Kindlandia: Helpers in Deed—Helpers INDEED!

Dearest Edythe,

You would have gotten an earful had you phoned last Tuesday!

Thom, the three dachshunds, and I had been away on the Washington State Long Beach Peninsula doing a book reading/signing at Adelaide’s Coffee & Sweet/Book/Yarn Shop. My #MondayBlogs post last week shared the highlights of the book reading and all the charm of Adelaide’s and terrific guests.
 
Once the weekend book event was done, we were eager to enjoy a couple vacation days to celebrate our 16th anniversary. On Tuesday, August 21st, we planned to meet friends Diane and Hal for our anniversary dinner at their favorite Mexican Restaurant. Unfortunately, the trial run put us at the wrong place at the wrong time. Once we found the restaurant, we put on our left turn signal to go around the block and head back to our room at the Chautauqua Lodge for a rest before the meal. We patiently waited for the three cars driving south on Pacific Avenue to pass so that we could safely make a left turn.
 
The crash and crunch and whoosh of the air bags all transpired before I mentally registered the accident. Then I sat in disbelief as my right knee and right knuckles began to swell and throb from the impact of the side air bags. I burst into tears dreading whatever injury I’d sustained and the possible months of recuperation. I’d waited to retire until my car was fully paid off. The thought of using precious retirement resources and/or a monthly car payment was daunting. Our right rear car axle was completely broken. A brand-new tire put on the week before was destroyed. As the drama unfolded we met the teen driver whose car also incurred extensive damage when she rear-ended us. Bottom line: both cars were undriveable. I felt dismayed.
 
THANKFULLY, Thom in the driver’s seat and the three dachshunds crated in the back, also on the left side, were all without injury. I was the only casualty.
 

As the first responders appeared within minutes of the crash, I thought of dear Mr. Rogers, the children’s television host of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood from the 1960s to 2001, about when he was a boy and would see scary things on the news: “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.” This time I was the recipient of kindness from the helpers, the paramedics and the police. My injuries were noted and evaluated, and blood pressure taken. The police took my statement. I felt respected and cared for as arrangements were made for the tow truck and for the transport of our crated dogs and us back to the Lodge.

Fortunately, our room was not booked for the next day and we were able to extend for one extra day and night.
 
Wednesday, our friends Diane and Hal (who we never did meet for dinner Tuesday night!) kindly picked us up in the morning and drove us an hour south to Astoria, Oregon, to the nearest car rental. Kindness was again extended as the rental car agents worked to find us a vehicle big enough for the dog crate!
 
That afternoon we drove to the towing company to retrieve our personal belongings from our wrecked car. The leave-taking was more emotional than I anticipated as I realized the extent of the crash. I’ve never looked carefully at cars in a towing yard before. They looked forlorn and my car seemed utterly abandoned. I felt sad, as I really loved my RAV4. I expected it to last as long as I needed to drive, or at least until I turned 104!
 
We returned home, shaken but safe, Thursday night.
 
Friday, I saw a doctor, connected again with my insurance company, and started work on finances and researching car buying. My damaged car was a “brand new” 2006. Seems like everyone—especially the insurance company—thinks it is a 12-year-old car! How can that be?
 
I spent most of Saturday and Sunday resting and following the doctor’s instructions: Tylenol, alternating ice and heat. The injuries could have been so much worse. Nevertheless, the bruises and soreness that presented the night of the accident on the right side of neck/shoulder, knuckles, hip, knee, foot and some tingling going up my upper left back will need time to heal. I see a doctor again on Monday, today, after I post this.

I texted my pastor, asking to be included in the prayers at Sunday’s worship service. I also asked for prayers for the teen and her family.

Edythe, I am holding on to being thankful. The outcome could have been so much worse. Many kindnesses were showered upon us by “the helpers” in a multitude of forms: first responders, medics, police, transportation to our Lodge, the Lodge staff, ride to the car rental, and flowers, cards, and email messages to show us support and to welcome us home. Thank you, helpers.