Bike Accident...But I'm Fine
Have you ever woken up, really felt like staying home, but opted to leave because there were things to do and people to see? That is how my morning started, at least after having my devotion. Having had some serious back pains yesterday afternoon into the evening, I decided that I would make an attempt to go meet with my friend at Hellshire as we had planned if the pain eased enough. And it did. I therefore thought I should push and go though I really didn't wanna leave home. Maybe the mini-vacation was making me lazy, or I'm just stressed every time I go on the road...or both. (It's both for the record.)
I had business to take of in Fontana Pharmacy, so after I got dressed, made my smoothie and packed the car with laundry, I headed out. Little did I know it would be the scene of a car-hit and run. On turning into the pharmacy (after putting on my indicator), a man riding a bike going in the same direction was trying to overtake me ON THE RIGHT and hit my car. The mirror was knocked out of its place and was hanging by the electrical cord. I pulled into the parking lot of the pharmacy, looked at the cyclist, who paused enough to see me looking at him and then rode away. Unfortunately, it was not enough time for me to get a full view of his license plate.
I was grateful that it wasn't a worse scene. But I was also highly annoyed and perturbed that he could have done that. I took pictures of the car, did what I needed to, and then headed to the Police Station to report the accident. Needless to say driving without my mirror was not comfortable. I felt handicapped and incompetent. Nonetheless, I made my report without incident. Then I called my mechanic and he advise me who to speak with at the garage he normally works at on the weekends. So I decided to head there. On the way, however, I saw an auto repair sign and felt I should turn in and check it out. So I did. I got an estimate for the repair. Fortunately, they had a mirror and could repair it same day. But something said to call the insurance broker (again); the agent suggested that I should report it before making any repairs. I obeyed.
Making the report to the broker took more time than it did at the Police Station. Which is a bit surprising given the stories I've heard. However, it was a relatively straight forward process. A friend came to meet me and together we went back to the auto repair shop where I got the mirror repaired...and lunch! I felt way more confident driving after that.
I reflected on all that happened and had many thoughts. If I had followed my mind and stayed home, nothing would have happened. If I had gone to another location to do what I needed to do, this wouldn't have happened either. But then I bring it back to what it truly was - the Hand of God in my life. So many things happen in life that noone can explain, and quite frankly are unfair. Children being abused or hurt by those who should be protecting them; innocent by-standers being caught in a cross-fire; people dying in car accidents due to no fault of theirs. The list goes on. I am among the most fortunate. I didn't have a bad accident, and noone was hurt. The damage to my car was minimal; I didn't have to claim on my insurance. My life and health remain as before. And I could have been spared from a worse fate, particularly on the journey to the beach. And I also learnt more about myself - I have grown in my faith to go from one step to the next and not panic. I don't have the heart palpitations that typically come with high stress situations.
When I remember the feeling, the sound and sight of the man hitting into the car, it shakes me a bit. But it also reminds me just how fortunate and blessed I am every time I walk through my door and make it home again safely. I also must acknowledge the Spirit leading me in all this, especially in making the right calls, speaking with the right people, and even turning into the auto repair shop that happened to have a used mirror from which I could get the parts to repair mine.
I'm definitely counting my blessings!
I had business to take of in Fontana Pharmacy, so after I got dressed, made my smoothie and packed the car with laundry, I headed out. Little did I know it would be the scene of a car-hit and run. On turning into the pharmacy (after putting on my indicator), a man riding a bike going in the same direction was trying to overtake me ON THE RIGHT and hit my car. The mirror was knocked out of its place and was hanging by the electrical cord. I pulled into the parking lot of the pharmacy, looked at the cyclist, who paused enough to see me looking at him and then rode away. Unfortunately, it was not enough time for me to get a full view of his license plate.
I was grateful that it wasn't a worse scene. But I was also highly annoyed and perturbed that he could have done that. I took pictures of the car, did what I needed to, and then headed to the Police Station to report the accident. Needless to say driving without my mirror was not comfortable. I felt handicapped and incompetent. Nonetheless, I made my report without incident. Then I called my mechanic and he advise me who to speak with at the garage he normally works at on the weekends. So I decided to head there. On the way, however, I saw an auto repair sign and felt I should turn in and check it out. So I did. I got an estimate for the repair. Fortunately, they had a mirror and could repair it same day. But something said to call the insurance broker (again); the agent suggested that I should report it before making any repairs. I obeyed.
Making the report to the broker took more time than it did at the Police Station. Which is a bit surprising given the stories I've heard. However, it was a relatively straight forward process. A friend came to meet me and together we went back to the auto repair shop where I got the mirror repaired...and lunch! I felt way more confident driving after that.
I reflected on all that happened and had many thoughts. If I had followed my mind and stayed home, nothing would have happened. If I had gone to another location to do what I needed to do, this wouldn't have happened either. But then I bring it back to what it truly was - the Hand of God in my life. So many things happen in life that noone can explain, and quite frankly are unfair. Children being abused or hurt by those who should be protecting them; innocent by-standers being caught in a cross-fire; people dying in car accidents due to no fault of theirs. The list goes on. I am among the most fortunate. I didn't have a bad accident, and noone was hurt. The damage to my car was minimal; I didn't have to claim on my insurance. My life and health remain as before. And I could have been spared from a worse fate, particularly on the journey to the beach. And I also learnt more about myself - I have grown in my faith to go from one step to the next and not panic. I don't have the heart palpitations that typically come with high stress situations.
When I remember the feeling, the sound and sight of the man hitting into the car, it shakes me a bit. But it also reminds me just how fortunate and blessed I am every time I walk through my door and make it home again safely. I also must acknowledge the Spirit leading me in all this, especially in making the right calls, speaking with the right people, and even turning into the auto repair shop that happened to have a used mirror from which I could get the parts to repair mine.
I'm definitely counting my blessings!
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