So Close--Yet--So Far

Well, today it has been two years since the accidents.

For those not familiar-- Accident.

At times, it feels like just yesterday, and other times-it seems so long ago.

I think the feelings of yesterday usually come when I hear the sound of emergency vehicles, see the Flight For Life helicopter or even just look at the kids. Sometimes, I become sad and want to cry that they had to go through all of that. I picture what it must have looked like to them and feel guilty that I wasn't in the vehicles.

The feelings of it being so long ago? I think that's because it feels like a different life, like each one of us is so different today....it's hard to believe it's only been two years. We aren't the same people, which is a blessing. We are so thankful the Lord kept us all together, here on earth. Grateful, because we know the outcome could have been different, the injuries-much worse.

I really think it's a miracle that the kids have no issues driving in a vehicle. They're not on edge or panicky, even with Luke driving. They don't have feelings of anger or resentment and see it as more of a positive thing for our family.....that's pretty amazing. I remember that soon after the accidents, I'm talking only days, Lucas (only 10 at the time) mentioned he thought, "God just wanted our family to slow down because we were going to fast, doing too much."

I also remember a conversation with my brother. I was telling him all the things I was going to do and had to do once everyone was released. At that moment, it hit me.....I realized I didn't have a vehicle to do any of it with. He looked at me and said something like.....God's been taking care of you and he'll keep taking care of you. If you know my bro....that might surprise you. ;) That meant a lot to me....so, Tony if I never told you that....there it is. :) Love you!

Guess what, God did provide. Someone gave us a vehicle! It lasted an entire year. After it broke down, there was a month where we did not own a vehicle. Friends and family came through and would let us use theirs. After a month, it was Luke who went out and negotiated a price on our current vehicle. Yes, I said LUKE! That, is a miracle. :)

While our medical bills still aren't settled and can cause stress, it doesn't compare to the huge blessings we received that day and in the days following.

We are so thankful!
Thankful to the Lord for all of our blessings and to the many people who helped us by cooking meals, organizing a fundraiser, donating money, driving the kids and Luke places when I couldn't be two places at once, listening to my rants venting, praying for us and anything else that may have slipped my mind.

We love you all!