The last thing I remember was passing the Starbucks then the McDonalds with its bright neon lights lighting up the fast-food chain’s parking lot on the corner of Walling Street. We had also walked by the Bugatti’s Italian Restaurant, and later when I reflected back, I recall pondering if we should eat there. Maybe I should have said something to Chris.
But I didn’t. Instead, we continued walking to our original Happy Hour destination, Linn City Pub. We never made it.
Two hours later I woke up on my back looking up at a different kind of neon lights, the bright fluorescent beams of the emergency room at OHSU hospital.
The first words I heard as I looked up were, “Mom, you’ve been in an accident.”
Those words uttered by my son haunt me. I remember after Ryan spoke them, my mind started reeling.
What had happened? How did I get here? What am I doing here? Where is my husband?
“You and Dad were hit by a car.” While walking in a cross walk. By a Suburban.
You don’t get hit by a car, much less a Yukon, and survive.
The next day, my friend Kristi marched into my hospital room with tears in her eyes. “When you Google pedestrians struck by cars, all of the stories that come up are ‘Dead, dead, dead. Cornelia, your kids should have been planning your funeral, but you are here.”
“Angels, that’s all I can say is, angels padded that sidewalk. God provided a way for you to live.”
Psalm 91 verses 11 and 12 remind me: “For he will give his angels charge concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will bear you up in their hands, lest you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
[This post is part of the Five Minute Friday link up with the theme this week of “Provide” – This is only my second time with this community. Link here: http://fiveminutefriday.com/2018/03/15/fmf-link-up-provide/ ]
Wow! God is so good! My husband survived a train-wreck of a cancer diagnosis—he is here only by the grace of God. I know the feeling!
Yes, God is good. And I am glad your husband survived the cancer diagnosis – We are indeed here by the Grace of God. Thank you for sharing his story and for reading.
Angels…oh yes.
😇I often recall our story of Emma and her pneumonia at one month old, when she stopped breathing in my arms, and an angel appeared doing CPR on her. Oh my, yes. 💜❤💚
Oh yes, indeed sweet Emma’s miracle! So thankful for her life that enriches us all. We give thanks to God for each day of life!
i remember when I first heard this story I was both shocked and stunned and glad you survived. God did indeed send angels to protect you.
Thank you Sharon for hopping on here to comment-it means a lot to share in the journey. And yes, angels indeed were there. I am a believer.
Oh my goodness. What a story. I’m glad that I read the comments above that I could see that your husband did survive also. Yes, the Lord was with you and still is today.
… Bless you and keep on writing for Him..
HI Del – God indeed is with us that day and everyday-with us all. Thanks for the encouragement to keep on writing. I appreciate you reading along.
Cornelia, I am so glad that you were part of the linkup at FMF this week. What a scary experience. It is interesting to me the way God protects us in our lives often in ways we can’t even imagine. May you blessed in your continued healing.
Hi Janel- thank you for checking in from FMF! It is good to be back- didn’t realize it has been since 2012 since I have written in that space- Thank you for your kind blessings and I will hop onto your FMF space as well- keep in touch-
Amazing! Thanks for sharing this experience as it is a reminder and an encouragement to us His followers that God is “ our ever present help in time of need” Psalm 46:1. Praise God! He does send His angels to protect and help us in our times of need. I have had similar experiences of His help though not as traumatic as yours was. Blessings to you daily Cornelia.
Hi Leona- thank you for reading and responding and I love that Psalm! God is our help in times of trouble, as you too have experienced. We all have our crosses to bear and I am thankful we both get to be here- thank you for keeping in touch- Cornelia
Amazing God! He tends to the needs of his people. So thankful for his provision and grateful you are here!
Oh sweet Kelly, our God is indeed amazing! Thank you for your kind words and we are too thankful for God’s provision- He is good. I am grateful for our ongoing connection since FCWC days. . .
Very moving, Cornelia, and so thankful for your outcome. That was the first day of another “rest of your life.” Did your husband survive?
I am fairly new to FMF too.
Leona- I like that thought, the first day of another “rest of our life”! and yes my husband survived as well – we are both so thankful to be given more time on this earth- thanks for stopping over from FMF! we are both newbies; )
Praise God for sparing your life! We were in a very serious car accident without our children, and everyone that saw it (EMT, police, tow-trucks, etc.) said they’ve never seen someone walk away from an accident like that. Praising God for His care over us, and praying for those families who haven’t been fortunate to walk away.
Amber, thank you so much for your response and yes, Praise God. He is the one who saved us, who “provided” (in keeping with the FMF prompt) for us to live another day. Praise God for your care after your accident as well – Wow- Maybe we start a blog on that, eh! – cornelia