Thursday, October 9, 2008

Very Thankful Thursday, to say the least!


I don't even know where to start. I have had quite the emotional past 30 hours, I have so much to be grateful for today! For starters, that I am here to write this blog! This is my story, hopefully I can get through it.


Yesterday morning I was driving home from school, looking down laughing at funny Kortney's texts. I was in the left hand lane on I-15 almost to the Payson exit, when I looked up and saw that I was drifting over to the left. Panicked, I tried to get back on course, and overcorrected. The next few seconds are a complete blur to me, it still feels like a dream. I could hear my tires squeel and just knew I could not get control as my car was swerving on the freeway. I could feel my tires coming off the asphalt in my efforts. The next thing I know my car was rolling, but off to the right. All I could think was that I was going to die, I thought to myself that I knew my head was going to be crushed any second, and I was really just hoping it wouldn't hurt. This is the scariest thing I have ever experienced, I have never felt so close to death, and to my surprise, I didn't even have time to be scared. I now know it was because I was being comforted. My car finally stopped rolling, and landed upside down. Glass was everywhere around me along with crushed car, I started bawling when reality hit me that I was totally unharmed, but hanging upside down by my seatbelt, with my head inches away from the roof/ground. I don't know how it ended up there, but my cell phone was in my hand dialing Jake (I know I had let go of it to try to gain control), but he didn't answer. I heard somebody asking if I was okay, and behind me was a man in a white shirt and tie looking through the shattered back upside-down windshield, the only place I could get out. I unbuckled my seatbelt and tried not to land on my un-touched head, and tried crawling to the back, but this man ended up pulling me out. (I later found out this man was behind me the whole time and saw it happen, his name is David Timmons, an earthly angel for me that day). The cops came, the paramedics came, and the firefighters came. One of the firefighters was a man that I work with, so he called my work right away to let them know, and to let Mandie (my sister in law) know that I could not get a hold of my husband. I called my mom, which I know it would only make her worried when she is so far away and couldn't do anything, but who doesn't need their mom at a time like this? I felt completely fine, no scratches or bruises, except for my thumb sort of hurt and I got a scratch from the glass while getting out, but it is less serious than a paper cut. I was shocked that I wasn't feeling any pain anywhere in my body. I knew I needed to say a prayer to my Heavenly Father for helping me walk away from this, but all I could say through my sobs was, "thank you, thank you," as I stared at my completely crushed car except for the part where I had my bubble of protection. They told me I could take an ambulance to the hospital, but I assured them over and over that I was completely fine. Jake, (who was having as hard of a time emotionally as I was) asked, "are you sure?" and I whispered, "Jake I could do a cartwheel!" (Even though I was sure not in the mood to try it!) Jake's family insisted that I at least get checked out at the hospital, so he took me there where his mom, sister, aunts, and grandma were already there waiting for us, in tears. Since the only pain I felt was in my thumb, they took an X-ray just to find out it wasn't broken (which I was sure I already knew), but they wanted to put a splint on it (which I was sure was completely unnecessary). Needless to say, it came off right away.

This is when we went to go look at it at the impound lot, it was right-side-up again. :)



Hmmm so why on earth would I be thankful today? Maybe because I had angels watching over me. My grandma was always a very protective worry-wart, and there is no doubt in my mind that even though she is now on the other side of the veil, she is still protecting me, along with my other family members (some that I haven't met). Oh how I can't wait to thank them someday!

I know the holy ghost was there to comfort me in those seconds when I was rolling down the hill to let me know it was going to be okay. I am grateful that nobody was hurt, there was nobody even close to me when I was swerving through the freeway, and going back this morning, I saw where I went off the road, right in the middle of those metal poles they have every so often. Some witnesses at the seem kept saying, "You are so lucky!"
Lucky? I don't think so, just very very blessed. I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father is watching out for me.

I am so grateful that I have so many people that love me. I wanted so badly to curl up in my mommy's lap like I was five again. But it still felt like that when I showed up to the hospital in arms and arms of hugs.

I am very grateful for my friends, family members, releif society, bishopric, my visiting teachers, work, who have come over to check on me/made dinner/called/ brought us treats.



I am still in a little bit of a shock. Mainly, I am shocked that my biggest pain was none at all. Today I feel a little tense, but that's it. I am still waiting for somebody to pinch me and say, "just kidding!" It still doesn't feel like it really happened! OH, and it turns out I did break a nail, NOT HAPPY! :) And I didn't even like that stupid car anyways! (OK, so I loved that car, it was so cute, but if I had to choose between my car and life, I'D PICK LIFE) :) I'm grateful that it wasn't long after we could make jokes about it.

Jake said, "If you wanted a new car so bad, you just had to ask!"

And I (in all my wisdom) pointed out, "I think Heavenly Father is telling us to have kids right away.." ;)

Jake said, "K That's really stretchin' it..." Hey I tried!



I know everything happens for a reason. It is amazing to me how it only take 5 seconds, and you could lose somebody. It is so scary. I am so grateful for my life, I know I am just not done, I haven't fulfilled my purpose here on earth, whatever it may be. I know that I still have a lot of work to do here, I need to get going! There is so many things I could be doing better in my life, and it is time for me to start trying a lot harder to be a little better, because you never know when your time is up!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR SEATBELT. DON'T USE YOUR PHONE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. Please learn from my mistake. I learned a good way to guilt you into it yesterday from my mother-in-law, "If you love your family, you will wear your seatbelt. If you love your family, you will pay attention and not use your stupid cell phone!"


Also last night, me and Jake just cuddled, and held eachother, trying to let this all sink in. I could not be here, and that scares me to death. Jake told me, "I just don't work without you." Life is precious! Don't take anything for granted! You never think anything like this can happen to you, but what I learned the hard way, it can! Fortunately in this case, everything in this accident played out perfectly, one nurse told me, "If you had to get in an accident, then you did it right." I still can't believe how many things could have gone wrong, or worse, and they just didn't. I really think I was in this invisible force-field where I was just untouched. What a blessing! What a miracle! (Can't you tell I'm still in shock?)

K now I know I am just rambling on. I just feel like I need to remember everything I am feeling, because someday when I am a mom, I will want to tell my kids what a loving Heavenly Father I have, that knows me, and knows when I am being dumb, and protected my life. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. I am so grateful for the power of prayer. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful for our eternal perspective we have, I know that someday I can be with my family, and my husband, for all eternity! I know that Jesus Christ is my savior and he has saved my life in more ways than one! I know that if we are trying to live like him he will bless us in un-imaginable ways! I know that he gave his life for us so that we could have second chances in life, in whatever it may be. I know that my life is a gift, and I know where all blessings come from! I know that Heavenly Father sends us angels from the other side of the veil, as well as here on earth! Today I just can't help but have the heaviest, and most sincerely grateful heart.

17 comments:

Kydee said...

I kind of love you, just sayin.

Suzee said...

I am so thankful that you walked away unharmed. You are awesome, Kelci, and I love you too!

Kortney said...

I am so glsd that you weren't hurt! I love our little friendship that we have developed over the last year and I don't know what I would do without you. You are so amazing and I am glad you are still here so we can keep our friendship growing. All who read this can hold me to this: I, Kortney Garrison, swear that I will never text you again unless I know that you are in a safe place far away from a vehicle, curb, stairs, or anything else that can harm you while laughing at my stupid texts. Love ya Kelci!!

jack!e @ One Saturday Morning said...

I love you Kelci! I cannot believe that all you got from this accident was a scratch and a broken nail! I was holding back tears reading your whole blog because I'm so glad your alive and I'm so thankful for the many ways Heavenly Father blesses us. =)

P.S. Nice try on the whole baby thing. =) haha

Melissa said...

I seriously thought that Brock was joking when he told me what happened to you!! I e-mailed Mandie and asked her if he was lieing to me (something he does often) She came down and told us about it... I have to say I was in shock!! I'm so glad that your ok though!! I agree that someone is watching over you!!

Unknown said...

Hey kelci... I came across your blog and thought I'd see what you were up to(and it seems like lots has happened in the past copule of days). That is amazing you walked away from your accident. There are so many tender mercies in our life and miracles that happen everyday. Take care...
adria

Jake and Chelsea said...

wow, that is amazing! in a good, and a scary way. i am so glad that you are so happy with your jake. i am so happy with mine! jakes are good guys!

(i found your blog...)

Kristen Miner said...

Stick around please, you are a sweetheart.

Calee said...

KELCI!
What a scary wake up call for you! I'm so sorry. I get chills a little bit thinking of how you were protected and how in a blink things could have gone another direction. You must be doing something right:)
I agree, this is a sign to get on the baby-making wagon...

miriam said...

so facebook stalkerfeed had a lot of talk about blogs and such, and I am a little blog obsessed...kinda long-ish story short, I found your blog, and holy cow, I am so glad you're ok! my brother got in a car accident too about 2 months ago (like a week before he left on his mission...) and really shouldn't have walked away. definitely someone watching out for good people like you and danny!

The Grover Family said...

I too am so glad you're ok, I always text and drive, but I will stop for sure! That is crazy you did not get hurt. But(and I've said this before) if anyone deserves a gaurdian angel it's you! Thanks to your angels! -Linds

Youngs said...

So glad to hear you are alright and I'm thankful for your miracle also! take care - it will be fun to watch your blog and see how you are!

Abigail said...

WE LOVE YOU!!!! Glad you ok
The Taylors

Nick and Amera said...

Kelci, After I read about all of this on Suzee's blog my heart was pounding and tears were flowing!! Im so glad your ok. I cant help but realize how precious life is. Its scary to think that in less than a blink of an eye you can loose soooo much. Im so glad your ok, because for one thing, you compliment Jake so well and I do not believe he could live with out you by his side. We love you lots and Im glad I didnt but I almost called Jake in tears yesterday! So silly, but I just couldnt help but be grateful that your ok!! What great faith you have, Im so thankful for your example and testimony that is so well shared through this experience. Love you lots!
-Amera

madelyn paige said...

hey kelci, Are you doing ok? I heard what happened. I hope your doing well!
PS: I will still tell you happy bday on the day of =]

qwertney said...

today alycia utterback said "i heard about kelci's accident" i said "i didnt..." your blog makes me cry almost. i was about to call you yesterday cuz i need to talk to you anyway. so you may get a call from me in the next few days

Kelsey Danielle said...

wow okay it looks like you have enough comments already but I'll add one more! I love you and I am so happy that you are okay!! You had me in tears!! Please take care of yourself! ps I'm so glad I found your blog!!