"Exciting" Father's Day Weekend

Well, things have been interesting lately. Friday before Father's Day Dad was in a car accident on the way home from the airport. In route he was hit by another car. Basically what happened was another car which had 4 people in the car, at least the driver and a passenger were having an argument, the teenage passenger sitting in the back of the car reached up and pulled the steering wheel causing the car to go into the next lane of traffic where Dad's car was. They caused his car to go into the next lane of traffic then into the emergency lane at which time Dad's car hit the barrier and flipped over onto the drivers side and from the looks of it the car kept going on the road laying on its side. It looks like the other car may have also hit the roof of the car after it had rolled over. Gas also leaked out of the car (not a significant amount) from it hitting the barrier. Basically the part of the car that had the least amount of damage was the bumper...which did have a scratch. The car was a complete lost, front part of car was pushed in, driver side of the car was messed up, driver side front wheel area was messed up (from the other car hitting we believe), as was the right front wheel area (from hitting the barricade). Amazingly only the 2 cars were involved. Dad was able to walk away with only a bruise on his knees from hitting the dashboard/steering wheel area and a mark on his chest where the seat belt did its job!!

We got a call from dad saying he had been in a serious accident, we prayed and then ran out the door, not knowing what had happened. Headed the direction of the airport looking for any sign of an accident on the opposite lanes of traffic. We heard on the way that there had been an accident and all lanes were blocked, we knew that was it. So we made the appropriate exit and found a place to watch until the accident was cleared off. While watching we saw an 18-wheeler. My thought was great, the car went under an 18-wheeler, but at least it is still upright, and obviously Dad is alive. The 18-wheeler was not involved, just stopped (as did several other people) to help! The picture doesn't even tell the half of it, of course we have others this is just for a general idea. (In the picture the thing sticking out of the sunroof is the front bumper).


Well the area was cleared and that is when we found out what exactly happened. The girl that pulled the wheel was arrested and will have to face the consequences for her actions. But there is great news! Everyone came out okay! The pictures are not pretty but are yet very telling of what could have been if God was not in control!!

The song Amazed was sung the following morning and the part, "You dance over me while I am unaware" had a different meaning. I always understood and appreciated what the lyrics meant but never had I thought of it as God dancing over us (and His angels) while going down the road.

This reminds me of a verse (of course now I can't find it or think of exactly where it is) but basically the gist was our troubles are only temporary! PRAISE THE LORD! The trouble won't last forever! While the search for a new car continues and will for at least 1 or 2 weeks, the stress/emotions of the days/week that followed is over!

As Dad has said, "My angles weere working hard that night". We have been standing amazed and in awe of God. Obviously He isn't done with Dad or any of the other individuals yet!

Something that we discovered just today was that one of Mom's friends had driven passed the accident just shortly after it had happened (her and her husband did not see what happened) and prayed because there had been an accident and because it looked so bad.

GOD IS SO GOOD!!! So a few messages: 1) wear your seat belt, 2) be in control of your emotions, attitudes and body when you are in a car. One small mistake can impact the rest of your life. We are very grateful for God's goodness and grace especially as we were still able to celebrate Father's Day with Dad. Never doubt that prayer counts, as my Grandma says, "Praying for your kids and loved ones every day does matter. God always hears our prayers!" May we always sing priase and smile in trial or jubilee!! HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!



P.S. For those of you looking at cars I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a Honda!!!