A scary

I was on my way home from work last night and I had a scary experience.


It was dark and had rained most of the day.  The roads were wet and there was still a little drizzle.

I was on the phone with the friend who watches the girls for me during the day when I work trying to sort out the logistics for Thursday.

I was one exit away from being home.  Traffic was light, although there was a constant flow of vehicles. 

I moved over a lane so I would be able to hop off on my exit a little sooner than usual due to the rain and it seemed darker than usual (note: I was also driving slightly slower than usual because of the conditions).

Suddenly, I realized there were two cars blocking the second and third lane of the highway.  I saw them just in time to switch lanes and slam on the brakes.  I slid.  I slid and slid and slid and slid.  The sliding probably only lasted for a second, but it felt like eternity.  As I slid, I realized there were people out of their vehicles in this dark area on the highway in the rain.  I realized this only because two sets of eyes reflected back my headlights.  I thought I saw the eyes widen in surprise or fear as I slid past. The vehicles were dark colored.  I would guess their clothing was dark colored.  There were no emergency workers on the scene at all.  These people were sitting ducks and the situation had potential to get much worse very quickly.

I was able to slow down enough to get around the accident safely.  I looked behind my to see two semis approaching the accident behind me.


I was past the accident, and all I could think about were those wide eyes reflecting the light of my headlights.  I prayed that whoever it was found their way to a safe place quickly.  Although the traffic was light, it was still steady with several large 18 wheeled trucks behind me.

My exit was the next one and I decided to call 911 as I slowed down to a stop.

Dispatcher: 911! (loud voices/noise in background)
Me: I'm calling to report an accident.  I'm traveling (insert specific information about my location) and there is an accident on the highway blocking several lanes.
Dispatcher: Were you involved in the accident???!?
Me: No
Dispatcher: We have the information.
CLICK

911 hung up on me.  I wanted to tell them about the people who were in danger.  That is was especially dark in that spot.  That someone with a flashing light needed to get there ASAP to protect those people out of their cars at night on the highway.  I didn't get to do any of that which bothered me more than it should have.

I came home and kissed my big kids and my husband.  I didn't wake the baby, but I considered it.  I have some ideas about a few people who might be looking out for me from above and I'm thankful for their love and protection.