I like to have control of my surroundings. I try to consider all outcomes and prepare myself for what may happen.
But then something occurs that was unplanned. Unexpected. And you have no control.
When in traffic that speeds and slows over and over, you inevitably have to hit the brakes suddenly. Whenever that happens, I do the same things. Brake, assess the distance in front and make sure I stop, then immediately check the rear view to see if I need to move up or over to get out of the way.
I’ve done this drill for as long as I can remember. Brake, look forward, look back. I always thought I would have time to keep from getting hit. I was prepared. I could control the situation.
Then last week we were in traffic. We braked. I made sure I was able to stop. No problem.
But before I even had the chance to glance in my rear view, we felt the impact. We’d been hit.
This sort of accident happens all the time. I thought I could avoid it.
But I couldn’t. It was out of my control. And my kids were in the car.
Luckily, we came out unscathed. But I can’t quite come to terms with the fact that I couldn’t do anything about it. It just happened and we could have been hurt.
I think it will be a while before I can feel comfortable again.
Before I feel like I am back in control.
That is so scary! I’m so glad to hear that you guys are ok, but I can completely understand the feeling of uncertainty.
Twitter: acctodenise
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I am starting to feel a lot more comfortable now. I am glad that I kept getting back out there. It is a scary thing to go through.
Twitter: KristenPGIP
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I was rear ended in the snow by a full size van with both of the girls in the car. Ash was 2 and a half months old and Bean was only 6 months old. It was horrible. Our car wasn’t as bad off as your minivan but it still lingers with me. Ash still remembers it to this day…even the color of the van that hit us. You just have to get back out there though and keep doing what you’ve always been doing…driving safely and aware.
Twitter: acctodenise
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I imagine the kids are going to remember that for a long, long time. Hopefully they remember it when they get behind the wheel. I’m glad you guys weren’t hurt in your accident. So scary!
It’s horribly scary especially with your kids in the car. I was rear-ended once in high school and rear-ended someone else once while in college. You always think that you have so much control, so much time to deal with the situation but really it happens so quickly. I’m so glad that you all are OK but it’s totally normal to not feel comfortable. But, you were doing everything that you could to drive and be safe.
Twitter: acctodenise
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I tell ya, I definitely hold my coffee less in the car since it well all over they place and all over me when we were hit. It’s little differences that remind me every time I am in the car that it could happen again.
Twitter: morethanmommies
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I am so glad that you are all okay! There is so little in life that we have control over–what a reminder though!
Twitter: acctodenise
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Oh, goodness, I wish I could control so much more! But it’s true, we really don’t have control over much besides our own decisions and actions.
I was in an accident with my youngest once. She was three. We were both fine, but I totally melted down on the street after I realized she was okay. Sooooo very scary.
Happy you were all okay and I agree with Kristen you just have to get back out there again.
Twitter: acctodenise
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Having kids in the car makes all the more scary. Glad you guys were OK.
So glad you are all okay!
Twitter: acctodenise
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Thanks Shell!
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
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I’m glad you are all okay.
I do that same drill, stop, look forward, look back. Not being in control terrifies me.
Twitter: acctodenise
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I think a lot of us do that same thing when we stop fast. Devastated to find out there isn’t enough time.
Twitter: themommymess
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SO glad you are all ok!
Twitter: acctodenise
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Thanks Adrienne!