Friday, December 10, 2010

smell the roses

Yesterday, my colleague, who has become a good friend, was hit by a car on her way to work. While crossing the street she was struck by a car making a left turn that must not have seen her as the rain poured down in the dark of the early morning. While she is indeed injured, suffering from what the doctors believe to be a cracked pelvis, I am most certainly relieved that she walked away from the accident requiring only rest and time to heal her wounds. I usually like to write about things that have made me happy or at the very least are positive in nature but in light of the accident, which I haven’t stopped thinking about, it only seemed right to reflect on how scary life can be and how fast it can change.
It’s made me want to hug my husband tighter and call my mom to tell her I love her. It’s made me want to tell all drivers to slow down and all walkers to be safe. It’s made me realize that rushing to get somewhere on time or speeding up just to make it through a yellow light may not be as important as it seems. As I got in my car last night, I felt a little more cautious and a little more aware of what was going on around me. With traffic accidents happening daily, some more serious than others, it only reinforces how precious life is and how all it takes is a second for your life to change. While bumps and bruises will heal and seem like minor hiccups in an otherwise uneventful life, it is usually the bad times that make you realize how good the good times really are.

While we all wake up in the morning fairly certain of how our day will more or less go, you can never predict that the unthinkable will happen or an accident might occur. I don’t believe we should live our lives in fear but appreciating what we’ve got is a lesson that I would hate to learn the hard way. As you go about your day, your weekend and the holiday season, please remember to take things slow, appreciate the life you are living and tell your friends and family how much you care.

21 comments:

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I'm glad to hear your co-workers injuries will heal, so scary. We were hit by a car running a red light (we were in a car) and it caused permanent and lifelong damage to my daughter's leg, she has had pain in it for the past 8 years. Appreciate the life you are living is good advice. I like the quote - "it's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have".

Jude said...

So scary and so glad your coworker is ok. My dad was also hit on the street earlier this year by a left-turning car, he didn't survive and we are still devastated. It is so important to appreciate what you have, even as life throws curveballs your way. It's the little positive things that matter.

a little black cloud in a dress said...

yikes. I hope she recovers quickly. :[ I was hit by a drunk driver two years ago and I still have a scar from a surgery that resulted from the wreck. It's so scary to think about how irresponsible some people are given the ability to be.

A Crimson Kiss said...

I'm so glad to hear she's okay-what a blessing. As wonderful as it is to think about the good stuff, remembering and appreciating how lucky you are is also so important.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Oh my goodness. How scary! Prayers going up for your friend!

Diary of a Young Designer said...

It's great to know she is fine and your words are so true. You never know when something might strike, we must appreciate every second of life we've got.

xo
Sophie

Anna Elder said...

such a bitter sweet post. im glad your coworker is well and not hurt more than she is. that's so scary. and you're right, it is the bad times that bring on reflection, huh?

thanks for the compliments on the invites. im excited to get them printed and i hope my clients are happy with my happy happy holidays card too!!

PoetessWug said...

Indeed a time when positivity was not in order...but reflection definitely was!! I'm glad she's okay...and you're okay too. Thanks for posting a comment on my blog so I could come and check your blog out. Now, I'm a follower. I look forward to the ride....watching both ways before I cross the street! :-)

Marthie On The Move said...

I hope your coworker gets well soon :)

http://shoesplurge.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

true x

Unknown said...

So sad to hear this! My aunt just had the same thing happen, she had a walk sign and the person turning right didn't see her. Makes you think.

Meghan said...

I am so glad your co-worker is ok! I know someone who was hit while walking and he is still suffering the effects years later. I too hope I never have to learn appreciation the hard way.

SJ said...

while it's super scary wehat happened to your friend, the silver lining is that you've taken some time out to think about everything around you, never a bad thing. it really is scary how quickly something can happen and change your life and it's always good to step back and realise how wonderful life is.
and i'm sure your husband would love the extra hugs :)

Traveling Distances said...

I'm glad your friend's injury is minor. Accidents and things that can just happen in a flash do put things into perspective.

Melanie's Randomness said...

Oh dear dear I'm soo sorry to hear about your colleague!! I hope she is okay. I'll try to be more careful driving & walking! Poor thing. Really I hope she gets better!

Anonymous said...

Earlier this year there was a tragic accident right in front of our sorority house that I can't get out of my head. I heard a huge crash, and looked out my window to see a woman who was hit by a car, and the driver running towards the police station screaming. It's something I will never forget, and I understand what you mean by "it is usually the bad times that make you realize how good the good times really are." I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy every minute of it :)

Sands said...

Oh, I hope she gets well soon! These things are just simply devastating. But it makes us be thankful for what we have, and enjoy life as it is. I wish her well!

xo
Sands

OneCraftyFox said...

Oh, I hope your friend heals quickly. When I was in high school one of my besties was struck by a water truck crossing the street. It took quite a while for her to recover.

You are so right, we never know what lies around the corner. I really like the quote you included in your photograph. Sending you a warm hug... :)

White Tapestry said...

So very true...I've been thinking a lot about this too. Life can come and go in an instant. You have a great blog and I'm so happy your friend is ok:)
Julie xo

Slyde said...

well, at least im happy to hear that your friend is going to pull thru. thats a horrible thing to happen during the holiday season, especially.

iheartkiwi said...

Oh my goodness! I will definitely keep your friend in my thoughts and prayers.

Definitely a reminder to never take life for granted.