Embracing Life
Interstate 75
I ran back into the house to turn off the coffee pot. The one-minute delay may have saved my life. However, my momentary setback was, without a doubt, a divine intervention. God's message was a dramatic reminder that I am not always in control.
My sister and I had diligently designed our family reunion. Coordinating the logistics was a challenge. We persevered and were proud of our prudent planning.
Everyone was en route, everything was proceeding exactly as planned, and I was cruising south on Interstate 75. Absolute bliss filled my soul while sipping on a freshly brewed cup of java and listening to terrific tunes from the 60s radio station. Suddenly, just ahead of me, three semi tractor-trailer trucks collided. Traffic screeched to an immediate halt.
Panic replaced euphoria. My first reaction was a prayer of gratitude. After inhaling several deep breathes, my racing heartbeat slowed slightly and I began to survey my surroundings. Fortunately, the automobiles immediately around my vehicle also stopped safely. My soon to be new friends for the next few hours were doing the same things as me. Then reality struck -- we were stuck in an unanticipated gridlock on I-75.
Cell phone towers were buzzing with calls. Those of us trapped on the highway called everyone in our circle of family and friends. After repeating our tragic tale to anyone who would listen, the waiting game ensued. As ambulances, law enforcement and road maintenance vehicles sped past us in the emergency lane, we patiently waited.
During the second hour, we exchanged tidbits of information. The woman in the van next to me was diabetic and planned to get off at the next exit to eat. She found a stale candy bar to sustain her sugar level. A young man began detailing his car. He had stopped to pick up cleaning supplies just prior to the wreck. Clubs emerged from the trunk of a Lincoln and two men played a friendly roadside golf game. Many drivers were out of their vehicles walking, talking and passing along news about the status of the accident.
I cleaned and organized my console, glove box and seat back compartments. This was my first opportunity to complete that chore since I bought the car in 2007. I found the purchasing paperwork and owner's manual. A couple of bystanders noticed and came over to chat.
It is interesting what you can discover when you are forced to stop. I learned my car's design has a flaw. A trademark for the manufacturer is to include one notch on each side of the car for every two cylinders of power in the engine. This vehicle should have eight cylinders, but only has six. Now I know why I negotiated such a bargain price. The small crowd that gathered enjoyed solving my mini mystery.
Human needs began to break our jovial spirits as the third hour approached. The coffee I enjoyed so much had run its course; a pregnant passenger two lanes over was nauseous; hunger pains replaced patience as time ticked by ever so slowly.
Finally, one lane was clear. Most of us rushed to get off at the next exit. After taking care of personal requirements, we exchanged stories one last time.
The collision we witnessed was the second in a series of three along a short stretch of I-75, which began at 5:40 a.m. Fatalities were involved. It was not our turn to perish, however, two innocent women died. Perhaps their unfortunate fate was our wakeup call from God. Our fragile existence can terminate in a split second.
Shortly thereafter, I met my loved ones. We decided not to follow an agenda but to live life on the edge. Twenty years had passed since my father, sister, brother and I embraced each other, so we desperately needed unstructured time. My pre-vacation lesson on I-75 was a gift. I learned to surrender to God's plan and just go with the flow. §
Donna Bonnell is a writer in Newberry. She may be contacted at Donna@towerpublications.com
