More than Newsworthy

My life has always been unique.  I know God knows what he is doing and has His purpose for everything that happens in the universe.  I never knew how far God would go to prove to me how He takes care of us.  In fact, I didn't think He would go as far as placing me in a time and place where things will happen that forever shape how I think, feel and live. 

November 20th, 2011 is a day I will never forget.  Around 3:15 PM, I was involved in a tragic car accident.  In the 24 hours before I was destressing in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wilmington with the guy that willingly puts up with me when I am at my worst and best and has officially become my hero.  We both walked away with only a few scrapes and heavy bruising/contusions but now forever have imprinted in our minds those words, "There's no pulse."  The other car was a 1955 Morgan convertible with no seat belts and I'm pretty sure the doors were removed.  The driver died on impact, the gloves from attending to him landed in the passenger side floor board of my 2008 Kia Spectra.  His passenger was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries (brain bleeding, etc.) and, as far as I know, now improving.  God has a plan.  If it wasn't for Him, seat belts and airbags my boyfriend and I would not be alive.  It is beyond my understanding why that man crossed the yellow line and hit me head on.  Was he intoxicated like the police report likes to suspect or did his sugar drop or heart decide to stop?  All I know is there was no reaction time and it was meant to be.  My spectra and his morgan were the only two vehicles on the road and God has given me that peace, that is how I know.

Every morning for about 5 weeks I woke up thinking about it and shocked that I am still alive.  I found myself pinching myself throughout the day for 2 weeks because I couldn't believe it.  I thought I was in a movie that I could just turn off but it was all real.  The second day after the accident I woke up in a panic from pain and scared to death because I could barely move.  My stomach still has some sore spots and there are scars that will be there for a while.  Mentally, I won't be the same.

"Life is but a vapor" is a phrase I have heard and believed all my life.  Now I know even more about its truth and how lucky I am.  I am more appreciative, easy going and loving than I have been in quite some time.  I also surround myself with family and friends more often.

Getting behind the wheel for the first time was overwhelming.  I hated every inch of the Toyota Camry that was the rental car.  I didn't want to say good-bye to my Kia Spectra.  She was my first big girl car.  I made the payments, took care of her and loved her.  Many memories were made in my now totalled spectra.  She died protecting me and my love, the media even covered how well she responded.  I requested my license plate to be mailed to me and balled when I received it.  I was blessed with an amazing car salesman at Carolina Kia.  He lovingly hung in there with me.  He tried to show me a Spectra and I warned him.  I just stood beside of it and cried.  He asked if I ever thought about a new car and got me into a brand new Forte.  I love it but there is still that soft spot missing my Spectra.  I will never forget her.  I hope that with a little help from a friend that I will eventually climb back into one (just to ride) with few tears. 

There are more blessings that come out of this "more than newsworthy" event that will help me get things a little more on track.  I never suspected making the papers this way but I am alive to say how important airbags and seat belts are and, even more importantly, how well the Father takes care of us whether we think so at the time or not.  I am God's girl and He has great plans for my life.

Thank you for reading.  This is the first time I have put a majority of my feelings about this in writing.  I cried several times while writing this but I know it is necessary to move on.

Be safe, buckle up, love your neighbors, friends and family.  I love all of you.

~ Manda

A couple articles from the accident:
http://www.wwaytv3.com/2011/11/21/man-dies-after-crashing-classic-car-without-seat-belts
http://www.wect.com/story/16086552/traffic-fatality-at-carolina-beach-road-and-3rd-street