I always dread answering a call from Patty minutes after she’s left the house. I always fear the worst. Most of the time she just forgot something…a grocery list or something like that, and I can just text her a picture of it. But lurking in the back of my mind is always the fear that she’s been in an accident.
And sure enough, that was the call today. “I just got T-boned at Legion and Glenneyre. I’m okay. Can you hurry down here.” Why do accidents always seem to take place so close to where you live?
As I ran down, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the police were already on the scene and had it handled. There was Patty’s van (almost, Gabe’s van) with airbags deployed and a big old dent on the driver’s side. So scary!
Patty looked fine, but a little shook. Quick tears for a minute and then she was all pulled back together again. There are so many emotions that come in an accident like this. All the trauma of what took place, slowly followed by the reality of all that could have gone wrong.
We were only out there for maybe 20 minutes, but saw so many of our friends drive by. That slow wave and sheepish look that says, “Oh no! I’m so sorry!” Occasionally the rolled down window… “Are you okay?” I love living in a small town and it means so much, in the midst of something so traumatic, to feel the care and compassion of so many we know and love.
The police were great. Everything handled so efficiently. Pretty soon the van was on a tow truck and on its way.
As we walked home, I could see all the soreness in Patty starting to set in. Car accidents are no fun. Everything slowly starts to tense up. But honestly, I’m so relieved that it wasn’t worse than it was. Airbags are amazing. The giant seatbelt burn on her shoulder is a reminder of how secure we are held in place. It could have been so much worse.
So Patty is at Gary’s getting x-rayed. I’m pretty sure all is well. Thank you for your prayers. Right now, mine are of such gratitude. That is wasn’t worse than it was. That she walked home fairly easily. That we have good friends surrounding us with sweet concern. There is nothing like an accident to remind you of all the goodness in life. I feel so grateful.
And now begins all the insurance mayhem. Thankfully they have the same insurance company too. Like the police officer told me, “nothing better than getting hit by someone with the same insurance as you.” Amen. I’m grateful for that as well.