Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Crashtest Dummy

So I apologize that I haven't blogged in almost a whole month! My only two excuses are that I have been caught up in the world that is Twilight, reading all four published books, the partially completed unpublished one online, and seeing the movie an embarrassing number of times. Other than that, I've been working, taking care of the kids, and leading a fairly normal life without any true blog-worthy moments. Until yesterday, that is.

I was driving in the left, middle lane down a 4-lane highway when the car in front of me suddenly swerved. I quickly saw why; there was a large box of furniture in the middle of the lane. With about 2 seconds to react, I followed his lead and swerved into the far left lane and then back into my lane so I wouldn't hit the middle guardrail. The Jeep fishtailed, spun around to face traffic, and skidded across the entire road off into the grass on the side of the highway.



















I hit the grass at a sideways angle, felt the passenger side of the car lift, and about 10 feet later flipped over. The Jeep rolled 2 1/2 times and landed upside down. I remember flipping over a couple of times, and I very clearly remember how tight the seatbelt felt.
















I couldn't unlatch the seatbelt because I was hanging from it upside down, so I kind of contorted myself so I could push my body up and away from the pull of the seatbelt and braced myself against the roof of the car (which was on the ground). Once the weight was shifted, I unlatched the belt and caught myself. I flipped over and pretty quickly figured out I wasn't going to be opening any doors so I kicked the driver's side window out and crawled out. I totally made sure to grab my purse, and had an onlooker go search for my phone. :) Here's the driver's side:

















The police, firetruck, and ambulance were there in about 3 minutes, and once they found out I am 4 months pregnant, they insisted on doing the whole C-collar and backboard routine. They took me to the hospital as a precaution and to check the fetal heartbeat (which was strong). Greg met me at the hospital, but had to drive directly past the accident scene to get there which was really hard for him. He stopped to get the carseats and a few other things out of the car.

















After they let us go, we had to go to the impound to get the rest of our things from the Jeep so the insurance company to haul it away. Here it is back on it's feet...sort of:
































I can't exactly say that I walked away without a scratch because I did, in fact, have one scratch.









And one broken thumbnail.
So how's that for a re-entry into the blogging world? It's 6:27am and I've been wide awake since 3am b/c everything from my head down to my waist hurts and I pretty much took a bath in Biofreeze. I feel very blessed to have walked away from that one with only a few aches and pains, and feel doubly blessed that the baby is okay and that my other babies were not in the car. Noah gave me a big hug when I told him I broke the Jeep, and he told me that we have to get a new car and that it should be a red firetruck--with a ladder. I think that would be very safe.

15 comments:

Sandy said...

THANK GOD you are ok!!!! That was frightening just reading it!! I think Noah is right... get a firetruck next time. Those things rarely roll!

Ava said...

I couldn't stop thinking about you that after reading the e mail last night. Hope you can get some much needed rest today! We are SO thankful you and baby are okay!
xoxo

Ruth Lee said...

WOW, the Lord's hand was definitely upon you and I am so thankful that you and the baby are okay!! I can't imagine what you must have been feeling during all of this. Hudson agrees with Noah that a red ladder firetruck would be his 1st choice, too. :)

Anonymous said...

You are the toughest person I know. I'm so happy you're OK. I was teary after reading your email and seeing those pictures and realizing what could've happened, and I am so happy the Lord protected my sister.

chichimama said...

Wow, I am so glad you and the baby are OK! How scary!

Anonymous said...

SOO happy that your okay. I was in an accident when I was younger and the car flipped like yours. I still remember that feeling because it felt like I was in slow motion. Crazy feeling!

Glad your safe!!

Anonymous said...

Good Grief! I'm so glad you and the wee one are alright. Those pictures are amazing. What a miracle that you walked away with only a scratch and a broken nail (funny pics, by the way). I love Noah's request for a new car.

Which road were you on?

Pam said...

That is just way to much excitement to endure when you are 4 months pregnant:)

Hopefully your soreness will go away quickly and a new red fire truck (with a ladder) will appear in your driveway:)

Anonymous said...

OMG Jackie, Thank goodness you are okay. At least the kids weren't with you too. I hope you feel better soon.

bevy said...

OMG, that's awful, but thank the Lord you and the baby are fine. What a testament to wearing a seat belt!

Armbruster Asylum said...

Holy crap! Glad you handled the incident well and that you emerged relatively unscathed. That is awesome and amazing! Hope your soreness departs quickly. (I love Biofreeze!!)

Lisa said...

Holy cow- thank god you and the baby are okay and that your already born babes were not with you. How frightening!

Anonymous said...

God was definitely protecting you! Glad you walked away with only a small scratch and a broken nail and a baby with a strong heartbeat! Hope you feel better soon. Rest up! Praying for you!

momof4dragons said...

Jackie, Oh sweet Jackie. I have chills all over. I'm so grateful you, and baby, are ok. I'm still trying to figure out if I could kick out a car window. You go girl! I hope your aches, pains, and(praise the Lord) one little scratch heal up quickly.

Rachel said...

You can ignore my question on Facebook. I'm so glad you're okay! The Lord definitely protected you and the Baby!