Friday, May 09, 2008

A Not So Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Show

There is a theatrical production with the title, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (which I believe was also made into a movie) and for some reason that seemed to fit my day yesterday, although it wasn't so funny, I suppose.

I arrived at work about 11 a.m. yesterday to work a 4 hour shift. I was kinda bummed that I wasn't there a little earlier so I could leave early, but I consoled myself with the fact that crowds at the Avalon aren't usually there so early anyway. My original intent was to get the bands gift cards at Starbucks but I just ran out of time. I did pick up some cereal for Eisley as rumor has it they are big cereal fans. LOL But I digress and get ahead of myself all at once.

I arrived at work, put in my four hours and headed out the door. On the way out, my husband called. I think this was somewhere between 3:05 and 3:10 p.m. It was perfect timing as I was going to call him when I got to the car. I told him my plans for the day, where I was headed, etc. I climbed into the vehicle and headed for the Avalon. I expected to be there sometime between 4 & 4:15 p.m.

At about 3:30 or so, events put a crimp in my plans. Life has a way of doing that. I was driving in the middle of three lanes of traffic when I saw a truck cross a little over the line. I wasn't sure if it was going to come into my lane or just went a little over the line, so I prepared to change lanes to the left in case. As I was starting to go into the left lane I saw a car was in my blind spot, so I veered back into my lane, although I am guessing I turned back too sharply as my car went totally out of control. I careened across the right lane and into the guard rail. It felt almost like gliding. It's funny, but I kinda said a prayer because I thought I could really be hurt, and I felt a strange calm. I bounced back onto the freeway, and I fully expected to be impacted by 10 cars, but it didn't happen. I bounced into the guard rail again, I think, and might have again had the car not finally stopped. Two people stopped to see if I was o.k. - a gal in a van, and a guy in a pickup who was following an oversized truck (maybe the one I was concerned about.) The gal called for help and the guy said she could probably leave if she didn't see anything. He later told me he was a former highway patrol officer. He also said that the back end of my car was so far off the ground, that he thought I was going to flip and he only narrowly managed to avoid hitting me. I am grateful that both things did not happen. The whole thing borders on miraculous, including the fact that I am terrified of the airbags because I sit close to the steering wheel only being 5 feet tall and it did not deploy. I am terribly sore right now, but not as bad as I actually expected to be so far.

The suspension is broken, 2 badly damaged wheels, and 3 flat tires. That's what is known so far.

But the show must go on. I was determined. I convinced my husband to drive me to Salt Lake to the show and drop me off. Then I convinced my daughter to pick me up afterwards. Yea, the show was worth it. LOL

I will blog about the show later.

Oh, my car was nearly paid off. I only owed $700 which I planned to pay off with the economic stimulus package money. I just checked my bank account. The money was deposited in my account yesterday. Isn't it Ironic? I could add a verse to Alanis Morisette's song.

Peace out,

Melanie

P.S. There is a God... I am still here.

3 comments:

AJ said...

Wow...PRAISE THE LORD for His hand of protection all over you chica!!! Man, I'm sure glad you are okay! Crazy how those scary events happen, you come out of it, and you're reminded all over again how real God's presence is in your life...thank You, Jesus for keeping Melanie safe! :)

Absolute comedy that you still went to the show, but it wouldn't be you if you didn't!! hahaha...i probably would have gone too. :)

love & hugs.

AJ said...

Happy Mother's Day to you sweet Melanie!!! :)

AE said...

oh my goodness! so glad you are okay!

God is great!!!