In A Moment, Blink of An Eye

In an Instant, In the Blink of an Eye

It can happen in an instant, . . . In the blink of an eye, . . . And life can take an unexpected turn.

Some people are said to live lives of quiet desperation. Not me. One good gust of wind and I am reminded how much I am loved and love those around me, even total strangers.

I was driving home from an assignment with Whirlwind Tours in Midland, Texas. It was 2:30 AM and I was eastbound on I-20. The roadway had just begun to ice from the cold front that swept through the area.

Suddenly a blast of wind hit the driver's side of my Bronco, causing it to fish-tail. I corrected, but it wasn't enough and after it crossed and recrossed the inside lane I knew it was going to roll.

Roller coasters and thrill rides have never been enjoyable to me. I have no curiosity strong enough for me to keep my eyes open. I prayed, a very simple prayer, "Oh, Jesus help me, help me."

And He did! I can't tell you whether it rolled two or three times, but it stopped upright in the center median. The passenger window was gone, the rear hatch back torn off. The driver's seat was broken but I was firmly held by seat belt. And the dome light was on.

Five wonderful young men stopped to help me. The things inside by car had been thrown completely clear of the vehicle. Clothing, tool box, travel bags, even my computer had become projectiles leaving a flipping ship.

Amazingly I never hit my head or lost consciousness. I was lucid and clear-headed if not a little addled.

Arriving at Scenic Mountain Medical Center I was x-rayed head-to-toe, with special attention paid to my left elbow, forearm and wrist which had begun throb with pain. Nothing came back fractured. It is thought that a nerve in my elbow has been bruised and will take some time to heal. With a shoulder sling, I was sent home and told to wait till the soreness subsides before going back to work.

This "unexpected vacation" from my normal activities has caused me to appreciate the people in my life. Not just family who are here by my side, but all who have written and called to express their concern and love.

In the vast scheme of things, this accident will probably be just a blip on the radar of life, but it is a reminder that a detour can happen in a moment, in a blink of the eye. It's good to know I'm not alone; That there are "angels" of all kinds, dressed as family, paramedics, policemen and hospital worker. How very blessed I am.