Saturday I had a pretty, zippy Mazda 6.
Then I crashed it. Hard.
All four of us were heading to my parents’ house in New Palestine. Ellie was going to spend the night and Chris, Harper, and I were going to church to help pack food for the Food Packing Initiative for East Africa. We were looking forward to serving.
And then I rear ended another car. Going about 40 mph. I wasn’t pay attention at all, apparently.
I’m not even sure what I was doing. Chris and I were talking, but not about anything consuming or serious. My cell phone was in the trunk and the radio was off. There weren’t really any distractions that I can blame. The sun was behind us and it wasn’t raining or snowing. It was a beautiful, fall afternoon.
The only reason I was driving was because earlier that day, Chris had picked up Elliott’s bunk beds and we hadn’t unloaded them from the van yet. Normally, when we’re all together, Chris drives and we’re in the van. But not this time.
Both airbags were deployed and I’ve got minor burns on my left hand, arm, and leg from the airbag. I thought I broke my pinky, but it’s just bruised severely. I have a nice bruise on my forehead, but, thankfully, my super-cool bangs cover that up. Chris is sore. Elliott has seat belt burns along her neck and shoulder from her car seat. So does Harper.
It definitely could have been worse. A lot worse.
And the guilt I have for endangering my family like that is consuming me. I couldn’t sleep that night, I just kept replaying the moments before the crash, trying to figure out what happened.
Truthfully, I always thought it would be Chris that would wreck one of our vehicles. I don’t think he’s a very careful driver. Funny how that worked out.
So we’re down to one car right now. Which is okay since I’m off for fall break, but could be tricky once I go back to work. But we’ll worry about that when it gets here.
Right now, we’re just waiting for word from the insurance company about whether the car is totalled or not. And after stopping by the body shop today to fill out some paperwork, I’m not too hopeful that they’ll be able to fix it.
Sigh.
But I’m trying to only focus on things I can control right now. Because the other stuff was starting to really get me down.
And I really can’t figure out why the pictures turn every time I upload them, but here are some shots of my car. Uggh.
I’m so sorry! Praise God you guys are ok. Pray for wisdon and guidance about the car. I know it stinks going through this process no matter the outcome. You will be in my thoughts and prayers! Please let me know if I can help you out in any way, shape or form!
Thanks Becky! I really hope it’s not totalled–as much as I complain about driving a manual, I don’t want to have to get a new car either. Thanks for the prayers!