Cappy's Corner

Working around the house to get my place back in shape and finally finished painting the first room on my project list I lay down for a nap. Before I laid down I adjusted the picture frame with my mom's picture in it, I said to her, "whats up mom", its always a sign when the frame comes apart. Just as I was getting to sleep the phone rang and it was my daughter with a very distressed voice. It was the voice that you know as a parent, "something is wrong. It reminded me of a call I got from my son in the middle of the night when he was hospitalized because of a burst appendix, no details, just could tell something was terribly wrong.

Monica burst into tears and said "My truck is totaled", I still quiver when I hear those words, I asked where she was and without hesitation I jumped in my vehicle and flew down the street to the scene of the accident. As I approached I saw the intersection filled with police and ambulances and saw my daughters truck completely destroyed. The only thing that came to my mind was I have to find her and hold her in my arms. I parked my vehicle near the scene and jumped out, there was my daughter with her back to me, I ran and just hugged her as hard" as I could. When I let go of my embrace I looked up into her face and saw blood running down her cheek, I was so relieved that she was standing and unharmed. So many things go through your head when you see how mangled a vehicle can get and wonder how people can walk away. I am not an advocate of seat belts, but my grandchildren and passengers are required to use them, perhaps I am not as protected as I thought driving a big truck! Monica was indeed wearing her seat belt and without a doubt it saved her from being hurt very badly, her purse, sunglasses and other items went flying. Her sunglasses were broken in the middle of the intersection along with her purse, if she was not seat belted in she would probably be right next to those items. So many thoughts go through my head, what if this and what if that. Now I think about her truck which could have been her coffin, became her savior. I remember giving her the truck, replacing a small Honda, thinking that I don't want my grandchildren or my daughter in this small car. I wish I could get my son to reconsider his choice of cars, because they are just too small to feel safe. Even with the price of gas so high, I would never consider changing what I drive in exchange for a few dollars. The price of life is worth much more than economy on the road. Perhaps one day they can be both, safe, large and economical, until then I will pay the price.