January 23, 2014

Life is Short

It started off like most Sundays.  We got up early and made it to church (on time!)  Nana took Munchkin out to breakfast and The Man and I headed home after chatting with friends for a little bit.  We took the highway home even though we normally take the scenic back road on Sundays.

We came around a curve and saw a car on its side.  There were two men around it, trying to get in.  The Man pulled the car over and ran to help them.  I grabbed my phone and called 911.  After 5 rings and no answer, I hung up and tried again.  I finally got through and gave them the necessary info.  Thankfully someone had already called it in and help was on the way.  Many Waters Life is Short

While I was on the phone I watched as The Man and the two other men tried to right the smoking car.  The Man shouted at me that there was an unconscious man in the car.  Two other people ran up and the five of them were able to manually right the car.  All the doors were locked.  The Man and another man were able to force a door open because it was a little bent.  Out of nowhere a women showed up.  She was in scrubs and had a hospital ID badge on.  There was a blue tag hanging from with proclaiming that was is an RN.  She took charge as they pulled the man to the ground and started giving him CPR.

He was an older man, with white hair and a bald spot.  He had an oxygen tank  and they pushed the air hose out the way.  I held a man’s jacket while he took a turn doing compressions on the man’s chest.  I was the smallest person there so I didn’t take a turn but The Man did.  It felt like a long time before the police and ambulances showed up but in reality I think it was only 2 or so minutes. 

The EMTs arrived and took over CPR.  The Man came over to me and just held my hand.  We stood and watched as they got him into the ambulance.  Someone grabbed his oxygen tank and noted that it was empty.  We overheard someone who  saw the accident describe what happened.  The driver was coming across the highway and hit the embankment, the car went air born and landed on it’s side.  While we have no idea what caused the accident, we’re guessing it was either a heart attack or caused because he ran out of oxygen.  Later on on Sunday we saw a newspaper article saying it was a medical condition.

The Man quietly told me that he thinks the man died before they got him out the car, probably before anyone stopped to help.  The Man’s hands were shaking, dirty and had blood on them.  He did what he could to try to save the driver.  We were both shaken from the accident and it affected our whole day.  It’s affect our whole week. 

This event has made me think about how short life is.  The man was 71, which seems like a long life.  Even so, it really isn’t that long.  None of us are here for that long.  I’m reminded that each day is a gift and one that we shouldn’t take for granted.  I’m hugging my family a little tighter.  I’m thankful for the time I have with them, no matter how long or short that time may be. 

Many Waters James 414

19 comments:

  1. This hits really close to home. Life is so short. I'm glad that you,the Man, and the other people who stopped to help were there, even if the result was not ideal. I'm sure the family will find some comfort in the helping nature of others.

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  2. How scary. I'm sorry you guys had to witness this and that it was too late for this gentleman. Bless you both for stopping to help.

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  3. Oh hun it is scary when you come on something like that. I am glad ya'll tried to help a lot of people wouldn't have. Sending love and prayers for your peace in this time.

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  4. Wow. I couldn't imagine what I would do if I came upon that situation. Good in you!

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  5. Bless you and The Man for stopping to help. You got my eyes watering from this. I wrote a post last week about how life is short and how we've been holding on to each other a little tighter after my husband's uncle died at 72 from a medical condition on the 11th. Because I loved your post so much, I made you my Friday's Feature!! I found your blog through Twist & Sprinkle.
    Have a great weekend.

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  6. I'm sure it does. Hugs to you my friend. I know you're still grieving from the loss of your FIL. The pain never really goes away, it just lessens. Time does heal. If you need/want to talk, I'm here!

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  7. Thank you. It was a little scary. I'm thankful we didn't have Munchkin with us!

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  8. It was a little scary, especially not totally knowing what had happened and what was going on. About 5 other cars stopped. It was nice to have others stop and help!

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  9. The Man was driving and said he pulled over before he really registered what was happening. I'm not sure I would have stopped if I had been by myself (with or without Munchkin!)

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  10. Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss! Hold your love ones close. It's hard to lose someone you love (I lost my dad 2.5 years ago)

    Thank you for the feature! I'll be sure to stop by:)

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  11. This absolutely broke my heart. I'm sure his family would be very grateful that you guys stopped and tried to help.

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  12. What a story! I don't even know what I would do in that situation. Thank you for being a good samaritan.

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  13. Thank you for sharing such a great story. I agree life is short and you don't know when your time is up. Live life to the fullest each and every day.

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  14. I hate seeing accidents on the side of the freeways like this. Such a sad and scary way to end your life! The thought that it could really happen to anyone at any time, but in God's time we'll all leave this earth. It's sad that hearing stories like this is what it takes for me to reexamine how I'm living my life and make sure I'd be at peace if I found myself in that car.

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  15. How scary. I'm sure his family would like to know people were there to help

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  16. I had that thought too, that are days are numbered before they ever begin.

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  17. I think you just go on autopilot:)

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