Angel At The Wheel

Before I begin, I just want you to know that I am OKAY. I am intact. I have all of my body parts. Everything still works. There is very little soreness after the third day of survival. The sun still rises each morning. JoJo is healthy. And, I’m back behind the wheel thanks to Enterprise Rentals.

You guessed it. I was involved in an auto crash a couple of days ago. It would be too boring for you and too time-consuming to explain the circumstances, but once again, I must tell you that I am OKAY. I found out later that that very section is a high accident location. The way my car was hit simply pushed me off the road and up onto the parking lot grass, stopping me safely, without hitting any signs or buildings. The hit was on the right rear. I was, of course, in the driver’s seat and JoJo was right behind me strapped into his seat. As soon as I could get out I pulled him out. He simply looked at me as if I had awakened him from a nap.

From that moment on I began to see just how guardian angels work. As my car slid up onto the grass, I held on to the steering wheel and simply rode along, waiting to see where I landed. I landed safely and quietly. I missed a steel pole, by three inches, on my side that would prevent me from opening the door to “escape.” The car engine was still running. Of course, I turned it off. But it also meant I could roll down the window. A nice man ran over to check on me. I explained that the pole was preventing me from opening the door. He was able to pull the pole out of the ground. I escaped and then helped JoJo with his escape.

The fire truck came. The police came. The city clean-up came. The other driver’s tow truck came. Reports were made and passed out. Then, they all left and there was only me, JoJo, and Maxwell, my beautiful, 2025, Honda Pilot that that seen me across over 21K miles of travel. Maxwell was now badly wounded but had kept me, and what was precious to me, safe. As I stood on the grass, keeping vigil over Maxwell, waiting for AAA road service, a lovely thing happened. A young man came out from the Wendy’s. His name was Jesse. He wanted to know what he could do for me. Could he bring out a chair? Would I like to come in and wait? I told him he was sweet but I would be fine. (Us older folks never want to cause problems and I really was fine.) His last ditch effort was to offer me a bottle of water, which I took, gratefully. (Us older people know we need to stay hydrated.)

The tow truck showed up soon after. I had spent the extra money on a higher tow plan based in California, so the tow was no charge.  I watched as Maxwell was towed out of my life forever.

I had called for an Uber, which arrived about ten minutes later, and JoJo and I climbed in, went home and continued on. Well, actually, JoJo drank some water and settled into his bed and took a long nap.

I had already called and left a message with my auto insurance company. Their automated system acknowledged my accident report and said to complete the report online after I had returned home. I must tell you that, by the time I got home, a real live human voice was calling me.

The moment I got off the phone I received another call. This one was from the insurance broker I had left a message with, a week before. My current health insurance will not continue on the East Coast and I was scrambling to search out a new plan. We decided on my new path and it would go into effect in one week. Done and done!

With the multiple, cross-country trek just completed, I had upped my auto insurance to a better plan. When I arrived in North Carolina, I had immediately called to switch states.  So far, everything is paid for, including the little blue Ford I am currently renting.

Yesterday, after picking up the rental, I went to the tow yard to empty out all the stuff Maxwell had been holding. It was a sad farewell to my travel companion. My Guardian Angel and Maxwell had kept me safe. The passenger side airbags had deployed during the accident which, apparently, means a total loss. Maxwell was paid off. This means any settlement will go towards my next car. Do you think I am done? Hah! Do you think I am going to drive a whole lot more safely? Yep! Am I glad that guardian angels are tireless? Thank you Lord!

It is true, I believe, that most accidents happen within three miles of home. It happened to me.

I could print a picture of Maxwell’s “smush” but that would be too sad…