Two weeks ago today, I experienced a mother’s worst nightmare when my daughter, Stefanie, was involved in a near fatal automobile accident.
On Sunday, April 26 my daughter and one of her best friends decided to drive from Fort Collins, Co. to Steamboat Springs. Around 6:00pm, after driving two and a half hours in the mountains, they suddenly hit a secluded patch of ice. Hitting her brakes, my daughter’s friend began to spin out in front of Stefanie’s vehicle. Trying to avoid running into her friend, Stefanie overcorrected and immediately lost control. Her vehicle then rolled four or five times before coming to a complete stop. Fortunately, an off-duty firefighter happened to see the accident and immediately called 911.
In spite of her injuries – several broken ribs, a punctured lung, two crushed vertebrae, major contusions to her left arm, an exposed broken bone in her left hand and a nearly severed finger – Stefanie remained calm as she waited for the ambulance to arrive. However, having lost a lot of blood, her vision began to blur. After the accident, she recalled asking God to keep her awake since she thought she might have a concussion. Miraculously, she remained coherent throughout her medical rescue and life flight back to Fort Collins for treatment and emergency surgery.
I first heard about the accident the following morning when my daughter’s fiancée called. After receiving the news, I was in shock. I could not believe what I was hearing. As her mother, I was extremely worried with many questions. However, I decided to follow my daughter’s example: remain calm and pray.
Philippians 4:6-7 (TLB) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”
Once I prayed, I just knew everything would be all right. Finally, my mind and heart were at peace. I had confidence that God was still with her and would continue to take care of her, as He always has.
When Stefanie first turned 18 and decided to leave home, I remember how worried I was.
If she was not living under my roof any longer, how was I going to protect her? One day I had an epiphany; God could take care of her so much better than I ever could, even on my best day! So, I quickly asked Him to watch over Stefanie according to Psalm 91:11 which says, “He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”
Over the past two weeks, Stefanie and I have had many conversations. Each time we talk, she happens to share another aspect of the miraculous protection she experienced that day.
First, she is so extremely grateful to be alive! Fortunately, she was wearing her seatbelt, which prevented her from being ejected from the vehicle. Second, the off-duty firefighter, which made the 911 call, was in the right place at the right time. Third, the surgical team at the hospital was able to save her severed finger. Fourth, the punctured lung that appeared on her first set of x-rays disappeared three hours later on the second set of x-rays. Fifth, the doctors continue to marvel at the amazing healing progress she is making everyday. I could go on and on.
Instead, I want to leave you with this thought:
The next time you find yourself worried or concerned about your children, do not waste your time. Because, as I once read “Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It may give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.”
Instead, why not stop and pray? Remember, He is able to take care of them better than you can – even on your best day!
