A mother’s worst nightmare became reality for yours truly last Monday morning when I received a phone call from my son—his voice shaken, telling me he had been in an accident. Time stopped. My heart sank.
Days later, I replayed the conversation in my head and remembered him saying the car was on its roof. But as I rushed to the scene and contacted the Sheriff ’s Office, I must have let that specific detail fade from my mind. It just couldn’t be true. But it was more than true.
As I turned onto our road, there was no car in sight. Panic set in. Where was the car? My children? As I backed up to turn around, I noticed a single tire peeking through the tall grasses. The car was on its roof. My boys had lived through a real-life roller coaster.
They were extremely lucky. A few superficial cuts and one bruised knee, the boys were able to unbuckle their seat belts and climb out of the upside-down vehicle and walk back to the house.
The accident was 100% avoidable, like most accidents. Complacency simply took over in a split second. As Camden looked over at his brother and the dogs, his left hand changed directions and the vehicle began to veer left and over a cement culvert they went.
I don’t think any parent could ever be fully prepared for that call. It’s a gut-wrenching reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change. Our days are unpredictable, and too often we forget that each day could be someone’s last. Give your loved ones an extra hug and embrace each and every moment you have with them.
In the aftermath, I realized how insignificant so many of my daily stresses truly were. The only thing that mattered in that moment was getting to my boys and seeing for myself that they were “okay.”
Now, to remember this as life returns to its usual chaotic routine. Slow down, stay focused and never take life for granted. It only takes a second for a life to change forever.
And to our first responders: Thank you! I have been to many scenes and have seen you care for others firsthand; but, it definitely hits differently when it’s your babies they are evaluating. Thank you just doesn’t seem adequate, but know that your work is very much appreciated.
Robin Wunderlich
Quote of the Week “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” ” ~ Maya Angelou
