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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thank God My Car Was Smashed, Not Me


A tank destroyed my rear end this week. I’m grateful that it was my automobile’s and not my own posterior.

I didn’t see that at first. My initial reaction was a lot of effin’ this ’n’ thatness when the young lady in the souped-up Suburban plowed into us at full street speed, having failed to notice the cars ahead were stopped at a pedestrian crosswalk. Her apologies seemed inadequate to my shocked and whiplashed self as I confronted our seriously wounded beautiful car.

Afterward the 12-Step training kicked into gear and waged a rousing battle with resentment, armed with those formidable “Thank God” weapons. It’s not a walk in the park to be grateful in the face of crap, but it’s doable. Thank God for insurance on both automobiles, for no serious injuries, for credit cards and car rentals and trustworthy auto-body specialists owned by AA friends.

We’re off now to spend Thanksgiving amid the blessings of family, friends, and our old AA home group. A study of gratitude made the news today, finding that gratitude is good for the brain and the body’s well-being. Alcoholics Anonymous has preached that for 75 years. May you swim in thanksgiving, no matter what adversity you face.

"Every decision I make is a choice between a grievance and a miracle. I relinquish all regrets, grievances and resentments, and I chose the miracle."
(Deepak Chopra, “The Soul of Healing Meditation”)

19 comments:

Brian Miller said...

ugh...glad you are ok...my engine blew this morning...waiting on a tow now...

have a great thanksgiving chris...

Helen said...

I read that article this morning Chris ... you faced the crash with grace and dignity, good job. Those pedestrian cross walks cause many a rear end crash .. in Oregon, if ANY pedestrian steps off a curb ANYPLACE, cars must stop. Even more accidents ... cars and the human variety as well.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

Two nights ago, my Jeep was hit head-on by a full size SUV. I literally (and figuratively) feel your pain, Chris.

Counting our collective blessings and wishing you well as you navigate the holidays and the joys of dueling auto insurance companies :)

You'll be in my thoughts.

Peter Goulding said...

I think my first reaction would be a lot of effing, mainly for the amount of time that is going to be lost. But of course you're right. I think all of us are guilty at some stage at forgetting that we are travelling around in missiles.
Happy Thanksgiving, missus!

Monkey Man said...

Couldn't bring her eyes of her phone to see what was in front of her, eh? Glad you are ok.

Rachel Fox said...

Also glad you're both ok.
x

Lyn said...

Chris, what a pain! But thank goodness your caboose is ok and only the car's is mashed. I want to wish you and your family a peaceful, memorable Thanksgiving. I often have thought that everyone should read the 12 steps of AA as they are applicable to everyone. Words to live by...

Mary LA said...

I'm so glad you weren't hurt.

Totalfeckineejit said...

Thank God you are Ok. That looks like a mighty impact. Have you seen a Dr to be sure?

Syd said...

Glad that you are okay and that no one was hurt. Vehicles can be fixed or a new one gotten. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

the walking man said...

Glad you weren't hurt. I was hit the same way and wound up with 7 more fused vertebrae in my neck.

Lou said...

My car is running great, and the only dents are the ones I put on it.
Yes, I'm grateful!

"Swimming in thanks." Perfect.

Have a wonderful, love filled Holiday.

e said...

Wow...I-'m sorry for your damage and hope you'll be fine. I hope you enjoy Thanksgiving. I love the quote about the miracle.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Chris, I am SO sorry! I hope you are alright.

Enchanted Oak said...

The accident is just a pain in the neck, literally, and nothing serious. We're staying with my hubby's family for the holiday, and they're overjoyed to see us because they haven't had their brother and uncle and dad around for years since we left L.A. It's wonderful to be the bearer of Happiness for others, and it costs so little... Home tomorrow, where it looks like a war might be brewing with the other driver's insurance company. The adjuster claims they don't have enough insurance to cover the cost of the wreck. Hm. Do I look like I just fell off a turnip truck?

The Bug said...

Glad you're ok - and good for you for finding the blessings!

We're getting ready to eat my third turkey dinner of the week - with one more to go tomorrow :)

Titus said...

Thank God you're alright. And thank God you're all right.

Leisa Dreps said...

Well, walking away unharmed from a car accident is reason enough to be thankful. Damaged vehicles can be repaired or replaced. Human life, on the other hand, once lost, can never be regained.

Carson Wininger said...

Thank God you’re safe. It’s a good thing that you and your car carry insurance. I know it may be hard to go through this, but still you have shown, courage and a positive outlook despite facing these adversities. I applaud you for that.