TwosWrite things down

Survivor

Survivor

by John Allen · 28 things on NewTwos

Brakes slamming, horn blaring! He was going to hit me! I had no time, he wouldn’t move, back into his own lane.
Along this country road, a daunting drainage ditch lay, With large, jagged rocks, still wet from the midday rain.
There was no place for my silver Prius, and no place to move away, So, I thought to switch to his lane, but it was too late.
It was a mild winter afternoon, in the hills of Tennessee, Only forty-five degrees, with a wind that stood still.
And it seemed for just a moment Time was Wind's companion. As they both stood lifeless, it felt like eternity had boundaries.
A thousand thoughts sped through my mind Moving as fast as the man approaching.
Was this my life's conclusion? Would I see Jesus today? Would in a moment I bow before Him and thank Him for His grace?
If I survive, will I be crippled? Will I be like the man I knew as a boy, Who couldn’t play with his daughter and son except from his motorized wheelchair?
My wife and two little children need me! I thought. My son needs his dad to teach him how to be a man.
My daughter needs me to show her how a man should treat her. And my wife needs her best friend!
Did I make all the preparations, for my family to live without me? Does my wife have all the passwords, the keys, and papers?
A second passed - and then two. Oh, why did it feel like an eternity? The man with his tan, midsized SUV, me, and my car he assaulted.
As blood, for only a second, gushed from my nose and trapped within my beard. I heard a horn and a beckoning yell for help.
It was the man who was now in his lane again As his car was forced back as mine turned sideways.
Did he expect me to help? He was the cause of this precious moment and yet he wanted my help?
Before a thousand, now ten thousand thoughts raced within my mind. Ten thousand thoughts all assessing my condition.
But the focus on myself still gave way to thoughts of him. He must be hurt far worse, for he’s yelling for help and I - I’m just trying to get out.
Just then, I heard a phone ringing. Whose phone is so loud that I can hear it ringing in my car? I thought to myself.
It was mine - I spotted it on the floorboard on the passenger's side.
As I tried to remove this aggravating but life-saving strap That I faithfully placed across my waist and chest, I found the buckle jammed.
Therefore, across the car, I strained myself Causing the seat belt to add to my fresh burns and bruises.
Emergency Dispatch? How had my phone now called 911? My Apple Watch! I thanked God for this connected smart device that called emergency services.
I cannot recall the questions the female voice asked on the other end, But "I've just been in an accident", is what I said.
My wife at home, not but five minutes away, was who next I called immediately With short but steady breaths, "Honey, I've just been in an accident. Come get me!"
The moments, the hours, and the days that have followed Have all been met with thanksgiving because I am a Survivor!
The accident described in the poem took place in January 2023. I was able to walk away with only minor injuries even though I still deal with the trauma and probably life-long pain. My car was not so fortunate. Below is a picture of it.