One Accident, Two People, Countless Prayers

Nolan and I had the kind of morning that makes you drive a little bit slower, say prayers a little more meaningfully and hug everyone you love a little bit tighter.

I woke up this morning, only to realize we were out of formula for Nolan. His nap is around 9:30 or 10, and so I thought if we left by 8 or 8:30, we could go to Winco, get groceries/formula and come back in time for his nap. I gathered stuff up, made sure my phone was charged and off we went. I buckled him in rear-facing, and snug-as-a-bug in his carseat.

Our journey was pretty uneventful until, as I was on the phone with my mom, the car in front of us on the freeway slowed down suddenly, so I slowed down suddenly, but a little red Mazda behind us did not slow down, and slammed into the rear end of our newly-acquired Jeep Cherokee. We spun across 2 lanes, and landed sideways. My thoughts at that time were, "How is Nolan?" and "Please let no one hit us again." Thankfully, no one did and Nolan was okay. Crying, panicking, but okay.

The entire freeway slowed down and a man in a huge truck pulled over, got Nolan and I out of the car, called 9-1-1, got my car out of the road (I couldn't move it, I don't know how he did...), put the blinkers on, and waited until the police came. My angel. After the police came, he said, "Sorry, I have to go to work. You okay?" Like I would say, "How dare you go to work after helping us out of the kindness of your heart and making the choice to be late to work so you could help someone in need?!" Instead I wished I said more than, "Thank you so much for helping. I really appreciate it."

The little red Mazda had 2 passengers--two young-ish people, a woman and a man. Both seemed very regretful and apologetic.

The police asked me if I wanted the ambulance to check Nolan out. I said yes. Nolan loved being inside the ambulance truck. At this point, I think he may have forgotten the whole thing and was excited about this adventure! They said he looked fine but to watch for signs of abnormal behavior. We got out and then the police said our car would get towed, could we call someone to get a ride home? Both the police car and the tow truck could not take Nolan and I.

Therein was the dilemma. Josh had worked the night before in Salt Lake City, and had gotten home at 7 am. This crash happend at 8:30. I tried everyone else I could think of, and no one answered, not wanting to bother Josh but to let him sleep. Finally, I called Josh. No answer. I called my neighbor and asked her if she could go bang on our door, in hopes of waking up Josh. She did. He was alarmed. I called and explained what was going on. He immediately went into action, dealing with insurance, coming to rescue us, etc. He was my hero today. Not the first time he has rescued me, and I'm sure not the last!

Finally, around 10:30 am, we all left the scene of the crash. though the police followed the little red Mazda because he could not open his driver door, and was afraid of getting stranded. Josh and I went to the tow yard to check on our car, they took it to a repair shop where it still is, and we got a rental car. Oh--and we did go to Winco and get the formula.

Miracles I tell you. A baby who sat calmly once we had pulled over, despite being hungry and missing his nap. Strangers helping. Husband getting up for the day after 90 minutes of sleep in 48 hours. Good policeman. Honest people.

All in all, I feel good about humanity, grateful to be alive, in love with my family, and am extremely humbled by God's power and protection today.