I’m taking a break from our Wisconsin visit to write about a few events from the past few days. I’ll finish telling my Wisconsin stories soon.
The interesting events of last week got their start last Monday when Steve retrieved his (very nice) laptop from his carry-on bag only to discover that a bottle of water had spilled all over it. Soaking wet is not a good look for a laptop.
He took it to a computer shop and on Thursday he got the call that the computer was ruined. (Thankfully, they could save the data.)
Thursday morning, Steve had to take Tippi to the vet for a couple of problems. They gave her an ointment and a week’s worth of a steroid. They said the steroid would make her hungry, and hyper, and would make her need to go to the bathroom more often. Oh, joy.
Steve had a few things to pick up at Lowes so he drove over there to get paint and other supplies. As he was unloading his car, he was looking for a place to put down a gallon of paint so he could unlock the patio door. He unthinkingly set it on the arm of an Adirondack rocking chair because it was the closest thing to him.
Just as he was turning around to grab some of his other purchases, the paint suddenly unloosed itself from the constraints of gravity and made violent contact with the deck below.
The lid flew off and light gray paint splashed everywhere, splattering half of the deck, and soaking Steve’s shoes and jeans. (I know it looks like a large bird had an accident on our patio.)
(Just a side note: Steve is very hard to fit in shoes. He has narrow, flat feet and has to buy expensive shoes in order to keep his legs and feet from aching. He had just purchased the shoes in the picture a month ago, planning to wear them for several years. He was also wearing a newish pair of favorite jeans which were covered in paint from the knee down. So not a big win for his wardrobe that day)
Steve just stood there, with paint dripping everywhere and pondering the sudden onset of chaos in his previously ordered life. He definitely had a bit of a problem on his hands. (And on his feet.) Both his shoes and jeans were drenched in paint and he definitely didn’t want to track paint into the house on our new floors.
And so he made the executive, husbandly, man-of-the-house decision that the best thing to do would be to take off his shoes.
And then after that? He decided he would remove his jeans.
Outside. On the patio.
In his half-nekkid state, he gathered up the paint-soaked pants and shoes and dumped them into the kitchen sink, filling it with water. (Spoiler alert: soaking them didn’t make any difference. They were both ruined.)
At that point, Tippi (whom you may recall, was on steroids) decided at that very moment that she really, really needed to use the bathroom and she started whining to go out on the deck. Of course, he couldn’t let her out there because of the Great Paint Explosion and he didn’t want to take her out front on the leash because he was . . .well . . . unclothed.
While Tippi was looking at him in desperate consternation (with her eyeballs bulging ever so slightly), Steve’s cell phone rang. In the midst of the ongoing chaos and pacing dog, he managed to locate it amidst the mess and said, “Hello?”
As it turns out, it was me on the other end.
Speaking in a quavery, slightly higher than normal voice, I told him that I had just been involved in a four-car accident on I-485.
So there stood a pant-less Steve with the paint dripping outside, the jeans soaking in the sink, and the dog pacing at his feet doing his utmost to comfort me and find out the details about what had happened. He immediately offered to come to where I was but I told him not to even try because traffic was so heavy it would take him forever to get there. And all things considered, I was okay. (More on the accident later in the post.)
After he hung up, Steve finally got the desperate Tippi out the door to do her doggy business and after getting dressed again, went outside to try and spray down the deck and remove the paint. That also didn’t work.
When I finally arrived home (two hours after leaving work), Steve came out to hug me and see how I was doing. We also looked at the damage to the car. We don’t know whether or not it will be considered a total loss by insurance or not: it’s nine years old and has 180,000 miles on it so it might be totaled. We had been planning to drive it for another 2-3 years and enjoy not having a car payment but we’ll see what the insurance company says about its banged up state.
After Steve had fed me a quick meal, we decided that I should probably go to Urgent Care to be checked out. We got online to make a 7:15 p.m. appointment and rushed over to the facility to make the appointment in time. While trying to check in, we were told that the appointment we had made was actually for the next day and there were no more appointments that day.
What could we do but laugh as went out to the car and drove back home?
Once we arrived home, Steve realized that he didn’t have his wallet on him. After searching through the whole house he finally located it–still in the pocket of his jeans that had been soaking in the sink for three hours.
Cash, receipts, credit cards, and insurance cards were all sodden. And then when he put the wet leather wallet on the counter, it left a big black stain behind. Of course, it did.
The perfect ending to a pretty imperfect day.
Well, here’s the scoop on that.
I was driving home from work on the congested six-lane interstate going about 45 m.p.h., the average speed of everyone around me.
Out of nowhere, a car slammed into me from behind. I actually felt like it hit me twice but it was hard to tell because everything happened so fast. That impact, of course, pushed me rather violently into the car in front of me which caused that car to ram the car ahead of it. I’m not exactly sure of the whole timeline but I felt three or four distinct slams and I got jerked around a good bit. I’m so grateful I was in the passing lane and not the center lane because the other three drivers and I were immediately able to pull off onto the left shoulder and get out of traffic.
The rest of what happened was pretty straightforward: I met the other drivers, waited for the police, exchanged info, made calls, etc. The car that hit me was a big, heavy car; it was undrivable but thankfully mine was still okay to get home in despite all the pushed-in parts in the front and back.
I could feel some stiffness and soreness in my neck, shoulders, and back, but apart from being a little shaken up, I felt okay. I also had some bruising on my legs.
I haven’t been in an accident in about thirty years. So the incident was unsettling to me both physically and emotionally. I took off from work on Friday and just spent the day resting and taking muscle relaxers and Tylenol.
I’m feeling pretty well today with just a few lingering twinges. Of course, in a situation like this, the tendency is always to think of the “what ifs” and how much more serious it could have been–that I could have ended up in the hospital or worse.
Incidents like this remind me to be extra, extra grateful each time Steve or I arrive safely home from an errand or a trip. Arriving safely home is not something to ever take for granted.
There is one particular incident that stands out to me from the wreck. While we were waiting for the police to arrive, I recognized the logo on a shirt one of the other drivers was wearing; it was a company that takes care of plants for businesses. I told her that someone from her company came to my job every week and told her the woman’s name. (I’ll call her Sheila.)
She said, “Oh yes, I have worked with Sheila for a lot of years. She is a really great person.”
She then went on to add, “Her husband has just been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and can no longer drive; he is only in his 50s. She is going through an incredibly difficult time so be extra nice to her.”
Of course, my whole modus operandi in life is to be nice to people but I told this woman that I would go out of my way to encourage Sheila and show her extra kindness.
As she and I stood there chatting on the side of a busy highway in a large city near our banged-up cars, it struck me how strangely fulfilling it was to be having a conversation of substance with a total stranger. Within sixty seconds of meeting, we were talking about real issues and real pain and connecting with each other in our desire to do what we could to lift the burden of another human being.
Strangers on the highway. Walking away from what could have been a serious wreck. Having a real conversation in the midst of the noise, exhaust fumes, and trauma.
After all the ups and downs and unexpected expenses of the week, I am reminded that cars, computers, and shoes can be replaced. I am just grateful to have been given the privilege of sitting in my blogging chair one more time to type another post and to connect with you dear readers all around the world.
Thank you, as always, for reading. And the next time you arrive safely home from somewhere? Stop for a moment and breathe a prayer of thanks.
I am grateful, as always, for the gift of another day.
What about you?
Was there any craziness in your week?
Have you ever made a major mess involving paint or some other substance?
Have you been in any accidents?
Soooo sorry to hear about your recent tribulations! I’m so glad to know that neither of you were seriously injured! Traveling on the Interstate highways has become a dangerous undertaking. I am no longer driving – Lucy does all the driving now. I dread the Interstate highways, especially during rush hours. Please be extra careful out there.
Fred and Lucy,
Thanks for your commiserations. I’d much rather drive on a country road to work but . . . oh well! At least I have a good place to work once I arrive!
I’m just now reading this a week late, because our home internet was down for 4 days (Friday -Monday) and I’m still playing catch-up with my emails. That was my “crazy” for the week, having to do any “internet-ing” on my tiny phone with almost 62-year-old eyes. Definitely a “first world” problem. But nothing compared to the day you & Steve had. I’m so thankful you weren’t seriously injured – either in the accident or while waiting on police to arrive. If Charlotte traffic is anything like Dallas traffic, then CRAZY is an understatement. Now to get to “this” weeks post!!
Sue Ellen,
Never a good thing when the internet goes down–definitely enough to add some crazy to your week.
I don’t know if Charlotte’s traffic is as bad as Dallas’, but it can get pretty wild around here. I just drive super defensively to make up for those who are not doing that!
We have a sign by our back door that states:
“Leaving your home and returning safely is such an underrated blessing.”
Sue,
Perfect. I love it!
Wow, when it rains – it pours! Poor Steve – and your accident. Have prayed that the Lord will mend your body and mind. That lingering effects of the accident will not cloud your mind as you return to work and have to, once again, get into traffic. How nice that you and the woman were able to chat while waiting. Have been in two accidents – just me thank the Lord. And, of course, it had to be ice that was the culprit. I remember spinning out of control saying, “dear Jesus, dear Jesus.” I was not hurt in either one, but the last one the car had to be repaired. So thankful I was not hurt nor was anyone else involved (such as the semi that was on my right side).
Sharyn,
I am very thankful I don’t usually have to drive on ice in North Carolina. Glad you weren’t hurt in either of your accidents.
It has been slightly more stressful driving to work since the accident; I do appreciate your prayers!
As I was reading your blog entry I kept thinking about the children’s book “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” It certainly seemed like one of those days! Been in a few wrecks – one of which turned the car over on its side (I hit a gigantic pothole) at Coulwood Middle School. It was rather embarrassing as people were driving by and you could see the horror in their faces!
Karen,
Having a wreck with horrified onlookers would not be so great. Nothing quite like having an audience.
That must have been an ENORMOUS pothole. Hopefully, it has since been fixed!
So sorry to hear about your accident. Glad that you were not hurt. I do not miss driving on highways in rush hour traffic. I time my visits to my parents’ nursing home so I am not on I-35 in rush hour traffic.
I have only been in one accident, knock on wood. I had just graduated from college in May, the accident happened in December of that year. I had taken my mom to the grocery store in their car as mine had some Christmas presents in it. I had stopped to turn left into their driveway and a man wasn’t paying attention and rear ended us. I had my turn signal on and was at a dead stop waiting for traffic to clear. He had dropped some letters on the floor and leaned over to pick them up. I felt so bad for my dad as it was the first new car he had ever owned as I recall.
This doesn’t involve paint but about five years ago, my parents had to have a new sewer line put in. As I recall, there was a hump of dirt in their yard over the new line. I went out in the yard to do something, it had been raining earlier so the yard was a little squishy. I thought I could just jump over the mound of dirt, think mud. Only problem was when I went to jump, my shoes stayed behind and I fell in the muddy yard. The mud just suctioned them where I stood. I went in their enclosed back porch and stripped out of my muddy jeans before going in the house. Fortunately, the mud washed out of my jeans and I was able to clean my shoes up pretty good.
Phyllis,
Oh, that’s sad about your dad’s only new car being in a wreck! Hopefully, they were able to restore to look as good as new.
And your story about the mud. Ick! When your shoes are suctioned off your feet, that is a bad deal. Glad it all washed out.
Oh my goodness, a trail of tragedies! So glad you are OK, life certainly throws us a perspective arrow when we need it. I’m sure you will look forward to seeing “Sheila” every week. Hope Tippi is on the mend!
Lesley,
“A perspective arrow.” Such an interesting concept!
Bless your hearts, that was a BAD day! I hope you don’t have any lasting effects physically from the wreck. I couldn’t live in Charlotte because of the traffic. Our little town here in Mt. Airy is nothing near like it is down there. Glad you are ok. Praying you have a great week next week with no mishaps. God is good!
Judy,
I’ve not been to Mt. Airy but I hear it’s a delightful town. Enjoy!
So thankful that you are all ok, despite the crazy week. My week has been busy but not crazy.
I haven’t spilled that much paint, but I was painting with some fabric paint and got some on the first quilt I made. Needless to say it didn’t wash out. I still used it for years and that spot reminded me to be more careful.
We were in a 4 car crash last year, on our way home from touring a senior living home. We were the front car so not at fault, thought it might have convinced someone to put us in the senior home if it had. Our car was the only one driveable as the 4th car was going so fast that she damaged the front and back of the 2nd and 3rd cars. Worst thing was she had her hood secured with bungee cords so this wasn’t her first accident.
Pray that all your fixable issues are an easy fix and insurance allows you to get a good car deal.
Patti,
Yes, when you are hit by someone who already has a bungee cord securing her hood, that is NOT a good sign! 🙂 That made me smile.
Girl. When it rains, sometimes it just pours, doesn’t it? You’ve had more than your share of gully washers over the years, and somehow, you always find a silver lining or a rainbow. And that? Is the key to the peace that passes all understanding. Thanksgiving. My favorite word in Philippians 4:6-7. It changes everything. My last week? Has been terrifyingly amazing. Chuck had major open heart surgery Friday in Cleveland. His surgeon literally held his heart in his hands. And today, he was walking laps and eating enthusiastically! His birthday was today, and he got a rebuilt heart! God is good…
Pam,
How amazing is that to have a husband with a fabulously repaired heart? Such good news that the surgery was a great success.
To see Chuck walking and eating must make make your smile a million miles wide. Please greet him for us–so glad for you both.
What a sweet anecdote about the plant lady. What a considerate God to weave that grace into the chaotic events of the day. Did Urgent Care give you a good report?
Greta,
I never did make it to Urgent Care. The next day I started feeling better and so I didn’t go back in. We did find out in the process that if I do decide to be seen, it will have to be at the Emergency Room and not Urgent Care so that was interesting to note.
Yes, such a lovely reminder that God brings people together in the most unusual kinds of circumstances.
Fortunately, my week was much less exciting than yours. It sounds like you and Steve both needed a reset on Friday! I’m so grateful that no one was seriously injured.
Lisa,
Yes, a reset was just the ticket.
I’m glad for your sake that your week was a little less exciting than ours.
OH NO! Hope you are feeling ok!! Thank God it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. I was in a wreck years ago. Hit from behind while sitting at a red light. My daughter was in a car seat in the back. Thankfully she wasn’t hurt. I had whiplash and back issues from the hit. I was 7 months pregnant with my 2nd daughter. That sent everyone scurrying to call for help. After an ambulance ride to the ER and being checked out they sent me home. I actually went in to labor that night and had to be hospitalized! Thank God they got it stopped! and she made it to term. I had back issues for many months and still years later.
Shoes, pants, and cars can be replaced!!
Praying you have no lasting issues and are feeling ok!
No craziness this week! No major spills for me but my husband did drop a can of paint in our basement – what a mess!
Eswim,
An accident while pregnant with a toddler in the car? I can’t imagine the stress of something like that! Thank the Lord the labor was able to be stopped and you had a healthy baby
So many things along the paths of our lives to be thankful for. (But NOT your husband spilling a can of paint!)
What a stressful week! Any one of those incidents would have been enough to be a week-defining event, and you are coping with all of them at once. I am glad that you are both ok. The last accident I was in was bike vs car about 8 years ago. It involved me on my bicycle and a woman who ran a red light. I thought I was fine and went to work after but ended up having a rather severe concussion. I suffered the effects for several years. It was a good reminder that just because you feel ok immediately after an accident, a trip to the doctor is still a good idea.
Robin,
Bike vs car and someone running a red light? NOT good! I’m still considering getting in to be seen; can’t go tonight but may head over tomorrow night. I’ve read a lot of stories about people whose effects didn’t show up till later.
So glad you survived a very traumatic incident!
I hope you’re recovering well after your accident! Many years ago I was in a pretty serious accident on my way to work. A car exited a parking lot and slammed into the side of my car. The back of my head hit the headrest and I lost my vision for a brief period of time, my solution was to close my eyes. I was just getting ready to turn into the parking lot when someone leaving for the day hit me. My only concern were the paychecks that needed to be stuffed in envelopes. I turned them over to a friend and he took care of them. Both the gentleman who hit me were transported together in an ambulance. Because I held on to him steering wheel I pulled all sorts of things. My Mom and brother drove out and picked me up and took me to the doctors. He said I needed to stay home for at least a week, which was problematic since I didn’t have very good back up. I managed to work from home sending and receiving things my coworkers would deliver. When I finally was released to go back to work I had to lay on the floor for ten minutes every thirty minutes. I got through it though along with a new car. I felt fortunate to have survived!
Cindy,
I can’t imagine lying down on the floor ten minutes every thirty minutes! I hope you had a little blanket and a pillow or something! That sounds like you had some bad injuries to have to stay out of work for a week and then still have issues.
I’m sure it was very scary to lose your vision momentarily. That was a really traumatic experience!
I had both a blanket and a pillow. The worst part was I wasn’t allowed to drive for six weeks. Thankfully a co-worker lived close to me and was happy to deliver me and take me home. I hope you are doing well now!
Oh no!!!! What a “series of unfortunate events” for you! Glad you’re OK, but so sorry about the unexpected expenses from all of this. 🙁
I haven’t been in a wreck since a woman backed out of a parking space directly into the side of my car. She said she “didn’t see” me, despite the fact that she had just walked past my car (sitting in a long line of cars, waiting to exit the parking lot). That was a few cars ago…
What was Steve planning to paint? Also – I use “nekkid” and that’s also how I say it, so that wording gave me a chuckle. 🙂
Stefanie,
Nekkid is a really great word; so fun and countrified. 🙂
I “love” that the woman said she didn’t see your car when she’d just walked past you. I can only imagine how many interesting excuses law enforcement folks hear over the course of their careers.