Sometimes, I get a little too caught up in the unimportant stuff.
Yesterday, was a sobering reminder of that.
The car literally came out of nowhere. Darting across two lanes of afternoon school traffic. That oncoming traffic, would be me, carrying my three little ones home. I slammed on my breaks, did everything possible to avoid it, swerved, but it was just too close. We were hurtled into the median and the other side of the road. I stopped just short of oncoming traffic.
The kids all immediately burst into terrified tears. That’s what made it the worst. The fear that they were seriously hurt, and making sure they were all okay. I could smell something starting to burn, and I realized I needed to cut the engine. It was all a flurry of panicked, random thoughts, like “Why are the windshield wipers on?” and “How did Malone’s pacie get under the gas pedal?” While I fished my phone out from under my feet and dialed 911.
That’s when at least fifteen different people literally vaporized out of nowhere, to help us. They rushed to our side like angels…I still think a few of them may have been…they stopped the steady line of traffic, and a few of the largest men I have ever seen, literally pulled my children out of their car seats, and carried them across the road. I didn’t even get a chance to say thank you. They had no idea who we were. But they wanted to help us. That affected me in a way that words cannot describe.
It all happened SO. FAST. Right now, its on an endless loop in my head. Another inch here, a subtle second there…It’s a little terrifying how truly temporary we all really are.
The other driver was fine, and apologized profusely. I’m just glad everyone was okay. I’m pretty sure our car is totaled. My mind jumped from making sure the kids were okay to the sad realization that, we were so close to paying it off. I had to remind myself it really doesn’t matter. Stuff happens. And sometimes it sucks.
Tonight, when our sweet babies splashed too much in the tub, it didn’t bother me like it usually does. When they yelled a little too loud with their “outside voices” I was glad they were playing. And when I kissed them goodnight…I breathed them in, deeply. And then asked for one more kiss.
We all have so much to be thankful for.
mandy at eight is enough says
Oh my goodness..how terrifying for you all…my little girl was in an accident a few years ago with her friends family…I didn’t find out til a few hours later…it was horrible..she seemed to be ok but I have so much dread that I wasn’t with her to be her mummy for her at a time when she needed me and had a stranger comfort her…I know its a strange way to think…I am thankful that she was ok…you are right…be thankful that you are all safe and you were able to comfort them when they needed you…and yes…moments like that make you not sweat the little Things…take care…xxx
ashley @ the handmade home says
no, Mandy. It’s not a strange way to think. I totally get it. glad she was okay, too!
Sarah @ Redhead in Ruffled Flats says
Oh my, that is horrible, but thankfully you can take something good away from it. I’m so glad everyone is okay, physically at least. As much as these types of things are terrifying and horrible, they help us live our lives better by reminding us that life is short and time is precious.
Thank you for this reminder.
Em says
It’s a shame that it takes a scary experience to make us all remember what is important! We just lost everything we own due to asbestos contamination from our ceiling falling in (thank you Hurricane Irene!). Initially we were upset, until we realized that when the ceiling fell, the ceiling fan was moving at a fast enough speed to cut our couch cushion in half. I can’t even imagine what the alternative would have been if we were home. Glad everyone is safe in both of our homes!
Love your blog and how candid you are with your life! Thanks for sharing!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Oh my word, Em. Glad you are all okay!
Dale Entrekin says
well, now might be the time to look at that old Woody Wagon you have been eyeing….glad all are safe.
ashley @ the handmade home says
haha yeah….after seeing how well the nissan held up, there will be no vintage car driving any time soon. At least not until I have some teenagers. 😉 The shop just called, and they said they think they can get it back to brand new. That would be the best option for us right now. So we will see. The kids were sad that “rocket” was hurt yesterday. So funny, the things they care about!
Shaunna says
so, so happy you’re all okay!!!! Praising God for that. We certainly can relate to not sweating the small stuff with all going on with Gray. So thankful you’re all alright, sweet friend!! love you.
shaunna
Catherine says
So glad you are alright.
Roxy says
Wow, Ashley, I am glad everybody is unharmed. You are so right that it can happen in an instant. We take much for granted.
Sarah says
Oh that is horrible. Glad you all are ok.
Debbie says
Glad everyone’s ok! I know what you mean about the unimportant stuff!
Tricia a mama of 5 says
This post brought tears to my eyes. I still remember vividly an accident I had 10 yrs ago with my then 4 yr old little guy. It all happened so fast I didn’t even see the other car coming. All I knew was my brand new car was suddenly rolling on it’s side. We also had angels on our side that day. Thank God you are all OK. These things remind us how precious life is and to cherish every moment. Take it easy today and hug those little ones!
Myra @ My Blessed Life says
Oh Ashley! This just made me cry. I’m so so so glad y’all are okay! Many hugs and prayers of thanksgiving! xo
Kacey says
Oh my goodness – so scary. I’m so glad you and your kids weren’t hurt. Tears running down my face right now – we had a similar (but not so scary) accident in January. A man decided to turn left in front of me, right as I was passing through an intersection (green light for me) on the way to preschool with both my boys. I barely had time to hit the brakes…and slammed into him. I still remember my kids crying and being terrified. We were all fine, but our car wasn’t.
Just a tip in case the insurance company doesn’t deem your car totaled – in our case, the other guy’s insurance company tried to say our car was repairable, but would take awhile to fix. I did a lot of research and learned about “diminished value” and the problems that come with frame damage. I expressed my concerns about the safety of the vehicle and brought up my children repeatedly, asking if the insurance company could guarantee my car would be back to normal and worth the same amount as before (obviously, it wouldn’t be). The insurance guy agreed to total my car after this conversation. Hopefully you won’t have to go through that, but I wanted to share my experience just in case it helps.
Nicole says
I’m so glad you all were ok! I was in an accident last week myself. It’s terrifying when you’re alone and I can’t even imagine having kids in the car. It’s always amazing to me how complete strangers come together to help out in situations like that. Thoughts and prayers are with you!!
Jen says
Wow. So glad you are all OK; the other driver too. Three months after buying a minivan, I had something similar – I was sent sailing across two lanes, over a curb, and was miraculously shot between a tree and a utility pole, a fit so tight that both pinned my van tight. Can’t imagine if I’d hit those head on. Hit so hard our engine block came loose. Was so thankful I wasn’t in my tiny Saturn wagon – my then-infant son and I would have been dead. Walked away with only a tiny scratch and a perfectly intact, unblemished baby. God is good.
Abbie says
Ashley, I AM SO SORRY! That is so scary. Im so glad everyone is ok. Just remember to not dwell on what could have been and enjoy the blessing of what it wasn’t. I love you and Im so glad you are ok friend! Let’s talk soon!
{PS – Feel your pain on the pay off issues. We had both cars paid off for A month before Ben totaled his truck. We had to start all over. But, your right, stuff happens. God always takes care of us.}
jessica@nucheysmommy says
That must have been so terrifying….one of my worst fears is just that. So happy you guys are all ok. Good post on what is important 🙂 Thanks for sharing
Kelly says
What a scary experience that must have been! I am happy to read that you and your family are all safe. I appreciate you sharing the story with all of us–the reminder to keep in mind what is really important over all the other “stuff” was just what I needed this morning. Off to let my 2 year old fill up cups with water and splash in the sink as much as he wants, because hey, water can be wiped right up 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
so sweet. have fun! 😉
Melissa says
OH Ashley! Praise the Lord everyone is safe! This post has brought tears to my eyes. It is my fear that I will have a wreck when the kiddos are in the van with me, and I know it is a very real fear. We only control our vehicles not everyones. It is true reminder to enjoy them, and quit nagging about the unimportant things. I will start today 🙂
Janet @ Ordinary Mom says
Thank goodness you guys are all o.k.!! How scary!
It is something I try to remember when I get flustered about toys strewn about, or as you said, splashing water. That my house is not pretty as others, not yet organized, not yet perfect. That it isn’t what matters. And we need to remind ourselves.
Thanks for reminding me. I needed it.
Jessica says
So glad you all weren’t hurt!
Tami C says
Thank you for sharing, I needed that today. So glad you are alright, so glad your precious babies are alright. Thank God for His amazing protection – but you are right, every day is a gift.
Cassi says
Praising God you and the little ones are alright! Sorry for the hassles you will have to deal with now.. insurance etc..
Ellie says
Wow, that’s sobering. So glad you and the kids are safe!
Erin @ LoverlyFamily says
Incredible… brings tears to my eyes. Another friend of ours from HS (RM, she’s now RL) was in a bad wreck recently – no kids involved – and I just saw her pics yesterday. It’s frightening what can happen. Praise the Lord for the technology in carseats and big, protective vans. Be careful out there and give ’em an extra squeeze tonight.
Kimberly Moore says
How scary!! Glad to hear you’re all ok. Thanks for your positive outlook after such a sobering event.
Karen says
I always read your blog and this post literally had tears streaming down my face. So glad everyone is ok…know that was scary.
Leslie from Onesie Twosie says
So glad you are all safe. It reminds me of this scripture in James, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” You’re right…we can not take things for granted in this life.
Paulie says
Hi Ashley
Tears came to my eyes as I read your article. I’m glad to hear that all is ok and the kids are back splashing and happy once more. May God continue to bless and keep your family. You are right, sometimes it takes an event like this to really show us how unimportant some things really are. We love you and keep the faith!
Debbie Painter says
So glad you are ALL all right!!!
Mary McDaniel says
So glad you are okay! God is gracious!
Alima says
oh wow! so glad you guys are all ok! major tears streaming down my face right now. even though these situations suck, i do think they serve as such an important reminder that our family and our health are really the most important things and all the other stuff is just that…stuff.
i will definitely be squeezing my little boy a little tighter when he wakes up from his nap.
thanks for giving all of us a good reminder of whats important in life! 🙂
Megan Brooke says
Soo glad you and your family are ok. Definitely a scary situation. God definitely protected you and your little ones.
Good reminder that life is short and that we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff.
Wendy says
Oh my gosh! So glad you and your kiddos are ok!
Sarah says
I’m SO glad you are all alright! I cannot imagine how scary it would be to have your kids in the car when something like that happened!
Car accidents always get to me, my dad was in a really bad head-on car accident when I was 10. The woman who hit him died, and he was stuck in a hospital bed in what was our dining room normally for an entire year regrowing all the bones that had been broken in his legs, including one of his heels which he’s had surgery on twice now because the bones were entirely shattered. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about being careful when driving. I’m so lucky to still have my dad!
Cherish your babies, cherish your life. Forget the car, those can be replaced. 🙂
Renee says
This brought back some strong emotions from a past accident I had. It is SUCH a huge reminder that material belongings do not matter. My dad was so good when I had my accident to make sure I knew the car didn’t matter.
I am so glad you are your babies are all safe.
Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer says
Glad everyone is ok and thank you for this reminder to all of us not to obsess about the unimportant stuff.
This was something I really needed to hear
stephanie says
So glad you all are all right. We never want these types of reminders, but sometimes they are good for us especially when nothing really bad happens. It helps us to put things back into perspective, in their proper places of order in our lives. Things are just things and people are souls. Life is but a vapor and we not promised tomorrow let alone the next minute. Thank God for the minutes we do have.
Kay Ellison says
I literally could not read the end if the post for the tears. How much I take my children for granted. Nice priority check.
Rachel says
Brings tears to my eyes. So glad all of you are OK. Cars are just cars, people are priceless.
Tiffany says
I am speechless. This is so scary. Relieved beyond words that you all are okay. Sending prayers your way today…
Sarah says
so scary:( I’m glad you’re all ok. Somebody slammed into the back of our car when I was pregnant with #4 and had a 1 year old, 4 year old, and 7 year old all in the car, I was so scared/shook up/happy they were alive at the same time I didn’t know whether I was coming or going!
Christina says
OH! I’m so glad you guys are ok!!!!! That is just terrifying. I once hydroplaned into oncoming traffic and that was scary. However, I didn’t have kids in the car! Oh my- again, so glad you are all safe and sound.
Dorothy says
How scary! It’s such a relief you are all unhurt and that such wonderful people immediately came to your assistance. Great to hear the car is expected to come through it in good shape, too!
maggie says
So glad you and the little ones are ok. That’s a very scary experience!
Meredith says
So glad you and the kiddos are safe. Just like that old Amy Grant song “Angels watching over me….”
Pine Tree Home says
Meredith is so right…I love that Amy Grant song and those angels sure do watch over us. God Bless!
Beth @ NashvillePug says
So glad y’all are ok! God sure was watching over you. That had to have been so scary for you and the kids!
Centsational Girl says
Oh my friend, how frightening. So so glad to read you’re OK, the kids are happy and unharmed. A reminder that each day and each moment is precious.
xo
Kate
Jenn says
I am so thankfu y’all are okay! I got choked up reading!
Dawn says
so glad you are ok! so scary! this happened to me last spring-someone came around the curve and right into me-luckily i had seen them coming and was on the side of the road almost stopped-no way he saw me! thank god i was in the truck and my son was in his car seat-he also started crying but was fine. our truck wasn’t totaled but it took a few months to get it back-cracked frame, whole side crashed in like yours. it’s so true what you say about the little stuff. i hope you’re not too sore today.
Laura says
Oh my gosh. I had no idea. I am SO GLAD y’all are ok! This has never happened to me so have no idea how scary it must have been for you. And triple the scariness, with the kids in the car. Goodness!!
Diane says
What a terrifying experience! I’m so glad you’re all okay and that your kids were happy & playing after the accident. A parent’s worst nightmare… and it does put things into perspective. My older son, now 25, had a terrible 1 car accident late at night about 18 months ago, flipped his car, flew out the window, broken leg & collar bone, surgery, car totaled. I got a call at 4 in the morning from a friend whose mom found him on the side of the road~ it was horrific! All is well now, but I’ve never looked at things the same since… Little things just don’t matter, as long as my family is safe and healthy! Hugs to you and your kids and blessings for all those angels who appeared when needed!
Valerie says
Oh, so glad you’re all okay. And aren’t some people wonderful? I’ve had a similar experience, where complete strangers helped us when we needed it. And I firmly believe God sends angels when we need them.
Sharmin says
I am so sorry for your frightening ordeal!!! Thank goodness you and your family are OK though and that there were angels there to help you!
Hannah Rogers says
SO glad you and your sweet babies are okay!!! Michael was hit by a drunk driver in January and the reality that I came THAT close to raising three kids alone hit very hard. Squeeze ’em tight tonight!
Karen McAuliffe says
I am glad everything turned out OK. Cars can be fixed. God bless.