Propelled

1991 we were in a car crash Me and my two children 3 & 2

Two A.M. the city is at rest for the most part, a drunk here or there and emergency personnel on the move.  Which I am a part of. I was easing up on Highway 169 in my Asrto Van Trying to get two children to the sitters. I was taken back by the five inches of snow I found on the ground as I left my garage this cold morning; because as a rule a dusting is all we get down South.  

There were no tracks in the snow and the vehicle already on the highway was blazing a trail, if you can call 30 MPH blazing. I was merging into her lane and did not wish to tap my brakes for under the snow was three good inches of ice from yesterdays rain. As I choose to be in the lane beside her we began to spin out. I thought I would turn into the spin but that did not occur. My rear end came full circle as it seemed to pass the driver’s door. We were in tail spin. The van traveled up the roadway spinning as it went, taking us along. Finally we edged off the roadway and hit the wet muddy earth that altered our day. The spinning was no more as the weight of the vehicle settled into the soft ground and inertia thrusted us in the opposite direction.

There was no steering to be done at this point, even though you couldn’t tell it by my hands.  For a moment I hoped we would slow to a stop, and then I saw the light pole it was lined up with my three year olds window. Seconds seemed like a life time. I slammed on my breaks as I recalled the perfection of her birth. The alignment of the vehicle shifted and now I stared at the pole. With only a moment to spare I flung off my shoulder strap and reached behind me to pull any and all slack from her seatbelt. I glanced at my sleeping son, whose face was truly at peace. I had no time left. No time for a thought of even a smile the moment of impact was at hand.  Within a Mila-second the van hit the pole my chair snapped off landing on my Elizabeth. I like a rag doll went hurling out the window as the force of the blow sent the van away from the impact. 

 I awoke covered in icy water that engulfed me. I sprang to my feet. Close enough to the pole to use it to steady myself. With no pain just a single thought drove me. The only words that had been spoken were cried out as I yelled “Oh my babies!” In that moment I had no knowledge on how I got out of the vehicle or that I had dislocated my shoulder and a knee. I ran around to the passenger door and though the frame was no longer true. I ripped it open. Blood was running down my face and into my eye but I felt no pain. All I could focus on was the back of my chair that now rest in the seat where she sat. Fear like I’ve never known stole my breath, it stopped my heart and turned my hand to lead as I reached to remove it from her pathway. My mind was wild with thoughts as I pictured images that would make you cry and turn away. Tears did not come till I lightly lifted the seat to find her safe and calm.  As she said, “Mommy you’re bleeding”.

Author's Note

still needs editing but mom has radiation at 11 so it will have to wait

Reviews

[Tony]

First of all, I like the description quality here.
I was gritting my teeth a little.
I like the portrayal of a phenomenon not named or mentioned here, though 'it' was definitely there at the scene.
It is that strange ether that comes over the scene when we lose control of life, and do so at high risk of injury or death.
time slows to a crawl, though the incident passes in a flash.
there is a wonderful burst of dopamine that occurs, allowing ones spirit to feel the exquisite joy of that strange emotion that comes while one falls down, but while your feet still roll across the gravel, destabilized.
Nice Work Cherry.
Radiation? that cannot be good.
Or?

[Tony]

I forgot to mention, that this is the type of thing I like to read.
Reflections.
there really is nothing else that interests me anymore, what with earthquakes, plane crashes and disease being the total norm...entonces...Booorrrrinnng.
lol...thanks for sharing your delightful crash, and I'm glad everyone survived.
Might wanna put a bandaid on that......

[Dream Weaver]

What a horrific situation to be in. I would be in a state of shock
had this been me..A great story as terrifying as it must of been, but
a happy ending as no one was critically hurt...