Wednesday started pretty much the same as any other day, I got up, got the kids up and ready and brought Rachel to school. Arik had decided to stay awake(he works nights and usually goes to bed at about 8:00), so I left Carson and Brennden home with him. I came home and Arik and I started on several home projects that we wanted to take care of. Carson had been sick since Saturday, so I made an appointment for her at the doctor's for 1:15.<P>At about 12:50 I kissed Arik goodbye, told Brennden we would work on his Valentine cards after mommy got back, packed up Carson and headed off to town to go to the doctor.<P>It started out being a normal trip to town; I have driven the road at least twice a day for the past 3 years; but it wouldn't end up being normal. I hit a patch of ice, slid across the road, hit a snow ridge, flipped the car and ended at the bottom of a 20 foot ditch. I was able to get myself out of the car, climb up the hill and flag somebody down to help me get Carson out of her carseat and bring us to the hospital. ( I don't really remember much of how I did it though).<P>This is just a reminder of the fragility of life...<P>Had circumstances been different in the tiniest detail Carson, myself or even both of us may not be here today.<BR>Had I hit ice slightly earlier I would have hit a telephone pole. Had the tree I went through with the car not been dead and rotten it could have killed us. Had I gone off the raod slightly later I would have landed in an area where it was full of jagged stumps that could have pierced through the roof of the car. <BR>I will be convinced forever of the precence of guardian angels. On either side of Carson's place in the car the roof is completely caved in, but above her head the ceiling height is untouched, as if some sort of invisible roll bar was over top of her protecting her and keeping her from harm ( she doesn't have a scratch on her).<P>The moments that I spoke of at the beginning of my post could have easily been the last moments that I had seen any of my family members, my last kiss goodbye, the last words spoken. I have thought about this often in the last few days...I don't think I will soon forget this lesson.<P>Any momment with a loved one could be the last...treasure them.<P>------------------<BR>Love and Prayers<BR>Nicole <p>[This message has been edited by Patient Love (edited February 10, 2001).]

Wow, Nicole! I am so glad that you and your daughter are ok!<P>And you certainly are right about treasuring the moments with your loved ones!<P>------------------<BR>terri<BR><B>Courage</B><P>Whatever course you decide upon,<BR>there is always someone to tell you<BR>that you are wrong.<P>There are always difficulties arising<BR>which tempt you to believe that your <BR>critics are right.<P>To map out a course of action <BR>and follow it to an end <BR>requires courage.<P><I>Ralph Waldo Emerson</I>

I too, am glad that you are both OK. This is a reminder that sometimes we all need to hear. You never know what lies ahead.

I am so glad that you both are ok. Your guardian angels were watching over you.<P>Yes, I do think about those precious moments and pray that when I say "goodbye" to my H, when he leaves for work or whenever I go somewhere, that it won't be our last.

Hi Nicole,<P>I'm so thankful you are both unhurt. You're right that we all need to treasure each moment. One of my greatest worries has been that something would happen to either firestorm or me before we resolved our problems.<P>I do believe in guardian angels, and I also believe that God brought you and Arik back together for a greater purpose. Obviously, he isn't finished with you yet (thank goodness).<P>I'll be thanking God for your safety tonight!<P>Peppermint

In October, I was driving to the Chiropractor, the kids I left at home as they were on spring break. My oldest is 11. It had only been 2 months into this ordeal and I was thinking to myself during the 15 minute freeway ride, that what if something happend to me while I was out alone and the kids were home alone? I was maudlin, because I was still feeling sorrowful about my situation. As I got off the onramp and looked at on-coming traffic--a jacka$$ rammed right into the back of me!! He had not slowed upon exiting the freeway. I couldn't believe that I had just been thinking about it! <P>I think the the angels were watching me that day. It could have been so much worse. After chiropractor treatments, I was okay and MY ins. took care of the repairs as the driver who hit me was uninsured and diappeared with a false address...<P>This in no way compares with your story which was a much stronger message, but I do believe in the angels watching us. I think they help us when things look like their worst for us--giving us the strength to go on for the sake of our children, and eventually for ourselves. <P>I am happy for you. I will thank God in church tmorrow for your safe escape.

Nicole, <P>I am so thankful you are alright!<P>Six years ago, I had an accident on the Xway. We all came out fine, but we were rushed to the hospital, because they suspected injuries because of the condition of the car and the speed (65+) we hit the wall.<P>I can't explain it, but when the car stopped bouncing and spinning, I remember hearing my girls cry, and I so clearly remember feeling a presence over the hood of my car, although I can not say I saw a thing. In an instant it was gone and people were trying to help pull us out, because fuel was leaking.<P>This experience may have more effect on you than you realize. As thankful as you are, you may feel freaked out and vunerable as well. Let me know if you ever want to talk about it more.

Nicole,<P>Thanks for the post. It's good to be reminded of what's really important sometimes. <P>I'm glad nobody was seriously hurt.<P>-HD

Nicole,<P>I'm glad you and the baby are ok. Yes you are 100% correct in your point about any minutes being your last.<P>Do take good care,<P>Bill

Thanks to all for your responses.<P>I feel truly blessed that we escaped without serious injury.<P>There are moments, however, when I feel completely out of control with the whole situation. Afraid to think of the days ahead, unsure of what the future holds.<P>Thanks for your prayers and good wishes. They are much appreciated.<P>------------------<BR>Love and Prayers<BR>Nicole