I don’t get it. Car rides are joyous occasions. More often than not, the journey leads to exciting destinations. Not today.
Today I witnessed something terrible from my perch in the passenger seat. Today I witnessed death. There I was, safe and secure in my one of my happiest places, and there it was. I counted three mangled cars, and watched in horror as two people and a little person were carried away in beds with wheels. There was a Disney Princesses backpack in the road. Everything about the scene broke my little doggie heart.
As we pulled away, I listened as mom said a prayer for all those involved as well as their families. And we didn’t make it to the dog park. It took five times the normal amount of time to get there because of the accident (and no, it wasn’t just my perception of time moving at a snail’s pace) and mom had to get home to fix dinner.
I didn’t mind going home. I don’t recall ever seeing something like that before, and I was truthfully a little shook by it all. “It really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it Wiley?” mom said to me as she filled my bowl with kibble later. “Had I gotten home from work a few minutes sooner, that could have been us.”
It all reminded me of a line from a favorite flick of mine called Elizabethtown. “If it wasn’t this, it would be something else.” Talk about perspective. It’s so easy for me to think the world is coming to an end when I can’t remember where I “buried” Mrs. Prickles for the night. Or when mom comes home an hour or two later than usual. But really it’s not. Really it could be so much worse.
And it was worse – a lot worse – for that little person whose backpack I saw in the street. Mom followed the news of the crash and told dad the whole story over dinner. The little girl died. She will never wear her Disney Princesses backpack again. It makes me want to cry people tears just thinking about it.
Instead I will remember that if it wasn’t this, it would be something else. Mom was incredibly frustrated when she got home from that place called work later than usual. But I’m happy it happened. If it wasn’t this it would be something else. I could have been in a car crash today. A few minutes earlier and I would have been. And my mom would have been too. I shudder to think of what could have happened.
I realize now that it isn’t (always) the destinations that make car rides such a happy thing for me. I don’t even mind waiting patiently in the car while mom runs errands (which sounds exhausting to me anyway). My people are my world, and when they take me with them on people adventures I get the impression the feeling is mutual. Car rides are joyous for me because of who I’m with, not where I’m going. Today I’m grateful for this and nothing else.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Oh how sad Wiley. We will send prayers for the little girl’s soul and the others in the crash. And I’m glad you and your Mom and baby to be are all safe! Wooooos and nose kissies to yooowooowoooo, Ku
Nose kissies? I love nose kissies! Especially on such a sad day. I’m not used to thinking about mom and baby as two people yet, so I didn’t even think of that!!! Thank goodness everything worked out the way it did. Lots of love to you and your family,
Wiles
What a sad story – and especially for that little girl’s family. We’re sending prayers for them and and all other people and families affected. So glad your mom was late home from work. God’s timing is perfect.
Sad indeed, but as I was reminded – what an amazing reminder to tell (or show in our doggie case) our people they are loved as often as possible. We never know when the worst could happen to us.
Wyles, I wrote a response to yours of yesterday and it fits with this entry, which I read after posting the response. Your Mom was lucky you were with her. She was able to speak aloud and share the anguish such a sight brings, just as you have shared your thoughts with us. Here’s a bit of positive: Dr. Christiane Northrup told a story she had heard that someone stalled in traffic, unable to see what was happening ahead, spoke a prayer for aid and comfort if it was a crash up ahead. Months later, a visitor knocked on her door. She had been in the accident and floated up out of her body. She saw light in a vehicle and move towards it, memorizing the license plate and this spirit sat in the car, listening to this woman pray… She survived and came to thank the woman…. Your mama did the same today, Wyles, as have your readers above. We never know the effect of our actions or if we are shouting into the wind. Clearly, there is more to heaven and earth than space. Love HuntMode
Dear HuntMode,
I didn’t think of it that way – she shared with me and I shared with you. How wonderfully insightful as usual.
And the story of Dr. Northrup gave me doggie goose pimples! As a believer in heaven, I do believe such things happen – though hearing a story like that brings a surprising peace to my heart I can’t keep from sharing. Even if I’m only shouting into the wind. 😉
Shout and keep on shouting , my friend! You do our hearts and souls proud.
Shouting from the rooftops! 🙂
This is horrible. Poor girl and her parents and family. Glad you are ok! Shows you it wasn’t time for you to be in a situation like that. Hugs to you and your mum and dad.
Dear Trompie…I too am relieved it wasn’t my time while also deeply saddened by the reality of things. Take care of you and your people!!!
🙂
A brilliant reminder to go home and hug the people we love!
That is exactly what my dad said when mom told him the whole story over dinner! I’d rather avoid such harsh reminders, but I suppose we do need them every now and again.
Late from work is usually such a bad thing. But whew! Your mom is right. Sometimes, God just knows how to do his job. We will say prayers for the family in the accident… And try to remember that somehow, God knows how to do his job. A little tougher sell in that case…. 😦
Love and sad licks,
Cupcake
Dear Cupcake,
Definitely a tough sell in this case, but I will admit I’m happy mom was late from work. Thank goodness God knows what He’s doing.
Lots of love to you and mom,
Wiles
I will cross my paws for all persons who were carried away. I had tears in my eyes as I read about the lonely backpack on the road.
I too was thinking of the people who were carried away today….perhaps they are in heaven now.
I am sorry you had to witness this Wiley…It is hard to accept…On another note, I love Elizabethtown (the film) too and even made a side trip there when we were in KY a few years back
Everything about the situation makes me sad. I don’t like being sad, but as we know – it could have been worse. A lot worse. I think my mom and dad have been there to Elizabethtown, KY too…that was before they found me otherwise I’m sure I would have gotten to go too. 😉
Oh Wiley, I am so glad that nothing happened to you and your Mommy. That is such a sad story and I could not bring myself to click the “like” button because there is nothing to like about a little girl & possibly others dying or getting hurt. My heart goes out to the family and their loss today. I am just so glad that you are all ok, as this is yet another example of how quickly life can be taken away from us. it is so sad. Sending you all hugs & nose kissies!
I know what you mean about the “like” button. It was an awful image that made for a dreadfully sad day. My heart remains with the family, but I know for sure the little girl is looking down on them willing them not to mourn her loss. I know she’s in heaven, perhaps with her backpack, playing and happy. I need to believe these things to keep from doggie crying. Lots of love and nose kisses right back at you, dear friend!
Keep the faith Wiley!
🙂
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Sometimes it takes a brush with the other side to remind you to appreciate life.