One Sunny Afternoon in July

Yesterday afternoon, I was driving with DQ to pick up a friend who was going to spend the night here. We came upon a car accident about a minute after it had happened. An SUV was laying on its' side, the front windshield smashed into smithereens. A semi was in the median, with the driver standing next to the open door. He was bent over in anguish. A woman, about my age, was laying face up in the middle of the highway, perfectly still. Her body was motionless. She had massive brain trauma. I found out today that she died. She had run through a stop sign, was struck by the semi, and was ejected from her SUV. She hadn't been wearing her seat belt.

Whenever I hear sirens, I always say an "Our Father." The nuns in my grade school started me with that practice many, many years ago. It is said for the people who are needing help, and also the workers who will be ateending to their needs. Yesterday was no different. Instinctively, I knew the lady was close to death when I said my prayer.

I wonder why she ran the stop sign. She was from this area, so she should have known it was there. Was the afternoon sun in her eyes? Was she looking for her cell phone? Was she just daydreaming? What I do know is that she left behind a family who will have all of those questions as well.

Today, as I drove down that road again, I looked at the strip of road where this woman had drawn her last breath. All evidence of the accident was gone. I said yet another "Our Father" for this woman's family.

I will never, ever take life for granted again. I will cherish these moments with my girls, as if today were the last day I am with them. Each and every morning, I will wonder if this day is going to be my last, and live that day accordingly.

And may this woman, Theresa, rest in peace with the risen Lord.