It started out normal. I got to sleep in. James got to open his birthday presents, which he loved! Then Jacob and Daniel headed to Springfield. Usually Jacob would have musical practice, but this week it got moved to last night due to a conflict. He decided that he'd take Daniel will him, and I stayed home with James to play with his new toys and hang out.
I REALLY wanted to stay in my pajamas and even considered it, but then I decided I'd take a shower and get dressed. Didn't put my contacts in. Didn't put any makeup on. I didn't plan to leave the house. I was going to watch Christmas movies and the Iowa game.
I was part way into my Christmas movie when Jacob called. I could tell when I answered something was wrong. Jacob told me they had been in an accident. I heard him. I heard the words he was saying. But it probably took 30 seconds for it to sink in. Then panic started to wash over me. I was choking back tears and trying to figure out what to do. I needed to get to them, but I didn't have a car seat for James. I threw his shoes on his sockless feet and ran over to our neighbor's house. Without hesitation they took James so I could go. Jacob had told me he called 911 and they were on the way. As I was ringing the neighbor's doorbell I could hear sirens. It's a horrible feeling to hear sirens and know where they're going.
The accident happened just outside of town. Another vehicle pulled out thinking they could get across the highway and either didn't see them or thought they had more time. Jacob tried to stop, but there just wasn't time and they crashed.
I got to the end of our street and realized they were working on the road and had to turn around. I had a mini breakdown. I just kept praying. I was so upset because I ALWAYS pray when the boys go anywhere. I pray for God's protection...and today I forgot to pray. I know that's not why they got into an accident, but I still couldn't help feeling upset because I forgot. And I didn't even give Daniel a hug like usual because he was already out the door, so I just yelled, "I love you!"
As I got closer to where they were I could see the flashing lights up ahead. I got turned around and was thankfully greeted by a familiar face. The police officer who was on scene was someone I know. I used to watch his little boy at the Y all the time. He assured me that Daniel seemed okay. He was alert and they had just put him the ambulance.
I don't even know how to describe this feeling. I was literally overcome by it for a couple of hours. It was like I was in a tunnel. I knew what was going on around me but it was fuzzy. Like I could see straight in front of me but a tornado could've blown past me and I probably wouldn't have noticed.
Jacob told me to go ahead and ride with Daniel, so the paramedic helped me up into the ambulance. And there sat Daniel, still strapped into his car seat, neck collar on and playing his Kindle! I was trying hard to not cry, but a couple tears slipped out. He talked with the paramedic and I could tell he really was okay.
We got to the hospital and we were immediately seen. The staff was wonderful. They gave him a Popsicle after the doctor checked him over. Everything checked out, and they said they'd just keep him for a half an hour to an hour to observe. The doctor told Daniel that him being in his car seat was awesome because it kept him really safe. And right then, I didn't care who rolled their eyes at me all these years when I promote car seat safety. God kept him safe, but that car seat did its job too.
Speaking of the car seat...I knew I couldn't take him home in the one he had been in. Car seats after an accident are a no no. Which also meant James would need a new seat as well. So, Jacob stayed with Daniel while I did a quick stop at the house to run to the neighbor's and tell them what was going on. And to clear out all the junk in Jacob's car so I could fit new seats.
I got to WalMart and went into tunnel mode/warp speed. I was hoping beyond hopes that just this once they would have what I needed. I needed the same seat so I could hopefully install it fairly quick, and I knew that I loved that seat. Amazingly the Nautalis was in stock and they had TWO! The display one was all black. Awesome. I pull out the first one, black and pink. Second one? Black and pink. So, my kids will now be rocking pink seats because those suckers are bulky and I'm not in any mood to return them for another color!
Jammed both boxes into the back seat. Drove home. Put one seat in the garage and set to work trying to put together and install the other. I was dripping sweat. I had 4 people texting me and Facebook messaging me so my phone wouldn't shut up, but I finally managed to get it in and get back to the hospital where Daniel had been discharged!
We did a quick stop at the police station to get a few papers we needed and then finally got home, where we got to start dealing with insurance stuff. We got what we could done, and now will need to wait for Monday for a claims adjuster to get in contact with us.
In the midst of all of this, I could be upset or mad that my van may be totaled. Yet, I'm not because Jacob and Daniel are okay and so many good things came out of bad:
*Our neighbor's watched James for 2.5 hours, when they could've said no.
*We found out we don't have car rentals included in our insurance and won't know until next week if the other person's insurance has it. We were going to suck it up and rent a car, which would mean money out of our own pocket, and another trip to Springfield tomorrow. Instead someone sent me coupons for rentals which was awesome. Then a friend messaged me and asked if I'd like to borrow their van that they aren't using for the time being. I mean....talk about a huge blessing!
*I really wasn't sure if we'd get to church tomorrow due to all of this and needed someone to take over my class tomorrow. Not only did another teacher from James' class say that she'd take both classes, but then another person stepped up and volunteered too.
Tonight, I'm choosing to be thankful. I will not let my anxiety take over me. I have zero control over the outcome of anything at this point. It's a waiting game. I have a roof over my head. I have my family all home safe and sound. I have a God who is BIG and kept everyone safe.
Daniel wanted to know why I kept saying that I'm so glad he's okay. I told him, "Because I am!" I also said, "Vans are replaceable. You are not!" In our prayer tonight we thanked God for his protection and we prayed for the other driver and little boy from the other vehicle.
And since he was doing okay, what kind of mom would I be if I didn't get a picture of his first (and hopefully ONLY) ambulance ride?
No comments:
Post a Comment