Extra Grateful This Winter Solstice

Many of you already know about my family’s Solstice tradition of finding gratitude for the past year and then later making Wish Bread to talk about all our hopes for the coming year. This year I’m feeling extra grateful. I’m grateful for my and my family’s health and safety after I was in a car accident this afternoon.

Winter has finally hit us after some warmer than normal temperatures. Cam and I watched the grader this morning ploughing the road while we talked about upcoming holiday events with friends. I told him I wanted to go to town to get groceries before the xmas busyness and while he didn’t want me to drive on the icy roads this day, he admitted that we couldn’t do without those groceries. I drove to town on my own today which was a nice treat since I usually have the kids with me.

I drove without any problems. I took it slow and careful and yet on the way home, going up a hill in the truck, I accelerated a bit too much to compensate for going so slowly around an earlier turn and the truck swerved! I took care to not over compensate with the wheel but still spun off the road and into a ditch. The airbags deployed but thankfully they didn’t hit my face. I was now facing downhill in the ditch on the other side of the road.

I am so grateful to not be more hurt than I am; it could be a lot worst than sore muscles.

I’m also grateful for the many people who stopped to see if I was all right. The people who called 911. The volunteer firefighter who came out in his own vehicle to offer assistance. The man who stopped and gave me a huge hug and a shoulder to cry on and waited with me for the ambulance and police to arrive. The ambulance attendant who brushed off my worries of putting her out because I clearly wasn’t that badly hurt. For the good advice and for listening to me cry. The RCMP member who stayed with me until the tow truck came and kindly chatted with me to take my mind off the situation, even if only briefly. For the ride to the hospital and for the great support she offered me.

I’m grateful my kids weren’t in the car with me and that no one else was hurt in the accident. When Cam came to get me he was less concerned about the truck’s welfare than my own. (Obviously but it’s still nice when it happens.) My dear neighbour for watching our kids while Cam came to get me.

Yes, I’m feeling pretty grateful. I’m reminded not to take life for granted and to not waste a moment. Please drive safely out there!

ps. Lake skating is better than car accidents. If you have the option do the skating instead.