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.
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!
Again…Thank GOd you are all ok..I hope you find something soon. Big Hug!
Thanks for the hugs Marina. We’re all slowly starting to feel better.
So glad you are all “alright”, but I know what you mean, because in May a guy ran a red light and totalled my little car with his big older caddy. He hit on my door, they were amazed I was alive. I still have to say a prayer and psyche myself up frequently when driving. My car was almost u-shaped from the impact. I have had several x-rays & couple mri’s. Doc says I have neck & back damage, had a broken rib and sore head for a while. But I am alive and relatively well – I thank God everyday for His protection!
Judy I can’t imagine how terrifying that must have been…well I guess I can sort of. You were a lucky girl.
These pictures look worse than the first one. I am glad you are all okay. Driving safely is something we all seem to take for granted. I know I do. I get in the car and never think about being in an accident but after my daughter collision a few weeks ago where someone turned left in front of her has me thinking a bit differently. It makes me second guess what every car at every intersection is doing. Take some time and take care of those precious angels that you have. {{HUGS}}
Horrifying! I am so sorry this happened to you & your family. It can be traumatic for someone so young. Hope it all works out with the Ins.
(((Hugs))) Glad everything turned out somewhat better. Insurance companies lie to take forever,
Kas
Wow! After seeing these pictures I’m amazed you guys all walked away from the accident! I’m hoping you will recover quickly both physically and emotionally.
I am so glad that your family is OK. This could have been a much worse situation an everything will get back to normal at some point. When I had my accident many years ago I remember just being happy to be alive (with no injuries). I didn’t have a child at the time, so I can only imagine your emotions when you have kids in the car. I still to this day have anxiety when driving on long trips.
Somehow I missed this and related posts from you. I want to let you know we are so happy that a blanket of higher power left you ok. As for the PTSD it will take a while before it gets better, I am still a little hesitant when like in my accident; someone gets to close to me from behind. Hope this finds you feeling better and your car in one piece xoxo<3
Oh goodness gracious-When you look at that van, it’s just amazing how things can unfold. Again, I’m so glad that everyone is okay!
Thank God you are all okay! *gentle hugs* I’ve gotten better recently, but I’ve had a big fear of cars ever since my sister was nearly killed by a drunk driver in Feb. ’05. Her best friend who was driving *was killed. She left behind a then 3 year old little girl. I always always always worry about other drivers on the road. You just never know and it is SO scary
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That looks terrible honey! I’m so glad that it wasn’t more serious though. I know the feeling of being afraid to drive. We were in a car accident when I was pregnant with triplets. I lost two of them but do have (as you know) my son, now 4 1/2. Ever since that day I have been terrified to get in the car, especially when I’m not the one driving; I feel like if I am driving I have more control when the truth is I don’t. No one does. Like you said, every time you get in the car your life is in the hands of complete strangers and that is a very scary thought! (((hugs))) honey!
So glad you & your family are going to be ok!
I was in a 10 car pileup in 1998! Got hit 6 times.
Now, I plan all my little trips. I try to avoid busy traffic hours.
My hands still shake when I go to open the door to my van.
I avoid bad weather & messy roads.
I not saying to never get out of the house. Just plan your errands.
Try to avoid messy roads, high traffic ect..!
I have been in tons of wrecks but the 10 car pile up did me in & left me with PTS & panic attacks. I still feel like I can smell the smell of twisting metal & car fuilds & blood!
I had even hit a cow in my younger days(how sad but the cow lived!).
Planning is the key! Make your grocery list & make out a map/plan of your day out.
This not only will limit the danger to you & your family but will save you gas !
I am so sorry to hear about your accident. I am so glad you are all OK.
Scares me to death, too – so glad you are all ok!
oh honey!
I am so sorry this happened! Horrible timing, not that it could ever be good I suppose. I am so thankful you and your family are okay. make sure you ice your neck, and not apply heat. that is really important. I was in a wreck a couple years ago that cause major neck trauma that can’t be undone, and I know how hard it is to drive after, I think everyone is too close, stopping to fast, and getting ready to swerve into your lane. awful feeling.
Please let me know if you need ANYTHING that I can help with. anything at all.
Hugs and love to you and your family!
Oh Cat! Thank goodness you and your baby are ok! That must have been so scary! I got shaken up just looking at the pictures. We’re here for you sweetie!
HUGS!!!
Glad your ok how scary. Hope your feeling better soon and glad everyone is safe.
Wow Cat. I am SO glad that you are ok, your van looks terrible. I would be scared to drive as well. Hope you are feeling better (HUGS)
Cat!
This is absolutely terrifying! I am so grateful that everyone is ok. I still have some PTSD issues about driving after I had a very minor accident almost 10 years ago… you and your family’s feelings are all very valid. I will definitely be praying for you guys.
Wow, that damage is bad… I am surprised but happy none of you got majorly hurt!
Holy crap! I am so glad you all are ok! I hope you find some relief & a new vehicle soon. We can only protect our family so much the rest is out of our control & it sucks!
It really is a scary thing. No matter how good of a driver you are, you always have to watch out for someone else and that’s not an easy thing to do when they just pull out in front of you and there’s nothing you can do. I hope all of your pain goes away soon.
WOW! It is so scary to see the after pictures!
Oh no, I’m just now seeing this post, I’m so glad you were all okay!!
Vehicles can be replaced, your family cannot! Remember that each time you repeat to your daughter that everything will be OK, you are repeating it to yourself, and you will begin to believe it too. It will take time. It took me a year to drive on the highway again after I was rear-ended by 4 cars, but I did it, and your fears will calm down.
I’m praying for your family’s return to normal. {{{hugs}}}
I am one of those who fears other drivers almost every time I drive. Many people can be so reckless, and seem to forget that cars have the potential to deal out death and severe injury in a second. I am sorry that you had this happen, and I am sorry for the loss of your vehicle. I am glad to know that, even if you have some injuries, you are all relatively okay from it, and I pray that your injuries are quick to heal.
man cat, thats some shit. I am so glad yall are safe.
trisha
That sounds so incredibly scary… I am grateful you are all okay, but it kills me that your little ones are so shaken, too! I am so sorry! God bless!
Oh my goodness. I’m so very sorry. We were in an accident two years ago, Christmas Day, while I was 7 months pregnant with our second. We were all fine, but I took the brunt of it all–I couldn’t lift my toddler for a month thanks to the seat belt bruise on my chest. It took me a good six months to drive down the interstate without breaking into a cold sweat, but it DOES get better.
I’m so glad you all walked away from it.
What a horrible accident! I’m so glad you and your family were not seriously injured. The emotional injury can be very bad though.
Everyones okay and van can be replaced. Wounds heal.
Cat, I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with this. Hope you all feel better very soon.
I’m grateful it wasn’t worse for you but so sorry you had to deal with it at all!
I am so glad that you and your entire family are ok and were able to walk away from this!!
I have close experience. We had a roll over accident, 3 times on the freeway. When my brother was only 6 months old. I remember being terrified.
I am very thankful that you are OK. Car accidents are no joking matter.
Prayers your way..
OMG Cat, I am so thankful you are all relatively unscathed from all that mess. It WILL get better. It just takes time.
Thank Goodness You are OK
Oh my gosh!! I am so glad you are all alright! You had an angel over all of you..
WOW! I looked at the pictures before I looked at the actual post and it is a miracle that all of you are okay. I hope everything is well.
Oh. My. Gosh!
I am SO glad you all walked away, but holy crap on the van!
Ugh! I’m so sorry this happened
I totaled my car in a t-bone accident a few years ago and STILL cringe every time I drive through that intersection. Hope you are feeling 100% better soon and glad to hear that everyone is safe. Will be thinking about you guys!