There are some experiences in life that put everything into perspective.
You know those moments when your entire life flashes before your eyes and you are at a loss? We experienced one of those this weekend when our neighbor knocked on our door to tell us that our 17 year old daughter had been struck by a minivan while riding her bicycle a few blocks from our house.
We rushed down the street to the scene of the accident grateful to find that she was at least alive but lying on the pavement immobile – every parent’s worst nightmare unfolding before our eyes. Thankfully we have incredible neighbors. One kind woman was holding her hand. Another had called 911, others stood around her talking soothingly.
I sat on the ground to hold her head and talk to her and then I saw it – the minivan which had hit her had a huge dent in the front and the windshield was shattered where her body had made impact.
Within a few minutes we were whisked away by ambulance to the emergency room and after a CT scan and X-rays we discovered the extent of the physical damage: a broken and protruding collar bone and a broken ankle along with abrasions and bruising. Emotional trauma cannot be measured by modern medical technology.
After surgery to fix the collarbone and ankle she is now recovering and after a few months of healing she will probably be as good as new, with the addition of a few pieces of metal holding her together in certain spots.
We are so grateful. Seeing the damage to the bicycle and the minivan so many alternative outcomes run through my mind as I am caring for her: brain damage, spinal cord injury or even death. I am so aware of the fragility of life, the preciousness of each moment we have with our loved ones.
My posts will probably be a little sporadic for the next couple of weeks. I am sure that you understand.
Read More On This Topic:
Update on My Daughter (and me)
Prayers for you and your daughter. My daughter was hit by not one, but two cars and both times they ran. I was at work and she had been riding home from school; she was 8. After that, no more! She is 28 now and I’m grateful she had only bumps and bruises. Take care!
Oh my goodness Deborah! I am so sorry that you had to go through that but so thankful that she is okay. Thank you for sharing your story and for praying for us.
Here is a quote that came to me thru email, and it really had an impact:
Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many–not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some – Charles Dickens
Thanks Sharon – great quote!
Oh, that has been a very stressful time both for you & the driver, happy to see that it was not a huge catastrophe & it’s almost over now. Try to be patient 🙂
Thank you Linsi!
Thank you so much for your prayers! I am so glad that your daughter is okay.
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Wow Mary! I am so glad that he recovered! Thanks for your encouragement.
Sending out prayers for you and your family. Sounds as if God had all His angel helpers in place that day, just for your daughter. That’s what He does -He knows what’s coming and prepares us for it, even without our knowing. God Bless you all!
Sending out prayers for you and your family. Sounds as if God had all His angel helpers in place that day, just for your daughter. That’s what He does -He knows what’s coming and prepares us for it, even without our knowing. God Bless you all!
Thank you Laurel!
Rejoicing with you for your daughter’s life! Our family is praying for her healing and strength for your entire family in the days ahead. A message to your daughter: You can make it through this! God has a plan for your life, and He will cause you to come through this in victory, totally restored in every way!
Oh prayers on prayers for you precious girl..
I’m sorry to hear about your daughter. I thank God for sparing her life, and pray for strength as she goes through the recuperating process. God bless you and your family.
KIM…Lord JESUS. I am praising right now that she is ok. I am just overwhelmed at God’s protective power and peace that He has given you. You pour out so much and it’s just good to hear this testimony. I just am ..praising. THANK YOU GOD! Thanks for sharing. We’ll be in prayer for you and your family.
Thank you so much for your prayers!
I will keep your daughter and family in my thoughts and prayers. I saw your latest post where she is home. Prayers for continued healing.
Thankfully no one else was injured but I am sure the driver is dealing with the emotional consequences of the accident so we are praying for him.
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
Jen, I have thought many times over the past few days about how my life would be changed forever if the circumstances were different. I am so glad that your friends were able to forgive the person involved. We are also praying for the family that hit our daughter that God will surround them with His love, comfort them and reassure them.
Thanks Sharon – great quote!
Thank you Andrea. It may seem strange but we are already seeing God working through this situation. We know that He does not cause harm to come to us, but when it does He is with us and works all things together for good. There is no fear in love but perfect love casts out fear and we definitely feel His tremendous love for us at this time.
I am so glad that your child is fine now, and thank you for the reminder to ask for help. 🙂
Thank you so much Robin!
Oh my Becky! I am so glad that he only suffered a broken arm. Blessings to you!
Thank you so much Stefanie!
Thank you Jena – yes, we already see many blessings including our family becoming closer and each of us drawing closer to God. Thank you for your prayers!
Thank you so much Lena!
Praise God that your daughter is alive! It’s sad but true that events like these remind us that our time is short on this earth and we can never take for granted those closest to us.
I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter. Sending you much love and strength from South Africa.
How terrifying! Prayers for your family and for your daughter’s recovery.
Praying for you and your family
I’m so sorry to hear this. I will keep your daughter and family in my prayers.
Sending prayers for a complete and speedy recovery. Our Lord is so good that things turned out the way they did, good neighbors helping, wise doctors, etc. Be well and take care.
I am praying for good healing.
Thanks for the post so that we know how to pray for you and your family. The Lord has your daughter in His hands and thankfully she is doing well! Your post really DOES put things into perspective…life is fragile and thanks for the reminder. We will continue to pray for you all. Sounds like you’re kids have a great Mom!!
Thank you Julia!
My prayers are with you & yours!! Thank goodness your daughter will be ok — seems her guardian angel was working overtime. That must have been so frightening for you!
Kimberlee, I am heartbroken and overjoyed by your post at the same time. I thank the Lord that he spared your daughter and I am so thankful she has “fixable” injuries. This is just about the best outcome I could imagine from the scene you described. You will both be in my prayers and I hope to see updates the the Inspired Bloggers FB group.
Kimberlee, I am heartbroken and overjoyed by your post at the same time. I thank the Lord that he spared your daughter and I am so thankful she has “fixable” injuries. This is just about the best outcome I could imagine from the scene you described. You will both be in my prayers and I hope to see updates the the Inspired Bloggers FB group.
God was definitely with your precious one. Praying for speedy recovery and strength for you and for your family while caring for her.
I’m a new reader to your blog, but I’m so thankful to have found it. I am glad your daughter is okay – maybe not 100% yet, but she’ll get there. I’ve always seen blessings come out of tragedy and maybe you don’t see it yet, but I’m sure you will, and when you do, please share! God bless you and your family. 🙂
Prayers for your sweet girl <3
Praying for your daughter and your family. All, that matters is taking care of her. We will be here when you are ready.
Prayers coming for your family
Oh my….As a mother of two by birth, one through marriage, and one through a child not yet ready (our grandson)…I can only imagine…my – OUR – prayers are with you….
Glad she is going to be ok! Had a similar incident on 10-13 when my hubby fell off a roof. We were blessed with only a broken arm.
Oh my Becky! I am so glad that he only suffered a broken arm. Blessings to you!
Don’t worry about your website. Right now all that matters is taking care of your family. Sending prayers that she will heal well. And thankful that she survived in as good a shape as she sounds. Just be there for her, the rest of the family and take care of yourself.
My prayers are with you all.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear this. Will say prayers for you and your family.
Thank god she’s ok 🙂
Oh how scary! I’m so glad that your daughter is okay.
We all give you permission to take all the time you need. Family first. Sending healing thoughts for your sweet daughter and strength for you and your husband in the turmoil.
Oh, my goodness gracious, what a frightening and heart stopping experience for you! With you, I’m relieved that her injuries were not life-threatening, and with the others, hoping for a straightforward, quick and full recovery. {{{{HUGS}}}} –Charmaine
I’m so sorry about your daughter’s accident, but thankful for your family that she will recover. Don’t give another thought to your posts until she is all well again. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Thank God for his wonderful mercy! I wish your daughter a speedy recovery and comfort to you and your family.
So sorry you’ve had to experience this but so thankful that everything turned out ok. Sending Healing Energy and Prayers for strength as you all get through this. Blesssings <3
Oh my………praying for your family….last September our oldest was in a serious car accident & in the hospital for 1 week(totally fine now)……just remember to ask for help & prayers…..hope she gets well soon w/out any lasting side effects
So sorry to hear about your daughter. Prayers for speedy recovery and prayers for comfort during this time of healing for all of you.
Praying for a miraculously quick recovery for your baby girl. Also for strength for you as you care for her.
Blessings of peace, health and prosperity to you and your family during this time. The One who is the source lightens your load.
Oh my goodness. Love and prayers! Thank Heavens she’s going to be okay.
So glad it was a better-case scenario than it could have been. Praying for strength and healing.
prays for a speedy recovery
Just prayed for your daughter, you and your whole family!
Sorry you are all going through this right now! Hope she heals quickly! Praying for you all!
Prayers go out to you and your family! I pray for your daughter’s recovery that it is quick and she is in minimal pain – and I pray for you that you are able to take time for your family and NOT worry a bit about your blog!!!
Thank you so much Stefanie!
So very sorry to hear this, but thankful for the hand of God upon your daughter! Prayers for you all.
In our Prayers out in El Paso Texas
Praise God that things are minor. I can’t imagine the fear! I am thankful that God helped her and will continue to hold her and your family in His hands. There is a reason for this; though we might never know what that reason is; I have faith that this is making you guys stronger. Prayers to you and your family and that the healing process goes quickly; I also pray that there’s not a lot of fear of riding her bike down that street; if there is I pray it goes away quickly! What a miracle!
Thank God for the outcome, sending prayers for your daughter and your family and wishing her a speedy recovery!
So thankful your daughter is still with you and prayers for a speedy recovery. My dear friends lost their teenage son a few years ago after he was hit on his bicycle. Their story of forgiveness after the accident is nothing short of miraculous, as is your daughter’s life. Praise God!
Jen, I have thought many times over the past few days about how my life would be changed forever if the circumstances were different. I am so glad that your friends were able to forgive the person involved. We are also praying for the family that hit our daughter that God will surround them with His love, comfort them and reassure them.
Wow, My prayers are for you and your family. Thankful she is still alive. God is good and he will take care of you and your family.
God is good! Praise him for the opportunity to share many more memories with your daughter! Praying for physical and emotional healing from this trauma.
Wow! What a scary experience! Thank you for letting us know! Our prayers go with your entire family and for your daughter’s complete recovery!!
Oh my goodness what a terrifying ordeal that must have been! Praise God she is alive and all her injuries are things that can heal with time. Much love toyou and your family!
Praying for peace and healing during this trying time.
Praying for your girl!
I understand completely, something similar happened in our life with our daughter and my perspective changed dramatically. I am praying for your daughter and all of you for complete healing, and peace for all of you that the outcome will be a good one.
Healing thoughts and prayers headed out…
So thankful to God that the outcome wasn’t worse. Believing for a quick recovery. Your followers aren’t going anywhere, so please take all the time you need with your family. There’s nothing more important.
Praying for you guys! So thankful to hear she’s ok. Take the time away that you need and don’t think twice about it. We’ll miss you but she needs you more.
Praying!
Praying for your family and thanking God for his angels of protection!
Oh my heart aches for you. Prayers for your daughter’s speedy recovery and yours all well <3
May God bless you all and prayers for a speedy recovery.. Being a mom is a special blessing and you are right where you need to be… with her and taking care of her.
Oh my goodness!!! Praying for your daughter as she heals and for the emotional toil this takes on her and your family!! Praise God she will be okay!!!!
Was the driver or passengers of the van injured?
prayers for a speedy recovery and Praise the Lord for the outcome
Praying for you and your family. So thankful your precious child will be ok.
Prayers for you and your family…
So glad the injuries were (relatively) minor. Don’t forget to take care of yourself during this time while she’s recovering and you are trying to take care of everybody else! (((hugs)))
Sending prayers for a speedy recovery!
Thankful to God she’s ok. Prayers for Her and your family…helps us all realize what’s truly important in life.
Thanksfully she will recover without great damages. I’m sending love and positive thoughts to you and your daughter. And a big hug too.
So thankful that she’s going to be ok! Sending prayers for super speedy recovery for you all!
Praying for her full recovery…and for you dear mama. How terrifying. Love to you and yours. We’ll be here when you get back. ((((Hugs))))
I’m so glad you hear that your daughter is now recovering. What a frightening experience. Praying for you all.
I am so sorry to hear about this! I hope your daughter is on the mend and all is on track. Take what ever time you need for recovery and getting back life to normal!! Mags
I understand all your emotions…….My 10 yr.old son was run over by a dump truck. He recovered from a fractured pelvis and lacerated liver. He’s fine and 50 now! So thankful your daughter did not sustain any more injuries. Prayers for a quick recovery and don’t forget to take care of yourself too throughout this time.
Wow Mary! I am so glad that he recovered! Thanks for your encouragement.
Oh my goodness! My eyes have tears. Praise the Lord she is okay!
What a scary place for her and for mom. I will be praying for your family and thanking the Lord that it wasn’t worse. Bless you!
Oh no. So sorry, will keep her in my prayers. Take your time, the blog can wait. Praying for you as well!
I will pray for your daughter’s healing. Praising God for his mercies.
Praying for your daughter and your family!!!
Oh my….. thankful for your sweet neighbors and her healing. Will be praying for you and your family.
Prayers to you all!!! Thankful it wasn’t as bad as it could be.
Sending love to you and your whole family. So glad things weren’t worse for your daughter.
Been there. A mama bear has got to do what a mama bear has got to do. Take care of your baby and yourself and accept and ask for help. Praying for you both.
Hugs, thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!!
So glad you still have your precious child. Breathe, mom.
Kimberlee, I’m glad she will be alright. You definitely have your priorities straight. Family first. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
Oh Kimberly. Im glad she is going to be ok. Saying a prayer for you all.
Oh Kimberly. Im glad she is going to be ok. Saying a prayer for you all.
You will be in my thoughts and I pray for your family and I hope your daughter has a speedy recovery.
I am sorry for your daughter’s injuries, the fear you felt and the recovery road she faces. I know you all will be counting your blessings, sharing the goodness that follows and God will see you through to better days.
Thank you Laurel!
Thank God! I’m guessing she must have been wearing a helmet. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Wow! I’m so sorry to hear of this incident and so grateful that it wasn’t worse. Praying for a quick and full recovery for her and praising God for her life.
Wow! I’m so sorry to hear of this incident and so grateful that it wasn’t worse. Praying for a quick and full recovery for her and praising God for her life.
Oh my goodness! My eyes have tears. Praise the Lord she is okay!
If your daughter is half as strong and awesome as her mom she will recover in no time!
Bless your hearts! Praying for a quick recovery. I’m sure that must have been really scary for you and for her!
A couple of weeks? Please take ALL the time you need. Your blog can wait. Prayers for you and your girl.
I am sorry to hear of this. Just know thoughts and prayers coming your way for a speedy recovery!
I am sorry to hear of this. Just know thoughts and prayers coming your way for a speedy recovery!
What a scary place for her and for mom. I will be praying for your family and thanking the Lord that it wasn’t worse. Bless you!
So glad she is going to be ok, but so sorry that it happened at all! Take care!! I’ll pray for her quick recovery.
Bless you all at this time!!!! Prayers for a speedy recovery!!!
thankful for the outcome and praying for healing for your daughter, both the physical and the emotional wounds.
prayers being sent your way… 🙂
Praying for you and your family.
Thanks so much!
First of all..so thankful for the outcome. Second..praying for complete healing for your daughter and peace for you all.
Will be praying for your daughter.
So sorry to hear this. Do not feel any compulsion to respond individually, just know people care and will pray.
I’m praying for a speedy recovery for her!
Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. Sounds like your daughter is strong and will be kicking A%$ in just a few short months. Take care.
Praise the Lord, she’s okay!
Praise the Lord, she’s okay!