Tuesday's Truth: A Driving Lesson

In order to have the car for the day, my daughter took me to work Sunday morning. As we exited our neighborhood we discovered that the road was closed. Flashing lights, from emergency vehicles, broke the darkness of the dawn. Turning to detour we noticed a crushed car carefully being placed on the bed of a tow truck. It was obvious that a fatal accident had recently occurred.

Upon my return home that evening we passed by the scene of the accident. A large tree had been uprooted and the post and rail fence was destroyed. There were prominent skid marks, beginning several yards down the road, continuing through the field’s grassy edge, ending abruptly at the base of the downed tree. 

By Monday, the tree had been removed and a makeshift memorial had gone up. Later, a television news crew was at the site, along with a group of teenagers holding vigil. Truly a very somber moment. 

I had been trying to “google” to see what exactly happened in order to use this as a “teachable moment” for my newly driving teen. My daughter was able to find the LINK for me. I think I shall wait on the lesson to be learned and pray for this neighborhood family instead.

The world may not have come to an end for us on Saturday night, but for one family, in the wee hours of Sunday morning, it most certainly did. 

Rest in peace, Parker. 

Photo courtesy of Parker's memorial page on Facebook

Silly Haiku Wednesday: Crunch Time

Crunch Time

(photo courtesy of http://newcentrist.wordpress.com)

Almonds and cashews.

This is what “crunch” means to me!

Daily snack attack.

Oh! You meant Christmas?

Gifts are wrapped. The table’s set.

Prepared for Christ’s birth.

(original painting by Michael D. O'Brien: The Nativity)

For more Haiku hijinks, please visit Jen over at You Know...that Blog?

The basics:

Haiku is simple! 

It is 3 non-rhyming lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively 

(a great way to use your fingers!)

On A Serious Note

What is going on this week? I mean seriously. I was on my way to a meeting at work last night around 6:00pm. I was startled by someone darting across the 2 lane highway at rush hour. I slowed way down because I noticed another person along the side of the road. Not 5 seconds later I came upon someone lying in the middle of the road. SOMEONE HAD JUST BEEN STRUCK BY A CAR. I pulled my car into the turn lane and turned on my flashers (leaving the right lane for through traffic). I jumped out shouting "Don't move her!" Fortunately, a nurse was on the scene already stabilizing her head and neck. We both just kept talking smoothly and calmly to her while awaiting police and medics. She was a young thing...not over 18 years old. Her body was broken, lying twisted in the road way. The only way she could communicate was by moaning. We kept her focus during what seemed like a terribly long wait. My heart was breaking for the woman that struck her...she was in hysterics. It was already terribly dark at that time and with what I witnessed just a few seconds earlier I can thoroughly understand the saying: "There, but for the Grace of God, go I". I wish I knew the name of that nurse. She was phenomenal and, I do believe, this girl child's guardian angel.

Larry Update

I just received an email from my sister Carrie. She wasn't able to "talk yet" but has asked that I come to Topeka. I am in the process of making arrangements to leave. I'll continue to keep you updated as I can, but please, please, please...keep those prayers and good thoughts coming! God's love be with you all!

Black Friday

It's Black Friday! And we're going shopping!

No, no, no. Not for Christmas. That's going to have to wait. 

Then for what, pray tell, you ask? I'll give you a little hint:

Yes, a car. This is the car that Mr. Sister was in when he was involved in the 4 car accident Monday evening. (see Tuesday's post) I look at this and am so thankful his Guardian Angel was looking out for him! 

He's Okay and That is What Matters Most

Mr. Sister was in a terrible automobile accident this evening. On the Interstate. During rush hour. His car is totaled. He, however, is okay, praise God! Just a little ringing in his right ear but no bumps, bruises or obvious injury. Just a little shook up. I'll be keeping a close eye on him to monitor him for any signs of whiplash or concussion. If you are so inclined, please keep him in your prayers.


Here is what happened. He was keeping a safe distance between himself and the car in front of him when a driver swerved into his lane and then immediately stepped on her brakes. Mr. Sister had to step on his. He skidded. The car at fault hit the car in front of her. He hit her car and was then rear ended by another who fled the scene of the accident. We will be going to the auto body shop tomorrow to get a full assessment of the damage. We're sure it's totaled since it is a '97 Nissan Maxima with over 100,000 miles on it. Thank God for insurance! I'll keep you all posted of events as they unfold.