I could feel the hot summer sun on my back, and the humidity from the huge storm last night caused droplets of perspiration to form along my brow. I bent over trying to sweep up what remained of one of my car windows. I had read many times before how a car window shattered in one of my novels. I had watched television shows and movies portray shattered windows. I realized the stark contrast with my first-hand experience today.
As I reflected on the events of the last two hours, minute by minute I analyzed everything that happened. Suddenly with a sort of sick uneasiness I suddenly remembered the impression I had ignored earlier. "Give her a bottle"
Kylee had asked me to pick up Adorable Adelynn Eliza from daycare today. Delighted I did so and buckled her into her car seat, and off we went. As I made the first turn out of the daycare neighborhood, the impression came to me, so light, "You should give her a bottle." However I thought, no, we'll be home in 10 minutes. I proceeded towards the freeway. Traffic was pretty normal for a Friday, and I was glad most people were finishing up their work week still. I entered I-15 and proceeded to work my way across to the inside lanes. Suddenly out of nowhere I heard the rear passenger side window shatter completely. Adee screamed as she was hit with shards and chunks of glass, and the noise of the traffic filled our car. I made the quick decision to pull off the freeway to the left crossing the HOV lane to do so, and slowed as quickly as I could. My hands fumbled to locate my hazard lights as Adee's screams filled my ears. I got out on my side, next to the cement divide. I climbed into the back seat and quickly moved Adee to my side and got her out of her car seat and into my arms. As I soothed her, my tears ran down my cheeks, and I surveyed the damage. My heart nearly melted in gratitude as I realized the sun-shade which is built into my rear doors was completely intact!! I realized had it not been there....well I didn't have the emotional bandwidth to follow that line of thought. I cradled little Adee close to me, breathing in her baby scent and touching her soft curls. She was alive! I sat her on the seat, while I turned her car seat upside down there on the freeway. When I looked back to where that car seat had been holding my precious passenger, my breath stopped all together as I saw how much glass was on the seat, on the floor and wedged still along the frame of the window. The car rocked as cars and trucks sped by us and I knew I had to do something. Breathing again, I heard the Spirit say, "Feed her a bottle...and get back inside the car!"
I did so, quickly preparing a bottle for her and getting her started on it. We sat there, without a window and rocking back and forth as cars continued to fly by us at alarming speeds. While she drank I tried to collect myself. I looked forlornly out my back window watching the endless stream of vehicles coming my way. I was disappointed to see a Highway Patrol vehicle go right past me. I messaged Clark, I didn't trust myself to call him, thinking I would likely fall completely apart, and besides there was nothing anyone could do for us anyway. I felt the gentle reassurance of the Comforter, seep into my heart, "It will all be ok." He assured me. Slowly my plan began to form. During the next significant break in the HOV traffic I opened the car door on the traffic side and quickly hung my Australian blanket over the window and slammed the door shut. Even over the roar of the passing traffic I heard the shattered glass fall down inside the door. It was an eerie experience.
Adee finished her bottle and I buckled her back into her car seat, on my side of the car. I put on a happy face as her big blue eyes watched me. She smiled and I kissed her and whispered "Nanny loves Adee."I couldn't see her, when I got back into my seat, but she apparently fell right to sleep. I didn't hear a peep out of her. I waited until there was a break in the HOV lane traffic and sped into it, praying we'd be ok. About 5 minutes later I realized I was gripping the steering wheel so hard my knuckles were hurting! Several times I had to consciously release my hands and take a deep breath, and remind myself we were ok.
When we got back to the house, I got her out and quickly discovered I didn't want to put her down. Kylee arrived about that moment so I explained, and showed her the car. I held on to Adee and kissed and cuddled her, and she smiled and snuggled me. It was as if I had to reassure myself over and over again, that we were both ok. Clark arrived soon after that, he was also in desperate need for some Adee snuggles, after his difficult week. Miss Fizz spread her special brand of sunshine and snuggles all around. She is so loving and generous with that love, we all are blessed.
I am still trying to wrap my head around this whole freaky experience. I played the what if...??? game for a minute or two. What if the shade hadn't been up? What if it had happened to the windshield? What if I had hit another car as the glass shattered? And then I couldn't go on.
Every day we express our gratitude to the Lord for His loving watch-care over us. Never have I felt those words more deeply than at this moment. I finished cleaning the glass as much as possible and have an appointment to have the window replaced next Wednesday. If the weather stays dry I'll be fine, if not I'll be driving Clarks truck.
Tonight I am still feeling a little shaken, but grateful. I think I'd rather read about shattered glass from now on, instead of living through it. God is so good! His care is perfect. He is in the details of every life. What peace that brings me.
