Thursday, July 19, 2007

A lot to be thankful for

Every day most of us get into our 3,000 pound (at least) cars and drive to work, or to the mall or to dinner.  We often take for granted the power of these cars, and the damage they can do.

Really, it’s pretty amazing to think that so many people can be on the road at one time, sometimes going 60 or 70 miles per hour, and not run into each other more often.  It’s especially amazing to me because I’m so clumsy, I can barely walk around my apartment without bumping into something, and I’ve only been in one car accident (knock on wood).

This morning, my heart started thumping a little faster when I got a call from my girlfriend.  She had just gotten into an accident.  She sounded alright.  Maybe a little anxious, frustrated, shocked.

She was on her way to work, stopped in traffic, when a three cars back, one car rear-ended another car, starting a chain reaction of crashes that involved my girlfriend, who was forced into another car in front of her (that car left the scene).

By the time I got to the scene of the accident, there were at least three police officers on the scene, along with a fire truck and an ambulance.

Fortunately, just about everybody, including my girlfriend, escaped any major injuries.  One person was taken to the hospital.

I watched as friends and family members of other people involved in the accident arrived at the scene, cell phones in hand and worried looks on their faces.

I’ve seen this play out many times before.

During my days as a reporter, I had to report on dozens and dozens of accidents.  Some of the accidents were horrifying.  Death, dismemberment and tragedy were common.

Eventually I learned how to separate myself from it all.  I had the perspective of an outsider, trying to piece together the circumstances that caused the accident and the extent of the injuries of those involved.  Like somebody stuck in traffic behind the accident, I was disaffected by what had happened.  I had a job to do, and somewhere to be.

But today, I was on the inside, with someone I love involved, and my perspective changed.

I thank God today’s accident wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

I thank God professional and courteous Columbus Policemen, Firemen and EMTs responded quickly, acted decisively and compassionately.

I thank God my girlfriend wasn’t hurt.

I thank God almost everybody walked away.  I hope and pray the person taken to the hospital makes a full recovery.