It’s now been two days since our accident in the van but we’re still feeling the after effects of it. Rather than dwelling on the injury and fear it caused I should be thankful that my family is safe and sound but I can’t. Emotionally, I’m rattled, my daughter is rattled.
Getting into the car with my husband yesterday and driving to the hospital was incredibly hard. Every intersection felt like an accident waiting to happen, every car that came too close for comfort took my breath away. Every time Kaydee said “mama, we gonna crash?”, I found myself forcing the words out “no messy mo, no more crashes”. It was a lie but it made her feel better.
The truth is I don’t know if we’ll ever experience another accident. No one does. That’s the scary thing about driving. As much as I can control my own vehicle, it’s clear I can’t control someone else. Every single time we sit behind the wheel we put our lives and the lives of our children in the hands of someone else. It could be an inexperienced 17 year old girl rushing home to make curfew, a 90 year grandmother of 12 with failing eye sight or a 39 year old dad that just finished knocking back a few beers after a hard day at the office. It’s completely out of my control and it scares me to depth of my bones.
Yesterday we went to see just how bad the damage to our van was and it made my heart sink to the floor. We survived but our van didn’t, it was considered a “total loss” and unrepairable. What the future holds for getting a new vehicle, I don’t know. My husband is in the process of calling rental companies in the area and we’ve had no luck finding a minivan or SUV available anywhere. In the meantime, I suppose we’re all just grounded to the house – which means more time blogging for me but don’t expect it to be too coherent. The ER doctor gave me some fabulous meds for the neck, head and rib pain.
About Cat Davis
ohmygod. The more i read about this, the more grateful I am that you are all ok. And as far as that sinking sense of terror when it comes to cars… well, I can relate. (I am probably the only person in LA who lives without a car – bunch of reasons but the biggest one is the other drivers…)
Good luck on the rental, and thank you for keeping us all posted.
Wow…I am so relieved that you are all okay. No doubt shaken, but at least nothing serious. If something had to take the brunt of the collision, at least it was the van. Feel better and I hope everything turns out okay with the insurance company.
I know exactly how you feel. After we had an accident 6 years ago it took me year to finally stop saying it will happened again every time I set in the car.
((HUGS)) it’s so hard! I’m sorry about the van it looks really bad, but I’m so glad all of you are ok.
I am so glad to hear everyone is okay! I am at loss at what else to say. Glad you got some meds to help with pain. I am sure you will find another vehicle real soon.
Thank you Karen!
OMG I’m so glad you all are OK. I’m sure still very shaken and scared.
I’m so glad that you are ok. I hope that your fear diminishes quickly. It took me about a year before I didn’t cringe everytime someone came up behind me to fast. Even now I still hold my breath a little and it’s been 18 years. I hope your family is able to find a vehicle soon.
Sometimes the thankfulness comes later… you know, like you’ll laugh at a situation later but at the time you can’t? Only this isn’t one you’ll ever laugh at.
So glad you’re okay!
WOW! Scary!! What kind of van is that – because it looks like it saved your lives!
I was in a wreak at age 21 – I’m now 31 and STILL have anxiety almost every time I get into a car. I mean, full panic attacks.
I’m so happy you’re all OK. Thank god!!
Oh wow. Glad your ok
But that totally sucks about your car. 
I am so glad that everyone is alright and I’m so sorry about your poor van! I hope you guys get everything taken care of soon and that you all feel better very soon!