Safe and Sound
Our family van was totalled in an accident on Dec 22. Connor was with me during the accident and was treated for mild shock, X-rayed and released after an ambulance ride to the ER and walked away with many stuffed animals and two very shaken parents.
Connor was sitting at the point of impact. A Suburban hit us hard enough to move us across two lanes of traffic and up onto a median. I have never been afraid - seriously afraid - for one of my children before. There have been near misses on the playground and bumps into the coffee table etc. but this was not a near miss or a bump. This was real fear. I was afraid for about an hour before I was able to meet Connor and Renee at the ER and hear he would be fine. We kept an eye on him that night and he regained his usual verve and vigor just in time for Christmas.
That hour was an excercise in emotional and thought control. I knew that even if things were bad, I had to have a plan. Problem was, I couldn't get past how Connor might be doing.
I was able to resist entertaining how he might be injured, but couldn't help but think about how important Connor is to our family and to me as his Dad.
Two days later, as I cleaned our personal effects out of the smashed van at the wrecking yard, I began to see how clearly God had spared Connor any injury and protected a child that so often embodies joy and passion for life through humor and unflagging energy. It was there that my shock began to transform into gratitude and an entirely new sense of dependence on God's providence.
With a lot of help from good friends, we made the 700 mile trip home on Jan 2. We have a renewed sense of appreciation for being together and having a stable, peaceful and prayerful family life. I know that I am not sorry this holiday is over, but I can't help but wonder if God wanted me to be more aware of how blessed I truly am. Even if that is not the case, I am.
We're letting Connor help us with the color of our replacement vehicle. It was an emergency room promise and a foolish one, I know. I'll be sure to get a photo up - we'll feel like celebrating when this is all behind us.
Adios
Connor was sitting at the point of impact. A Suburban hit us hard enough to move us across two lanes of traffic and up onto a median. I have never been afraid - seriously afraid - for one of my children before. There have been near misses on the playground and bumps into the coffee table etc. but this was not a near miss or a bump. This was real fear. I was afraid for about an hour before I was able to meet Connor and Renee at the ER and hear he would be fine. We kept an eye on him that night and he regained his usual verve and vigor just in time for Christmas.
That hour was an excercise in emotional and thought control. I knew that even if things were bad, I had to have a plan. Problem was, I couldn't get past how Connor might be doing.
I was able to resist entertaining how he might be injured, but couldn't help but think about how important Connor is to our family and to me as his Dad.
Two days later, as I cleaned our personal effects out of the smashed van at the wrecking yard, I began to see how clearly God had spared Connor any injury and protected a child that so often embodies joy and passion for life through humor and unflagging energy. It was there that my shock began to transform into gratitude and an entirely new sense of dependence on God's providence.
With a lot of help from good friends, we made the 700 mile trip home on Jan 2. We have a renewed sense of appreciation for being together and having a stable, peaceful and prayerful family life. I know that I am not sorry this holiday is over, but I can't help but wonder if God wanted me to be more aware of how blessed I truly am. Even if that is not the case, I am.
We're letting Connor help us with the color of our replacement vehicle. It was an emergency room promise and a foolish one, I know. I'll be sure to get a photo up - we'll feel like celebrating when this is all behind us.
Adios
3 Comments:
no doubt there is greater good to come from this incident. i am very thankful that you are all on the mend (physically, spiritually, mentally). please give your family my best, you know you are in my prayers Dan. maybe the good Lord will let me see you guys again sometime. peace to you, matt libra
Dan, thanks for sharing the story. I am so grateful that your family is alright. I was just thinking the other day of the old white car. Man, lots to be thankful for.
Glad you guys were safe through that man. Peace
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