Stopping in the garage before going into the house, I took off my coat, boots, jeans, and finally my panties. Shards of glass fell to the ground. Shivering, I left it all there to clean up later and headed towards the shower. It all still felt a little surreal.
Once I was dressed, I started emptying the contents of the car, shaking the glass into the trash can, wiping down the kids’ books… And then I stopped and looked at the car.
It could have been so much worse.
If the deer had had antlers that had gone through the windshield…
If the deer had jumped 1/10 of a second later and gone through my daughter’s window instead…
If we had been in a smaller vehicle…
If the 2″ square of glass I found next to my daughter’s car seat had flown just a slightly different course…
If my children hadn’t been buckled up securely in their car seats…
So many if’s…
When I close my eyes I can still see the deer slamming into the windshield. I can hear the thump, the glass. So much glass. Glass that showered the entire SUV all the way to the back of the car.
In the light of a new day, as I emptied the contents of the glove compartment and waited for the tow truck, I was struck once again by the damage to the car. By what could have happened.
I don’t know when I last fell to my knees in prayer. Usually I say my prayers at night, snuggled deep beneath the comfort of the blankets. But today I found my knees.
We may be without the family car. We may be inconvenienced for a while. There will be money that has to be spent that we weren’t planning to need to spend. But it could have been so much worse.
I know what I will be giving thanks for this week.
May you all have a safe Thanksgiving, spent with those you hold dear. I will be spending the next few days treasuring what is most important.
Xae says
The image of that car terrifies me. The mental image of what had happened, even more so. But you’re absolutely right. It could have been worse.
I’m so glad you and your kids are all well.
Xae recently posted..Do You Take Your Morning Coffee with Sugar? Creamer?…Fruit Fly?
OneMommy says
Thank you.
Michelle says
I came across your post on LOBS this morning, as I was just reflecting on how I need to be more thankful all throughout the year. I am so glad it wasn’t worse for you too. I think sometimes when bad things happen, we do see things more clearly…at least that is how I feel. I’m going to be spending the next few days counting my blessings too. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
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OneMommy says
Definitely see things more clearly in times like that…and definitely need to be thankful all year long, not just this time of year!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Donna DM Yates says
oh my. Words escape me, but what you said said it all. It could have been worse. Now, all of you have to heal. Such a horrible experience to go through, and I feel for all of you. I am glad you are now safe.
Donna DM Yates recently posted..Believing in Yourself The Bee Gees
OneMommy says
I’m trying to look at the positives on this one. Definitely blessed that no one was hurt! And since I didn’t want the animal to go to waste, we will have plenty of venison this year.
Julie Moore says
I’m glad you all are ok! Thanks for linking this up! Sometimes it is good to be reminded that things can be so much worse, and we should definitely be grateful when they are not! Praying your car gets fixed soon or that a new one is able to be purchased for less than you planned! *hugs to you*
Julie Moore recently posted..The Thanksgiving Feast and Festivities Link-Up ~ Happy Thanksgiving!
OneMommy says
Thank you. I definitely knew what I was thankful for this week!
Thank you for hosting!
OneMommy says
Thank you for stopping by!
It definitely reminded me to look at the bright side of things for what there is to be thankful for.