Car Wrecks and Rendering Aid

Many of you know of my car accident on December 27th coming home from Charleston, SC, with my sister, Amy. We experienced a tire blow out while travelling 65-70 mph on a highway totally lined with large pines. I've never been so terrified in all my life. As I struggled to maintain control on the highway, and avoid the trees, I felt certain that if I survived, life would never be the same. (In a way it isn't because I'm much more cautious in my driving and I don't take each day for granted, well, maybe some days!) After spinning around, hitting a few trees and landing in some brush, we were so lucky to walk away without serious injury. (Here's some pictures of the poor Avalon.) Amy and I were so grateful for those who stopped to help, especially an off-duty policeman who stayed with us for 45 minutes until the highway patrol finally arrived!

Now for the rendering aid: We enjoyed a recent trip to Washington D.C. and Williamsburg, VA., but before getting into the fun events in my next blog, I have to fill you in on our drive to DC. We were the first to arrive upon a single car wreck. It was raining and a couple's car hydroplaned into the trees. Darrin saw the woman waving in the rain and pulled over. She said many cars had passed her, but to Darrin, it was obvious that she needed help and he could see their car down in the trees. We were so glad to be able to stop and render aid to this couple who were on their honeymoon!!! The car was very smashed up and the wife, Katy, had to kick to windshield out to climb out of the car and climv the embankment for help. The husband, Robert, was pinned in between the console and his door that was pushing in on him with a tree! He was having a difficult time breathing and Darrin did a great job of talking to him and keeping him focused while I talked to emergency workers who were trying to find our location. We stayed with them for about an hour in the rain, holding their dog and watching the jaws of life cut Robert out. It brought back a flood of memories of my wreck in December. I was so lucky, but had pictured the jaws of life having to rescue me as I was hurling into trees. It felt wonderful to be of service to these people as we were the only ones to stop. They have since called to offer their thanks. Robert spent a week in the hospital with a colapsed lung, several broken ribs, a smashed left arm now held together with titanium and a broken pelvis. We could tell that they were Christian people and relied upon the Lord for their strength and healing. We also felt such a love for these strangers and know that the Lord smiled upon our efforts to help them in their time of need.