Car Accident

It's been a month and I can finally discuss this, I think.  Driving home on 481 on a Thursday, after an endocrinologist appointment.  Nearing the ever so familar Clay exit.  Follow my routine of getting into the left lane to get out of the way of cars exiting then entering from 31.  Something happens.   Still not sure what.  I was in the rumble strip.  I corrected. I was suddenly sideways.  So I over corrected.  Seemed like my wheels locked and we were headed toward an underpass wall. So I turned the wheel and we were practically backwards and then flying.   The sound of tires and my kids and the sight of my Vera Bradley diaper bag in front of me was slow and fast.  I now know the true meaning of the cliche life flashed before my eyes.  Except it was four lives.   We rolled and I prayed for my kids.  They never stopped screaming. 

Then we stopped.  We were mostly on the driver's side and I look back to see Abbey's legs squished, certain they must be broken and Ellie's upside down crying and Adam is, too. Somehow my phone is right there I try to slide it open to call for help, but it's wet and I can't.  Suddenly, I hear voices.  I hear Oh My God, the car is full of kids and then I feel panic rise. I fight it.  They need me. I see a man's face over me, talking to me.  They are tipping the car, but I didn't realize that until later.  Abbey unbuckles and scrambles out the back. I love that she did not wait to be rescued.  Now I can unbuckle and I reach up to get Ellie out and I hand her up through the one door.  They get Adam out and then I crawl up and out.  There were so many people.  And then the fireman.  And then the policeman. I was coming off the flu and felt like vomiting.  I was worried about the kids.  Adam let them backboard him but the girls, no way. I called Todd right away or some lady did. I wouldn't leave without him there to watch the kids.  I heard his voice and I let them take me.  They ended putting the girls in car seats with me abd Adam in a different ambulance.  

I was cut up a lot.  The kids were cleared quickly. I had to have CT scans and not move and the most painful thing was my stupid hair clips in my skull.  I had hit my head, but somehow I was alright. 

Not a scratch on Ellie. The other two had a few.  The cop came to see me. He had been kind of brusque in the field but was nicer now.  Probably had to make sure I wasn't drunk or high. No reason. I wasn't even speeding. All the kids came to see me and Bobby came and took them home. 

It was the most horrific incident with the most miraculous outcome.  Todd took care of everything ASAP.  Took me to browse at used cars a few days after and we happened to find this 2013 Volvo.  The kids still talk about, mostly Abbey who, I know, will never forget.  They are both in the know that we could've died.  It's an odd feeling to feel so upset that it happened and so grateful we are fine.  

It's changed how I drive.  Of course, more cautious, but other things, too.  It's not carefree or no big deal.  Because it can be a VERY big deal.