Saturday, May 16, 2009

A Miracle Happened Today

Today was supposed to be a fun, easy going day. Mug went to Sea World with Gigi and Pop Pop. Brent was working in Temple. My mom, REW and I thought it would be a great time to go shopping in Round Rock for a little girl time.

It was raining-no-pouring, all day long. Dern. I was so determined to get my little growing man some much needed shorts though, I did not care. We were going regardless of weather. I went to my parent's house to get mom. I kept thinking maybe I should not drive because my dad has been riding me about my tires being "bald". Ah, but it is so much trouble to get all of my baby stuff out and transfer, I'll just drive anyway.

We headed down I-35 south bound. Chatting and chatting. It was really raining. I hydroplaned a couple of times, not much, but a little. Enough to make me slow down. Just outside of Salado, it happened. I felt it start to spin. On the interstate. I was spinning. I took my hand off of the wheel. I screamed, "mom!" She screamed, "Nicki!" I took my hands off the wheel, it was now pointless. I cried out to mom, "Here we go." Such a weird thing to say! Like it was a ride at Six Flags. I think I meant it was out of my hands. We were going to crash. And it was going to be bad. And there was nothing I could do.

If you have ever been in a bad accident, you know the feeling. It is slow mo, but it is quick too. My mind immediately went to my sweet baby in the back seat. She had fallen asleep. As I spun, things were flying out of nowhere. It seemed surreal. It was loud too. I kept thinking, please Lord, protect HER! Keep her little body safe, Lord! Then it happened...we rolled. It was awful. I saw mom's head hit the window. I was numb. Then, we landed. Right side up. Thankfully. It was over. The noise was gone. Stunned, I tried to snap out of it.

I gave myself a once over...I felt nothing! I looked at mom and asked if she was ok, she looked ok. Immediately, I scrambled to get out and look in the back. My door was jammed. My hearing was vague for a few minutes, I am guessing I was high on adreneline. Kicked the door open, glass and mud was everywhere. The door was jarred. I pulled that thing until the handle almost broke. I HAD TO GET TO MY BABY! When the door flew open, it was the biggest moment of gratitude I had ever felt. There was REW. Sitting in her zebra carseat, looking and me with her big blues, soaking wet, bow hanging by a thread of hair...smiling. Oh dear Jesus, you have saved me. Within seconds there were a dozen people running over. Horrified that a baby was in tow. I was bleeding. My mom had a goose egg and could barely see straight. And there was my girl, entertaining the lot. A couple of bystanders came to help. Funny how vividly I remember them. After I answered the "are you OK?" Question a dozen more times, I walked over and looked all around my smashed in car with no windows. And cried. One of the people was a teenage boy. He came over and hugged me so tight. That hug was the sweetest hug I have ever experienced. For some reason the genuine warmth in it made me cry even harder. I wish I had gotten his name to send him a thank you. Another man let me use his phone to call Brent. He was already so close because he was in Temple, he jumped in his truck to come. The 3 of us rode in the ambulance to Scott and White. Though we seemed to be unscathed, I wanted my mom and REW to be checked. As we drove off I saw many things that resided in my car scattered across the now backed up interstate. CDs, envelopes, dishes (some of them are some of yours--sorry)! My purse was empty, The diaper bags were empty. And a pair of scissors that had been in my console were totally bent. Why oh Lord have you spared us from all that could have happened? I PRAISE you for sparing my family.

After a hospital check, we were released. REW was so sleepy, she hunched over in the car on the way home. My mom had a mild concussion. I had a puncture wound and scrapes on my legs. Can you believe it? That was it. Can you believe my baby did not even have a chard of glass in her precious skin? Can you believe she did not cry one time, rather charmed the socks off of everyone she came in contact with? Can you believe everyone who witnessed it said we were saved by the grace of God?

Tonight, you better believe I am shaken to the core. One, because it was scary as hell. Two, because I saw the Lord today. I saw His arms holding my baby girl. I saw his mercy on me. I saw him spare my mother. I saw Him today. I know I am dramatic, but trust, this was real. Every moment. I have it on a reel in my mind. I want it to go away so I can sleep. I held my babies tonight a little tighter. I cried on many occasions. I talked to my mom over and over. I prayed for every single person who was kind enough to stop on the busy interstate in the pouring rain! Surely, the Lord will bless them too! Friends, I just wanted to share this with you today. I have witnessed a miracle! The Lord saved my life!

**ADDITION!!! (5/18/2009)** A few people have asked me what seat REW was in, so I thought I would share for those of you who have kids or may in the future. REW was in her Graco Snugride with the base facing backwards. I have to mention that it has THE SAFEST safety overall ratings of all infant carriers. It did not move an inch. Also, Tristan is in a Britax Marathon. The Britax Marathon is also the highest safety rated seat in it's class. While he was not in the car, his seat was totally unscathed and in steady position! I want to point out with these convertible seats like the Marathon (can you tell i am a safety freak?) that even though your children turn 1 and it becomes "ok" to turn them facing front, it is best to keep the Britax (or any convertible seat you may have) facing backwards until they can no longer fit that way. The "20 pound rule" is actually an old standard. Children are up to 5 times safer if remaing backward until the age of 2! Just something to chew on!! Buckle those precious lambs up and make them tight!!!

43 comments:

Swartz's Scribbles said...

Oh Nicki! I am so glad you and your precious family are okay. Thank you Jesus for your hedge of protection over sweet Nicki's car today!- Amen

S, J, B, & S said...

OH NICKI!! I almost started crying reading this, and I am not a crier! I am SO THANKFUL for the Lord's protection over you, your mom, and sweet Reese today. I can't even imagine how terrifying that must have been. Here's a big blog hug for you!!
((((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))

Melissa said...

Wow Nicki! I am so glad you are okay, and PRAISE THE LORD for his hand on you all! This is such a testimony! Thank you so much for sharing it.

Katy said...

Oh my goodness, Nicki!!!! I am SO glad y'all are ok! What a miracle! Praise the Lord. I know that was horribly scary for you. So thankful for the Lord's hand at work!

Lindsay said...

OH my goodness! I'm so glad you are all ok. Praise Jesus!

Joni said...

Oh, Nicki! I just can't stop crying! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jesus, for your protection on this sweet family today! I am so glad you're all ok. What a testimony to God's protection that your precious baby girl didn't even have a scratch!

Alison said...

That is horrifying! Praise God everybody is okay!

Corrie said...

Ever since Clara woke up yesterday morning asking for "Baby Weece" I had been thinking about y'all!
Thank you, Lord, for protecting our friends!

kinsey said...

oh nicki. i'm sitting here crying. i'm so sorry yall had to go through that, but SO THANKFUL that everything turned out ok. i can not imagine the feelings you had/will have for a while. i will say some prayers for all of you. and that sweet teenage boy...that made me cry the hardest.

Meg said...

nicki!! how terrifying!! praising Jesus for the safety of you and your family!! also praying He will release the scary images from your mind and replace them with the peace of His hand of protection!!

Austin and Ashley Evans said...

I have been stalking your blog for a little bit and finally admitting it. I had tears streaming down my face. Our God is so good! So glad that He had his arms around your sweet family! Praying for yall!

Page said...

Oh my, Nicki, that is terrifying just to read! I'm so sorry that happened to you but so thankful your baby girl was not hurt and you and your mom are okay!! Especially when you describe the accident and how bad the car was totalled....so thankful to God!

Kimberly said...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for protecting and saving my dear friend and her family. May you bring her comfort and peace in the days ahead. Thank you for reminding us (maybe in less subtial ways next time) that You will always remain in control!

But Nic...don't EVER send a text saying, "I was in a horrible wreck" and then be away from your phone for a few hours. Being that I was in Dallas, you gave me a panic attack. But I am so grateful you were all protected by the Grace of God.

Love you!

Shannon said...

Chills and tears from Shannon! Amazing. Thank you Jesus for your protection and your guardian angels. I am so thankful you are all ok. Get some rest!

Sally said...

OMG NICKSTER!!! I am actually tearing up reading that, ahhhh! you captured all the details so vividly that i felt like i was there, and felt like i too just saw the Lord's sweet hand of protection. Thank you Father, to you be the glory!
hugs to you sweet friend, so so sorry you had to go through all that! :(

walkers said...

sweet nicki- God loves you ladies. i do pray that all anxiety would fade and that only the goodness of the miracle would remain! hugs and kisses to all three of you!

Robyn said...

Oh my gosh...I am so sad this happened to yall. I can't even imagine how traumatic this must have been for you. I know Brent must have been shaken up too. I am so grateful that you are all ok!!! Praise God that He kept you all safe.

Anonymous said...

Such a good reminder of how much God looks after us each and every moment...We take so many things for granted. Praise God you guys are ok...and may He grant you peaceful sleep in the coming nights! -shannon

Christian Family said...

PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE the LORD for HIS PROTECTION!!!

Having It All said...

I am crying! What mercy God has shown to you all! I am so glad y'all are safe. I, too, drove to Round Rock on Saturday. I know how bad that rain was! I'm amazed...

Anonymous said...

Oi. Parabéns por seu excelente blog. Gostaria de lhe convidar para visitar meu blog e conhecer alguma coisa sobre o Brasil. Abração

Christian Family said...

just had to write again...reading your entry literally shook me to the core...I woke up last night SO THANKFUL that yall are ok and that GOD PROTECTED all three of you!!!
So often I fall into the "I can control life" phase...although I KNOW that GOD is in control..and reading about your experience has brought me back to a great place...a place where I KNOW beyond a shadow of a DOUBT that GOD IS IN CONTROL...and HE is OUR PROTECTOR!!!
I am actually headed to the police station today to make sure our carseats are installed correctly...THANKYOU for the reminder that we also have to do "our part" to make sure our little carseats are installed properly and safely.
Just curious...what kind of carseat was your little REW riding in? Sadie is only 3 months...and still in her infant seat...but it is one Bailey used...so I am just curious. Bailey is now in a "booster"...though we did go with the 5 point one for safety.

Christian Family said...

oh, my email is
a.l.christian@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Praise God for His protection!!

laura said...

I am praising God for shielding you three! How amazing to witness--no, EXPERIENCE--his amazing power and provision. So thankful you, your mom and precious Reese are all well!!

Jill said...

I am bawling. I praise the Lord you are all safe!!! Wrecks are so terrifying and that one sounded especially horrible. I am so glad you are all ok!! Do yall have a britax?? I know that the Lord is bigger than a Britax, but just curious b/c we need an extra seat.

Christy said...

oh my goodness nicki - i am so glad that you are all okay. praise God that He protected you and your mom and reese. i pray that you continue to walk in peace while you drive and go about your day. thank you Jesus for your protection over this sweet family.

Anonymous said...

I'm thankful that everyone is okay.

But for anyone reading, I have to point out it's always advisable to keep your hands on the wheel and "turn into the skid," which simply means point your wheels (your front end) in the direction you want your car to go. This will prevent flipping.

Nicki W. said...

anonymous,
while i appreciate the advice on how to handle an out of control car, i have to say--since it is my blog, i think it was out of line to leave a commentlike that here. i am sure you meant well. i am sure you wanted to prevent the same thing from happening to my readers, as did to me. still, i feel you in a snide way are trying to scold me as if i could have prevented an "out of my control". trust that it was raining, i did steer the car the direction i wanted it to go, but my big SUV was out of my hands and spun into a flip. i would like to continue to glorify the Lord for his protection b/c you know, things happen no matter what we are "supposed" to do. there, i said my peace! you are a little insensitive, but you know what--no harm, no foul.
nic

Audrey T said...

Nicki, I'm so glad to read that everyone is okay. The Hand of God is breathtaking.

How is your Mom's concussion?

Tiffany said...

It was so surreal to read this today. I had the same accident (minus the rain) in college. I was by myself and remember it often. I can't imagine if The Buddy had been with me! I am saying a prayer of thanksgiving for you and your family today. Glad to hear it was all ok. Man, God it good!

Laura said...

Nikki, I'm SO glad you, your mom, and Reese are okay. What a scary experience. God is so so good!! Also, thanks for the addition. I've been going back and forth about Caroline's carseat and just decided to keep her rear facing for as long as possible. Your post confirmed my decision. Thanks for sharing!!

Jaime said...

this just made me tear up badly. i'm so thankful for your safety and thankful that God obviously has such a need for you guys to be here on our earth. wow.

Kesleigh Castle said...

NIck-
Love you and so glad you're safe. Praise the Lord.
I will say that your kick boxing came in to play. I can just picture you kicking the door open. Aren't you proud you were strong enough to get it open to grab up that gorgeous baby girl?
Love you and am thanking God for your life right now!

Jennifer said...

I am so glad all of you are ok! Praise God for His mighty protection and sovereign control! He was definitely glorified through it all! Love you, sweet friend!

Anonymous said...

First off, so glad you guys are safe! Praise the Lord!!
Was wondering where you found the safety ratings of your carseats (especially in comparison to other carseats)? I'm having a hard time finding this information online and want to make sure my kiddos are safe!
thanks.

Randy and Amanda said...

WOW Nicki! I teared up reading this story. I am so thankful you and your family are safe and sound. Praise GOD!

Nicki W. said...

www.ConsumerReports.org has the official govt. testing results.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
angie said...

Sweet Nicki! I am so thankful that you guys were OK. I know you must be reliving that horrible incident over and over. I will pray for peace for you and you family and praise the Lord for His protection. Seeing God's hand at work is amazing!!!!

Charla (SHar-la) said...

Oh, Nicki, my heart was pounding the whole time I was reading. I'm just so glad everyone is okay.

I was in a bad car accident when I was 9, and as I lay on the floor board of the car bleeding from my face and mouth, I was screaming for someone to hold me. A little old man was riding his bike down the road, and he stopped, came to the car and held me. The police told us this later. As I was reading about the teenage boy hugging you, I got all choked up thinking about my little biking angel.

Mollie said...

Praise Jesus!!! I'm almost crying after reading this! I'm SO thankful to the Lord that ya'll are okay, especially little Reese. My momma heart understands how scary that must have been!!!

Anonymous said...

You obviously know a lot about car seat safety and probably already did this - both car seats need to be replaced because of the accident, including the one that was empty. It should be covered by your auto insurance, but they don't always mention it.

Like I mentioned, you probably already knew this. I just had to double check! :)