We went into church this morning–with 2 inches of wet snow on the ground a promise of up to 10 more. I wanted to turn around. I was having mini panic attacks every time the truck would slide an inch. It only got worse when we saw cars pulled off with their flashers on. Times ten when we saw the car rolled off and down the embankment upside down. I couldn’t even move, but slumped forward as tears filled my ears and prayers filled my heart and my mouth. I had been there.
My husband got out, snow covering his sweatshirt as I heard him verify that 911 had been called. Then he talked to the guy that was pulled over, who had an obvious limp and was in no shape to help. A minute or so later he disappeared. I could taste the bile rise up as I realized what he was likely doing. When I could verify that neither K nor I could see him, I grabbed the little kit of crayons and a coloring page for K and the mini magnetic pen board for B. I wanted them occupied. A few minutes later he emerged helping a man out of the vehicle. A few seconds later an older lady appeared, she was a bystander that was talking to the trapped man, attempting to verify that he was okay.
Although the remainder of the trip into town was as easy as it could be considering what we’d just seen, going home wasn’t easy, as several more inches of heavy snow had fallen in the time we were gone. Now it is several hours later and my hero is on his way to the airport for a conference. Despite repeated attempts, our driveway just wasn’t clear enough for him to take the car. This basically grounds us for the foreseeable week ahead as my truck is on it’s way to the city. There was not much chance of us getting out tomorrow, anyway, but it seems unlikely that we’ll be going anywhere until the driveway itself has melted. All of our neighbors have snow guards/brushes/tractors with plows, but every time we get a big snow, we’re stuck in until enough has melted for us to get out.
I guess we could get a plow, but maybe I’ll enjoy the time stuck inside with my guy. We definitely were in the right place at the right time. Had we turned around and gone back home like I wanted, he wouldn’t have been there to help. He’s spoken more than once about being a volunteer first responder. I admit that both of us should probably get some sort of training or connection to Red Cross or what have you, just in case. You never know when it might be needed.
Ami
I’m glad it wasn’t worse. Some things no one wants to see.
He’s a hero for sure. 🙂