At the moment of imminent death, my life did not flash before my eyes. I was too busy trying to get out of the way.
It’s Oct. 3, 9:44 a.m. My daughter, Lauren, and I are on the New Jersey Turnpike, driving south toward Washington. We’re in the center lane, a truck directly in front of us. I’m thinking of moving left to pass him when the truck’s right rear tire suddenly and catastrophically bursts, the percussive noise grabbing my attention. It immediately begins to careen out of control, pieces of tire pelting our car. I steer right and the truck skids right too. It then abruptly veers left, flipping on its side and striking a bridge abutment. It explodes into flames. We somehow pass through the fire and pull over to the side of the road, stunned. My hands start trembling.
Comments
I saw a kid on tv land on a handrail then skid his face across the concrete sidewalk while skateboarding, there were several videos of same. Trampolines too are featured, those near spinal injury ones are really funny. We all find the near miss just so funny. I have also seen and been involved in a significant number of near misses, that's why I am still here.
You are sick.
One would like to think that the roots of compassion take hold in such circumstances, "there but for the grace of god go I." When I was around 40 years old I severely injured my back and had to walk with a cane for awhile. I suddenly realized in a new way that a cane was not a item in a fashionable ensemble. Of course, I knew that before, but suddenly I knew it in a new way. A last comment...I have been participating in a monthly food drive on the North Shore. We go to different stores each month. The most generous contributions come from stores in Lynn and Salem and from people who might have lived on the edge themselves, who, when they contemplate a family that might be struggling to feed some kids or the single person who might have lost their way in life, can say, "there but for the grace of god..." We've also gone to a food store known for it's ability to absorb a paycheck. You might think that their clientele, having more disposable income, would be more generous. If you thought that...you would be wrong.
My heart goes out to you and your daughter, and of course, the truck driver and his family.