Sunday, May 10, 2009

Miracle in our midst

Mother's Day.

Years ago I got the middle-of-the-night call no mother wants to get. "This is the hospital. Your son was in a car accident." For that split second before the voice added, "but he's okay," terror struck me. After I hung up the phone and hastily dressed, I sobbed with relief.

A few nights ago my sister got that call. Only her terror lasted longer. "Your daughter was in a car wreck. She's alive, but that's all I can tell you." My sister didn't know any details until she arrived at the hospital.

It was a rainy night, and it had been raining for days. The road was slick, the shoulder muddy. My 17-year-old niece lost control of the car on a mountain curve, went over a steep embankment, flipped several times and crashed into a ravine. If not for a small tree that slowed the car, she would have landed in the swollen river. She kicked her way out and climbed up the bank where two college students were looking for her. They had observed headlights ahead of them on the road that suddenly disappeared into the black night. My niece was transported to the hospital but doctors only found minor bruises. The trooper on the scene said he had never seen someone survive such a crash.

I listened to my mother tell the story, first with horror, then with thanksgiving. I said good-bye to her and got down on my knees to thank our mighty God who saved my niece from death, who saved our family from unspeakable sorrow. Then I wrote this, so you too would be reminded to praise God for miracles in your midst. And maybe give your child an extra hug. It's a happy Mother's Day indeed tonight.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have had the same revelation of late. Everyday we live is a blessing no matter how the day goes. A good mama friend lost her niece who wasn't yet 2 months old this week, and another friend's daughter miscarried a pregnancy for the 3rd time. Life is a blessing and mothering healthy children for as long as we have them is the most important blessing a woman can receive. I'm thankful for your niece's safety.

Deb said...

I'm so sorry for your friends. There is so much tragedy in this world. The husband of a good friend of mine fell off a ladder on Mother's Day. Tonight he is in the hospital with spinal cord damage. Every ordinary day is a gift, not to be taken for granted. My husband and daughters are right here in the room with me now. No one is doing anything special but we are all together and all of us healthy. So I am praising God for this simple evening with my family.