I don’t usually answer my cell phone at work, but I knew my husband, Paul, wouldn’t call me unless it was important.
“Hi Cutie.” I answered.
“David has been in a car accident but he’s okay.”
David has been in a car accident…
After fourteen years of marriage, I know my husband and he knows me. I answer 911 calls and can handle the worst of situations, When it comes to my own family, I’m known to be a bit of a wreck. So, when Paul said our son was in a car accident but he was fine, I wondered what his definition of “fine” was.
Before I could fire off a dozen questions, he read my mind, “David was on his way to meet us at the convalescent home but had to get gas first. When he got on the freeway, he was cut off by a minivan that ran him off the road.”
It was true. David had been cut off by a woman who eventually stopped and came back to help our son and thankfully admitted to the CHP officer she was in the wrong. My son’s vehicle was stuck in a ditch, both air bags deployed, windshield shattered, his front end twisted beneath front tires—his vehicle was totaled.
I have a lot of fears I battle as a mother; homicidal maniacs, child molesters, poor spousal choices, but my greatest fear by far is car accidents. I know first-hand how good drivers can be unfortunate victims. When we hung up, I immediately called my son.
“Mom?” He sounded a little shaken but at seventeen he was clearly beginning to stand strong in his manhood. “David, are you okay, son?” I wanted to reach both arms through the phone and hold my 5’10” child. He would share with me later what went through his mind as he swerved to miss being hit. I hope I don’t hit someone. Oh no, really? This just might hurt…
I don’t usually work on Sunday, but a precious friend wanted the day off to celebrate her birthday and so I said I’d work the twelve hour shift. My child was only a mile away from his call for help reaching me. Our city cell tower was just out of range, sparing me from being the 911 operator to send help.
“I’m fine mom, really I am. But, my car is toast.” I could hear people in the background, passersby had gathered to help.
Within minutes my husband arrived to help maneuver my son through the police report and witness contacts. I spent the rest of the day in a posture of gratefulness for a merciful God who had spared my son.
The next morning, it was back to life as usual. Wiping my kitchen counters, I couldn’t stop thinking about the events of the day before. My family was headed to a convalescent hospital to lead service there. The woman from our church who was in charge was ill and we were stepping in for her and her husband. When Paul and the kids didn’t make it there, I emailed Kathy to let her know, remembering that Kathy’s own twenty-something son was killed in a car accident years ago. Tears sprang to my eyes and I wept.
There have been times I’ve not been spared. Pain and hurt have touched my forty-three years; divorce, cancer, broken relationships, death. But, how many times have I been exonerated from grief and never known it?
What about you? Have you thought about God’s mercy lately? Where have you been spared heartache in your life?
How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! Psalm 116:5
Cars and kids are enough to keep moms on our knees for decades! I saw the picture of his car and it looked awful. Praising God for His protection.
Such a touching post! I know what this feels like because our Heather has been in two accidents where someone ran a stop light, and a red light. Both times her car was totaled but she wasn’t injured. God has truly watched over her.
I’m so thankful that David wasn’t hurt.
Oh, Joanne, not the kind of blog fodder you want in your life. Wow. My son is 16 and newly on his own behind the wheel. It is every mother’s fear, huh.
So glad to see you at rest in God’s mercy. It’s nice to hear from you — I’ve missed you around here.
Dawn, having a new driver in the house really kicks up the ol’ prayer life, huh? I’ve been MIA on the blog scene for awhile, thanks for noticing. Hoping to start back more regularly soon. How is writing coming along for you? Have you written at all for LWG?
Writing with LWG as a monthly contributer now. (thanks) Still blogging away, and trying to get a few articles published.
Joanne, I’m so thankful your son is OK–and that his 911 call didn’t come to you. Experiences such as these teach us to value each day we have with our loved ones.
Thanks Keli, you are SO right!
Wow, I know how thankful you must. One of our great fears is accidents as well. All three of our kids live 11 or more hours away, so seeing them requires a lot of driving – by them or Cheryl and me. So we do a good bit of praying! Glad you son is ok.
Also, I have the guest article you sent me in June posted finally. We were going through a tough medical situation with one of our kids this spring/summer so I got off the guest post schedule. So, it is running now on Family Fountain. Thanks, wb
My friend’s 29 y.o. son was killed in Afghanistan 10 days ago. The first time I saw my 28 y.o. son after hearing about this … and walking with her through this nightmare (just the beginning of a long nightmare), I hugged him. And hugged him. And hugged him. Because I could.
And he let me.
Because I’ve been his mom for a long time now and he knows that’s just the way I am.
Yes, I’ve experienced God’s grace. And I’m watching my friend search for and find God’s grace as she walks through this dark valley too.
Hi Joey, what a day, what a phonecall but what an inspiration you are. Sending love across the ocean….
I have been where you were with your son this past week. A couple of times. It really shakes a parent’s heart… especially as we start walking through the “what ifs?”. I’m so glad for the safety of your son and that he won’t be held responsible for the accident.
Thank God for the many occasions of undeserved mercy and grace that has been mine over 45 years. I’m alive today to write about it!
Prayers for all of you tonight.
peace~elaine
Oh Joanne, I’m so glad he’s o.k.! That phone call is always terrifying. I remember when my son was in a similar accident (he, too, was forced off the road when a car veered into his lane). Another time he did a 360 on the freeway because of another car. He crossed four lanes of traffic while spinning (and screaming, lol!) and God was totally with him that day as well.
Even though I was talking to him on the phone, I started shaking and just have a nervous reaction over what could have happened, I guess.
When I was 19 I nearly drowned in a river while tubing. When I got home and called my mom and told her about it, she burst into tears. I didn’t understand until my own son called me.
I think, when we get to Heaven, we are going to be amazed at all that God has protected us from.