OH Deer: An Update

So, when a deer hits your car, just know that it is gonna take some time to get everything back as it was.

Here is what has been going on in my neck of the woods.
Obviously, the rest of last weekend was spent relaxing. The weather was rainy, and I had no desire to keep crawling into my car. So I mainly stayed put, and got rides from a few friends. I did venture out in my beat up Bluebelle (that's my car's name) to get a sausage biscuit from Hardees. Random but delicious!

On Monday, it was all business. My soreness was gone. And I spent time filling out papers, and making phone calls. Just taking care of business. When it was time to get a rental car, all that was left was a gorgeous 2013 Ford F150. Yeah, can you picture me driving one of those things? I did give it a whirl, but it was huge. And I felt like it was driving me, I was not the one in control;) So, I returned it for something more familiar (aka lower to the ground).

By Tuesday, I had called the body shop approximately 4 times to check on my baby. Finally I got the report. Bluebelle was lined up to get a new hood, fender, grill, and paint job!

The rest of the week went on by. Now, Friday night I finally got my courage back. Since my accident I had avoided the road where I was hit. Well, to be honest I avoided it at night. I was nervous about a repeat performance. But, on Friday I told myself, a week was long enough to be fearful. So, I took a nap, had dinner, and at 9:00 I went out to Barnes & Noble. I was brave yet cautious. It was all safe and now I can check that off my list. I still drive slower on that road and keep my eyes peeled for movement in the trees. But I am no longer scared to travel that road at night:)

Thank You wonderful family and friends for keeping me in your prayers and thoughts! They made all the difference. Oh, and I should be reunited with my car by the end of this week!

Ebb & Flow

It's been quite the week of highs and lows. Too much to go into here. But the constant realization that life comes at you fast then recedes so that you can catch your breath.

I'm driving a rental car for another week. Feeling kinda antsy about life for some reason. Work is work. Though, the friends I had gained have been taken away. It is the way of life recently.

I am living among this mix of smiles and frowns. And it is nothing major. Each morning I am blessed to open my eyes and try again for a new day. But sometimes the accumulation of small nicks, builds up.

Tonight I walked and talked with a special friend. She is so faithful, and this time spent with her was absolutely what I needed.

This is so disjointed, but I am almost at the weekend!

OH, I am feeling full of purpose as I see again that I am here for much more than work. God is using me in his kingdom, and that is making me very happy!!

OH Deer!

In simple words, I was hit by a deer on my way to Target tonight.

Now here is what happened....
I live in North GA, in a more wooded area. I see deer all of the time out here in my city, that is surrounded by country. It's odd because I often see peaceful deer munching grass or gazing out into the road.

Well, tonight I was driving and out of the corner of my eye I saw a deer coming at me full tilt. I didn't panic, but I knew I could not slow down either. So I just gripped the wheel and focused on keeping my car going. It all happened in about 45 seconds. I heard a loud thump near the front left side of my car. Then it was over.

My heart was in my throat. Seriously, I almost could not breathe. My first thoughts, were pure thanks and gratitude to God for saving my life. He kept me calm and in the moment. So I drove a bit more and when no emergency lights came on or anything....I continued on to Target! Sometimes I am a nut.

Anyway, as I drove, I am thinking that nothing was wrong. Until I got to the parking lot and tried to open my door! Whomp, whomp. Yep, the door would only open a crack. So, I huffed and puffed over the seat and out the passenger side.

My Bluebelle was not happy with me. That dang dear dented my hood, cracked my grill, and scraped the paint. Also, it must have thrown something off because the front door still won't open:(

Anyway, that is when I realized just how serious everything could have been. And I started feeling little sore spots. The family Stewart was available by phone and helped me get my mind right. A quote from my dear mother "That is why people in the county stay in at night. To let the deer roam!" Even she laughed at herself on that one. Then State Farm was just amazing! I tell you, don't skimp on car insurance.

Anyway, I had planned for a relaxing weekend. And now I will most certainty get my wish:) Gotta handle all of the "adult" car and insurance issues as well. But, again, God is a protector, and I am grateful!

Cheers to 5 Years

Hear my cry, O God,
    listen to my prayer;
² from the end of the earth I call to you
    when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I

Psalm 61:1-2

As I sit here, I can't really fathom that it has been 5 years since a successful kidney was found for Melanie. The verse above was my encouragement on many a loooong night.

That time in our lives seems so fragile, when I look back on it. And I know that God brought us all of the family and friends that we needed. It was a time of  hurt and a time of healing.

As I type this, I hope someone who is feeling completely overwhelmed. Someone who has been worrying so much, that they can't even remember a time when they were not concerned about something. I hope these people will hear me clearly.

It will get better.

And your brain and heart are going to disagree with me. They are tired of being stuck in that pit. But, be watchful. Don't give up. Because one day, out of the blue. The help that you need will come. One day, the answer will be delivered and you will be breathless with amazement. If you have faith, then one day God will show up in his faithfulness, just like he has promised. I believe that with all of my heart.

Melanie walked a difficult path, and she allowed me to share some of it with her. She was an angel, who very rarely complained. And she made me grow up. During those years she flipped the switch on me. And I had to learn to deal, because she could not be expected to deal for me.

5 years ago, man oh man, those people back then. That family of 4. They could not have looked ahead to now and seen this. They were so thankful for each day. My parents came down the road so often. Hospital visits were a necessary evil. We lived in survival mode.

Now we are thriving. And I give all the praise and glory to God! My heart is often just overfull of sheer thankfulness. Melanie is getting married to a wonderful man, who understands this journey. My parents have not taken their marriage for granted. I have completed a Masters degree.

Congratulations Melanie on another milestone. I love you dearly and sincerely!! This quote made me think of you, and the fictional (maybe??) Pretty, Pretty Princess club of the past.

Believe me, if I looked good,

It's not an accident

Nora Ephron