Photo Credit: e-phonenumbers.com
This morning I was on my cell phone talking with my daughter who lives in Atlanta. My home phone rang, and the caller I.D. said it was my Mom. I told Tracy to hold on for a minute so I could answer the call.
I was meeting my Mom for lunch, so I didn’t think it would take too long. While I was sharing the time and location for lunch with my Mom I heard Tracy on my cell talking really loud. I assumed she was talking to her children in the backseat who were probably disobeying. Then, I noticed she hung up, which I also assumed was because I was taking too long with my Mom.
I was wrong with both assumptions.
There was a really bad car accident which took place right in front of her mini van. A guy speeding – ran the red light and t-boned another car of a lady in her mid 50’s. Tracy screamed as she saw it happen, pulled over and ran to see if the driver of the speeding truck was ok. Obviously, he wasn’t for he was pummeled out of his truck on impact. When Tracy got to him, he was conscious but in really bad shape – I’ll spare you the details.
Fortunately, there were many other witnesses to the accident, so Tracy was able to get back to her van and two-year old Bradley who was obviously quite upset.
I share this with you as a reminder of how quickly our lives can change. The accident could have easily involved my daughter and grandson. Our phone conversation could have been our last. But it wasn’t. By God’s grace we have been given another day, another chance to make a difference in our lives and the lives of those God places in our path.
We have another day to love our spouse more fervently, more selflessly, and to make the most of every opportunity we have together.
We are all just a phone call away from our lives changing forever. By God’s grace we know we would have the strength to walk through any and all circumstances when they come. But tonight I’m sleeping a little more soundly knowing God protected my dear daughter and grandson today.
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This is post #18 in the Ultimate Blog Challenge to post everyday in October.
The Romantic Vineyard 
Wow, what a terrible thing to have to witness. Or to happen, for that matter. I’ve been hit by drunk drivers twice, so I know how quickly that can happen. Glad your family is okay.
(visiting from the ultimate blog challenge)
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Thank you TLynn. You’ve been hit twice by drunk drivers? Wow! So glad you’re okay.
Blessings
Debi
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Thankful they were safe,but why was she talking on her cell phone while driving with her 2 yr old in the car? Look up the statstics on accidents and talking on cell phones.Please put those phones away> Calls can wait!!!
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Carol,
My thoughts too! This has brought a fresh reminder as to the dangers. Even if we’re careful, there is always someone else not paying attention. This makes us have to be even more cautious and without cell phones in our hands. Thank you for commenting!
Debi
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I always worry when my daughter calls even on her ‘speaker phone’ when she is driving. I would not want to hear the sound of glass and metal and screaming on the other end of the phone. So glad everyone in your family was ok. That had to have been very scary.
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Sharon,
Yes, little Bradley is still talking about it. He started crying when they had to get back in the car. He kept saying, “car go boom!” Very grateful they were all okay, esp. after seeing the picture.
Take care,
Debi
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I’m glad for you and your daughter that you both have another day to enjoy each other and your families (unfortunate and sad for the parties involved in the accident).
Phones are just one more thing that could distract us while driving. There are so many things that can take our focus away like playing with the radio, bad moods, sleep deprivation, not paying attention in general, hollering at kids in the back seat, etc. And even if we are careful and don’t do any of those things, we still have to be extra mindful of other drivers who do. It’s like driving has become a dangerous game of chicken!
~Kesha
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Thank you, Kesha! And you’re right – there are so many other distractions besides phones, but phones are the easiest ones to avoid. Thanks for commenting!
Debi
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There is a saying in greek that quotes what a 1 minute can make us experience sometimes is not experienced in a whole life! We all need to be careful when driving we know it and even then,we get distracted….
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Amen Patricia. Thanks for sharing that!
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Glad to hear that your family was not hurt. Driving and talking on the phone is such a dangerous mix. I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t even take my phone in the car with me anymore, because it’s just too annoying when it rings while I’m driving.
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I’m beginning to feel the same way. We always have the mindset – it will never happen to me! This is why it’s called an “accident.” No one plans on having one.
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Thank you for the powerful reminder to embrace the day we’ve been given and the loved ones that surround us.
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You’re welcome Lise. It was a much needed reminder for me.
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Thank you for this. I’ve been in your daughter’s situation. It is so surreal to see it all unfold before you. Kiss that baby. Jenny
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Jenny – I wish I could kiss Bradley, but he’s in Atlanta and I’m in Orlando. But my heart is holding him close all the time. 🙂
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Wow! I’m glad your family was safe – this is simply the most powerful post I’ve read in a while! Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you, Tor. Me too. I can’t imagine if she was screaming because she was the one who had been hit. God spared us a tragedy, and I’m so very grateful.
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Unfortunately, this tragedy is repeated over and over on a daily basis. People driving cars and using cell phones at the same time don’t mix. Thanks for the reminder and the lesson!
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I know, Martha. Even I do it sometimes. I don’t think I will anymore!
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So glad Tracy and Bradley weren’t hurt. What a horrible thing to witness.
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That is way too close for comfort! Does make you think and appreciate the day…
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I’ve had this message dragged home many times. From the time my chemistry set taught me that pyrex test tubes may not break when heated, but the concoction can blow up- really big, to when a car passed the red light and hit a car with an infant being held in the lap of the passenger (and my parents did not realize I had left their car [they were at the red light] to aid the child- thinking that an running looks awfully familiar) to airplanes “landing” when and where they shouldn’t…
Every moment is a gift. Use it and share it wisely.
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That sounds really horrible. I never used to worry about traffic accidents, but I’m more worried now since having a child. There are really terrible drivers in my city. I see people going up the wrong way on a one-way street several times a day, not to mention the people who open their car doors without looking while parked on the street. Or the people that just pull out into traffic without checking to see if it’s clear first.
Yeah, definitely more worried than I used to be, but I just have to get used to it and carry on. And, thankfully, we have a law against talking on your cell phone while driving. People think they’re good multi-taskers, but really, no one is. Not worth taking the chance.
I’m glad your family wasn’t hurt! Thanks for sharing this story. It’s a great reminder to be thankful for what we have and to not take it for granted.
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So glad to hear your daughter and grandson are OK. Sometimes we don’t even get a “wake-up call” because that “call” might be our last. Thank you for sharing.
Kim Nishida
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So thankful your daughter & grandson are safe – I can only imagine how overwhelming your emotions were/are in this. (your post certainly gives us a glimpse)
One sentence struck me especially, Debi: “We are all just a phone call away from our lives changing forever.” Yes. So true. (I’ve had one of those phone calls.) That knowledge just hones our ability to notice the good of every moment, and the desire to give great thanks to the Lord for the lives we’re living now.
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My husband is gone a lot, either working long nights, or training out of town, so most of our time “together” is actually talking on the phone. Although, I wish he were here with me more, I often take it for granted that he is just a phone call away. After reading this, I might just call him one more time for the evening and tell him I love him before going to bed, just in case. Thank you, Debi, for the fresh reminder!
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I hope you do, Brandi. Sometimes it’s paying attention to those moments that we realize how precious our love is. Thank you for commenting.
Blessings,
Debi
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Wow. Thanks for sharing. Life is truly way too short.
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Thank you for sharing your story-this message is important. Drunk, distracted, sleepy drivers call more heartache than you can imagine. I’m an insurance claims adjuster, so I see these things all the time. I’m very glad that your daughter and grandson are safe.
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