver.
I saw the photos of flickr and was so worried about all of you.
It truly is amazing that you all walked away from that.
Whoa...totally, utterly scary. Driving is sometimes so very scary, even on a normal day - I find myself asking God to please be with us and keep us safe, much more now than ever before. Thank God and all the angels that you and your precious babies are safe.
Thank you God and all angels who held you as you flew through the air!
Man, fifty feet down, huh? Good grief!! Thanks to the Lord that you're all physically fine. Now that you're safe I say brownies, fried twinkies, and hot chocolate all around! Oh, and some fried mozzarella sticks on the side, please :) Glad you're okay :)
Wow, Rae! "so, so thankful" doesn't completely express it, does it? Glory to God! I'm so glad you're all okay. I pray that this doesn't leave a scary impression for you or the kids. Much love to you.
sooooo glad you are safe!
Hugs
Mary
I echo all the sentiments above. Thank God and your angels that you are all safe. What a horrible and scary thing to have happened.
NIGHTMARE. This is my nightmare.
"Nightmare", except for one very major, important thing:
You and your lovely babies are okay.
And for this, I am deeply grateful.
My dear, you're probably already thinking about this, but post traumatic stress disorder may show up for any or all of you. I would imagine there's a doctor/therapist/healer in your community who can advise you if symptoms arise. Good, solid talk therapy, drug intervention if necessary, some ice cream and an excellent vintage for mom may be helpful.
Oh, good JourneyMama, I send many, many blessings and love.
i caught my breath reading this, and didn't stop breathing again till i reached the end. i can't tell you how glad i am that everyone is doing ok. thank god that you are safe.