You Just Never Know

A couple of nights ago I was telling a friend that I was 'doing' a blog.  The purpose of the call was to see if she'd take a look at it and, if she liked it, email the link to all of her friends.  As I was trying to work up to the request, I felt like I had to justify my reasons for starting it.  I don't know why because she was very supportive of the idea.  Still, the need to explain why I wanted to do it was strong.

In the five months before the accident, I wrote yet another book.  From conception of the idea until I finished editing, it took about five weeks.  I also wrote a short story for a national magazine contest, a couple of weeks before it happened, in fact.  Since then, I've barely written anything, unless it was in the form of emails.  So part of my home therapy, suggested by two separate therapists, is to write every day. 

I also reminded her that one of my doctors suggested I write a book about my experiences.  Which I've tried to do.  In fact, I've written several chapters.  They're much easier than trying to pen fiction now.  But maybe it's because they feel like a diary rather than a book.  So I thought, why not blog it instead.

As we chatted, my 'excuses' became more clear.  Why not write this?  It's applicable to many situations.  Situations that have already happened, and situations that can happen in the future.

It really hit me, during that conversation, that the things I've learned, I wish I'd known about in the beginning.  I'd never thought much about being involved in an accident.  I certainly hadn't planned on it.  Like, hmm.  I wonder what I'll have to deal with if I ever get hit by some guy who runs a red light...

There's also the fact that I've always been a careful driver.  One who obeys all the traffic laws because I believe laws were made to protect us all.  I'm the one who wrote several letters to the editor about how out of control traffic violators are in our town.  The one who went to at least one city council meeting to ask that something be done about it, because I wanted my kids-and all of their classmates-safe.

So why would I ever think I might be involved in an auto accident?

Who ever thinks they will though?  Well, some people might.  Like the idiots who go barreling through stop signs on country roads after dark-when you know darned well they saw you approaching.  But that's beside the point. 

The fact is, none of us ever expect it.  The fact is, I wish I'd had someone to forewarn me of what was coming.  Maybe then keeping my blood pressure under control wouldn't continue to be such a challenge (and it was never high before the accident so that's another thing to look forward to).  I never knew my insurance claims rep would turn on me like a rabid dog.  I'd never heard of things like interrogatories and IME's either.

So I'm not going to make excuses anymore.  If my blogging helps you, then I've accomplished my purpose.  If it doesn't, great.  That means you're not where I am.  Hopefully you won't ever be.