Bad Bad Way

We had snow this morning. March 23. A day that falls in spring on my calendar.

By the time the kids and I left the house, we had over three inches. Fine, wet snow. School was cancelled; therefore, the roads had not been plowed. The forecast is for more snow, ranging from 6-10 inches of snow.

Anyway, the wet snow, the 33 degree temperature and unplowed roads made for a slow drive. And then it happened. The van started sliding to the left. Somehow, we just missed the tail end of a pickup truck. One child was screaming. Or perhaps they both were screaming. I'm not sure. I was trying to block out the noise and concentrate on what I had to do. I knew our children had their seatbelts on (that offered very little comfort) but I had to avoid wrecking our van and avoid injuring our children.

We danced on the highway for a few seconds.

I skidded an "S" in the snow and then, we abruptly came to a stop. A dead stop. On a dime. I wasn't sure if the motor was still running. We stopped so quickly. Luck for us, there were no vehicles following us, or by this time, coming from either direction. I calmly (breathe) stepped on the gas pedal and turned us in the right direction.

Out loud I thanked God for keeping us from harm and delivering us safely from what could have been a terrible accident. Thankfully, our daycare was just down the road. I was shaking. Shaking. I walked the kids in, sat down and cried. My emotions were running high. The kids hugged me. Our little guy said that experience "took his breathe away". For me, I think, it shortened my life span.

I wanted to return home. Be safe at home with my babies. But the trip to the bus stop was shorter than the return trip to our home would be. Knowing the kids would be safe, I went to work.

I called my husband and cried some more. I emailed my two best friends. All three of them told me to make a cup of tea and relax. I did. I made sure the tea was sweet and hot, just the way I like it. It's a bad, bad way to drink hot tea but oh, so sweet, delicious and today, so comforting.

And then, my dear friend emailed me this:

When your day seems topsy turvey
And as stormy as can be
There's nothing quite as tranquil
As a nice hot cup of tea

While you savor this ambrosia
Your problems fade away
Its warmth will bring you comfort
And brighten up your day

So take a private moment
There's a calmness as you'll see
All because you briefly stopped
To sip a cup of tea.

Along with my hot cup of tea, this helped calm me. Smooth my frayed nerves. Thanks dear one, and thank you for your treasured friendship!

Even though my mind keeps trying to "replay" that wild road dance, I give thanks to God for his protection. The roads were terrible. I know this could have ended in a bad, bad way. Thankful that it did not.