Only Seconds and Feet
I am one of those people that believe all things happen for a reason. I may not ever really know why they happen, but I have faith that things are as they should be. I’m not claiming I believe without question, which happens…..I’m human after all. I just know when I look at the big picture, lessons learned and blessings come in all shapes and sizes.
Last week my daughter was leaving for a three month internship to Brazil, and we made our way to the airport. Upon arrival, in front of her terminal, I felt lucky, since it was in the middle of the day, shortly before Chicago rush hour began. I thought it was perfect timing, and should make it home without delay.
As we both hopped out of the vehicle and unloaded the luggage, we wanted to take a quick selfie together to capture the moment. Two months earlier we did the same thing when she left for her Canadian adventure. However, this time she went all the way to the curb instead of standing behind the vehicle. I questioned her, but followed the extra feet toward the curb; we smiled and clicked.
Before we had the chance to react, we heard a loud roar, screeching and a BIG BANG! We were both so shocked at what just happened. A car slammed into the back of our SUV and managed to get wedged under the rear end of the vehicle; all within seconds and feet from where we just stood. Standing in disbelief I realized I needed to stay calm for my daughter, as we were both nervous of her long trip ahead. I assured her everything would be OK, and she needed to get inside to make her flight.
The second she entered the building I went into a silent panic, as I couldn’t think. The woman driving was pulled out of the car and being attended to. My car that had been facing east was now facing north, and I wasn’t sure it was drivable. I couldn’t think of what I should be doing, so I ran over and turned the engine off. Within a few minutes the police, fire department, ambulance and tow truck arrived, and were looking for the owner of the empty vehicle……me. Their main concern was the other driver, and the impending traffic jam. The police officer finally wanted to talk to me, not to get the story, but to get my information as quick as possible. They wanted the mess cleaned up pronto. At one point one of the fireman suggested I move my car. “Ummm……there is a car underneath my vehicle, preventing me from moving it.”
They separated the two vehicles, took away the woman in the ambulance, put my spare tire in the back of my SUV, handed me the police report, and told me I could head out. “Wait, you’re telling me my car is OK to drive? What’s that hanging down near the tire, connected by wires?” One of the men looked underneath and said I was good to go. Everyone involved wanted the matter cleaned up as soon as possible. OK…..I jumped in, started it up, and slowly pulled forward, then headed into the busy airport traffic.
As soon as my daughter was through security and safely to her gate, she called to make sure I was OK. I told her the remaining story and mentioned I didn’t need what just happened. Without hesitation she said, “Mom, that was such a blessing, she could have hit us!” Oh my gosh, she was right. That was a HUGE blessing! How could I not see it?
If we had taken the picture near the car, we would have been pinned underneath. Even though God’s blessing was worth only seconds and feet in time and distance, it was worth a lifetime to us. May he continue to bless our lives and yours as well. God is good.
xoxox…..Sheryl