It only takes an instant!

for an accident and devastation to happen! - my Sister-in-Law (Karen) and my Niece (Cait) were involved in a 3 car tragic accident last night - all 3 cars are totaled - Karen's being the "most" intact - i'm talking parts and metal left, no cars, think bad and then take it a little worse, that was the scene of this accident ..

best way to describe this accident - you know when your heading down to the Jersey Shore in the summer - and you get stuck in 3 hours of traffic - you finally pass the accident - and all you can do is bless yourself and say "thank god i was in the traffic not in the accident" - and then you think "omg the poor families" - THAT was this accident!

1 positive thing about the whole thing - while Karen was driving down the road - a cop was behind her the whole time - so when the accident happened - he was RIGHT there! - sometimes it's a good thing to be followed by the police (moral of that story)

Karen was super Mom - even though how hurt she was - she didn't cry in front of Cait - all she thought about was Cait - 'make sure Cait is ok' - 'i'm not leaving till someone is here for Cait' - 'Cait i love you' - 'mommy is fine, just a boo-boo' .. everything which eased Cait and made things so much more easier for Cait to handle! - i swear Karen couldn't have been more of a super Mom last night - she was just unbelievable and strong and supportive - all to make sure her baby (Cait) was OK .. i'm so lucky to have her in my family! - she was "MOM" to the nth' degree!

as i told my Mom when we returned from the hospital late last night - the one things we can take from all of this - we all have each other - we all will be there when we really need each other - and well all love each other - there was no doubt God looked out for them - and there is no doubt in my mind i am blessed with my family! - as things my look gloom in your life - and you think every pitfall is happening to you - something will make you realize - YOU HAVE LOVE - and makes you realize just how important the people who you love and love you back are ALL that matters!

in the mist of all the craziness - my Mom starts having panic attacks worrying about Karen and Cait - thoughts rushing her brain 'why didn't i just watch Cait at her house' - the typical 'it's my fault' when something happens - when you know in reality it's no ones fault - but you just feel so much pain and hurt and feel there's little you can do - the entire car ride getting to the accident was filled with guilt from my Mom - she felt it was all her fault ..

last night was filled of uncertainties - running from the accident to their house (accident was right at corner) - screaming for my Mom b/c she called and i thought she had a heart attacked - running in the house - grabbing Cait and running and screaming like a mad women looking for my Mom - then running back to accident scene filling out reports - officers telling me i should really take Cait to the hospital pronto .. unbelievable i was 'cool' through it all ..

when Cait jumped in my arms, kissed me on the lips, and said "i love you" - that's all i needed to make it all "OK"

back to when i thought my Mom was having a heart attack - the police officers were gonna call an ambulance for her - one of the ambulances backed into my car - so yes, now my car was hit and in an accident - then my Niece was showing some signs that she might of had a possible concussion (wanted to go right to sleep) - so i had to drive her over to the hospital (which my GPS stinks and took me 5 mins in order to figure the damn thing out) ..

as Karen said - thankfully she was so brave to get back in a car after all this - to allow me to drive her to the hospital!!! - my Cait is just a wonder - the politest child, sweetest thing ever! - i'm talking through the entire ordeal "yes please"; "no thank you"; "can i please just not talk right now" - all this from a child who just went through pure hell! - she's an angel sent straight from God !!

i am just SO beyond blessed - my Family is my everything - it's who i have - i am so beyond thankful that i still have Karen and Caitlyn in my life - hurt but healthy and alive!

melted my heart as well - when all Cait wanted to do was hold my hand and lay on me - i know it's probably b/c she just didn't wanna be bothered with moving around and i was just 'there' - but still knowing my lovebug wanted me and needed me at that moment felt so good - makes me think maybe the whole 'having a baby' thing isn't so bad after all - don't worry NOT any time soon - i LOVE being Aunt Erika - it's the best thing in the world! - i mean THE best!

coming home last night - i walked in and i saw my yellow Wellies laying right on the floor as i walk in - i almost cried - what seemed seconds ago - she was wearing them and being goofy at my house! - right before Karen picked her up - Cait did my make-up - dressed me up for a fashion show, that i then i had to model - she painted my nails and used the hair dryer to dry them faster - then of course put it in our hair to give us the 'diva fan'

the "what if's" started to rush through my veins - i rushed into my room - and 'let it out' - i couldn't imagine them not being with her - i will take them any which way - Caitlyn is just badly bruised up by her 5 point car seats (thankfully, it saved her live) and Karen has 2 fractures in her ankle! - all this as they should be leaving for Disney World next week ..

i have prayers for the others in the 2 other cars - i do not know of their status and i can only pray for them and their families that miracles happen! - only thing that is a certain was that 1 of the cars was driving with no headlights on (the streets by them have no street lights, so if you don't have lights, your driving like a ghost) - their was an angel who lived at the corner house who happened to be a nurse and took care of Cait till myself and my Mom got there ..

last night was a night of horrors - all starting out with me leaving work a few minutes early so i can spend time with Cait (she was at my Mom's house, b/c my Mom was cooking a turkey and waiting for Dr calls) - grabbing my bag to leave - and BAM it breaks! - my 'i'm being thrifty and going to buy a bag at TJMaxx and save money' broke - Joe joking saying "guess it's back to $1000 or higher" - i say "you know it, those bags don't break"

always say what you feel - don't forget to say "i love you" - cherish the times you have with the ones you love - it only takes an instant for it all to come crashing down - let the little things go - life is short and can be taken away from us in an instant - take the extra minute to buckle your children in the car (a baby in the accident was not in a car seat when the accident happened) - make sure your car has all the airbags it should - look twice before you go - ect.

i am so THANKFUL i have Karen and Caitlyn with me - my prayers are with the other families hopeing everything will be OK - God works in mysterious ways - and i can only hope that a happy ending someone comes from this most tragic time!


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32 comments:

  1. God does work in mysterious ways. I am a firm believer in that. :) Happy everyone is okay. :)

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  2. Ohhh...I was reading the post and I kept hoping that everyone was ok...Ufff...I agree with Jenni...Its to true. I am so everyone is doing ok.
    Kisses, darling

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  3. I am so happy that everyone is doing ok:)

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  4. That was incredibly moving! best wishes to everyone and im so glad they are ok!

    http://illustratemypillowcase.blogspot.com/

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  5. Wow I'm glad everyone is okay! And I agree God works in mysterious ways!

    http://fashionistanygirl.blogspot.com/

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  6. Erika, I can not imagine going through what you and your family went through last night. I am so glad that they are both going to be alright. Isn't it amazing how lifes happenings can put life into perspective in short order. As you said when it is all said and done it is the "Love" we share with others that always comes to the forefront. Afterall God IS LOVE, not God gives love but he is actually LOVE!!! When we do things in the name of Love we are showing the love God has given us. I think you have a lot of Gods love inside of you sweet Erica. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family,Kathysue

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  7. Oh my goodness. That is so scary. Thank goodness they're ok!!

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  8. What an incredible post...not a dry eye over here! And yes, children are the biggest gift one will ever receive!!! I am so happy to hear they are both doing well. xx

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  9. So thankful to hear that your family is alright. I am saying a special prayer that your brave sister in law heals well and fast and for all the family members that were involved due to such a horrible accident. I am so thankful that we can ask God for His protection and peace when we hear of things like this.

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  10. Oh my goodness, what an emotional whirlwind you have been on in the last 24 hours. I am so glad to hear that your sister-in-law and niece are okay and I will keep the other people in the accident in my prayers.

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  11. GOODNESS!! I am so glad that everyone is alright. Big ((HUGS))!! I am so sorry you all had to go through all of this.

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  12. Oh my goodness Erika.... I got chills from reading your story. Especially with all this happening during the holiday season, only reminding us once more that what is most important is our family and loved ones... I am happy to hear everyone in your family is relatively okay.... and hope the same for the other families.
    xoxo

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  13. Oh my goodness. This story just makes my heart seize a bit. SO scary and so incredibly harrowing. I am happy all is well but it sounds like they were blessed to have you around.

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  14. Wow, scary stuff but SO glad Karen and Cait are ok! It's all about love and family!

    Strange also because my dad got into an accident this morning and totaled my husband's car. Main thing was that he's ok!

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  15. Ohh my goodness, this was so sad to read-I really hope everyone is ok!!

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  16. So glad everyone is okay. They sounded very lucky to only have minior injuries!
    I know how you feel, I was in a bad car accident this year, everything is so confusing for the first few days!

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  17. It is so important to appreciate each other and not take
    For granted what we have. I am impressed with how
    Your family held together through this hole ordeal.
    Wishing you and your family health and good wishes.

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  18. Oh my God, I'm so glad your family is okay! I hope the other people involved in the acciden will be okay, too. We lost my Uncle and my five year old cousin in a car accident years ago. It's sad how in an instant you can lose so much. Makes me realize I need to live life every day to the fullest...

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  19. My gosh, Erika! This sounds terrible...you're all in my thoughts and I can only hope everyone is getting through the tragedy. A sad reminder to tell the ones you love just how much you love them.

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  20. So happy that everyone appears to have escaped with minor injuries.. ouch double ouch on the ankle... I ended up with plates and screws in my Right ankle after being my accident (along with a whole lot of other hardware throughout my body)... one thing I can share with your SIL is please listen when they say do not over do it ,,, trust me as hard as it may be t remain off of it ... it will healer faster and better... blessing to you all .. xo HHL

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  21. How terrifying! I'm so glad to hear your family is ok. Hopefully, the same can be said for the others.

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  22. Praying for you all!! God bless friend :) Xoxoxo

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  23. Many blessings for your family and Cait!

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  24. Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about the terrible accident. But thank goodness your sister and niece are okay! I hope they feel better soon and my thoughts are also with the other people in the accident. thanks for the reminder that life is precious and so are the people who love us.

    xo
    Valerie

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  25. Wow! What a story Erika! So glad they are well!
    Love to you all!

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  26. I believe that the angels were there with them—how scary it must have been! Thank you for sharing this experience—it is so important to value those around us and the time we can spend with them. It's so important...

    and on a good note, Happy December*
    xoxo

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  27. im so glad to read your family is ok! i hope everyone else is, too. i understand all the emotions running thru you trying to get there and not knowing what you'll find. must've been so heartbreaking! hang in there and hug them tight!

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  28. Erika,
    I just wiped the tears from my eyes. Driving is so scary and you are right, accidents don't take time to happen they just happen in an instant. I'm glad to hear that your family will heal and be better. So terrible for you and yours to have gone through this. There is beauty in your post too...to take time to love those we have in our lives.

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  29. Scary.
    Happy to hear all is good.
    Enjoy your weekend together!

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  30. So sorry to hear this.. I really hope everyone is ok that you're not sure about..Thank God your sister in law and niece are alright.

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  31. Oh dear me I didn't read this post before I read your one today about your mom. I've driven to the shore on the Garden state parkway. Oh I'm so relieved your family is okay. Oh wow. I'll remember to be extra careful when i'm down there. God bless them seriously.

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  32. Oh Erika! I'm catching up on your blog and I am so sorry to hear about the accident but SO glad your family is okay. It's astounding how quickly life can change. And your last two paragraphs are wonderful life reminders-thank you.

    LOTS of love and thanksgiving!!!

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