1 2002 Ford Sport Trac, 125K miles, (probably) totaled, $7000
1 Blackberry cracked, $250
1 sore back and two sore legs, $2 in Motrin
Walking away from a rollover accident at 60 miles per hour to go home and see your wife and daughters.
Priceless.
Here is a photo of the vehicle on its side:
More tomorrow...
My favorite part of the evening (other than living): talking to the fighfighter who, at the end of the conversation, said he wanted to come to church on Sunday with his wife.
Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose."
Update 1:
Having never had an accident of this kind, some of the "best" moments included:
1. Crawling out of the sunroof of my truck because the airbag gas was choking me. (Nothing better than watching a fat man squeeze-- and, oh, I was motivated.)2. Having the police officer suggest that, after walking away from the wreck with some bruises and a minor cut, I might consider getting a lottery ticket before the end of the day.
3. Getting a kind call from Thom Rainer that starts with, "I heard you broke the blackberry."
4. Hearing from my boss, Brad Waggoner, who suggested I not "text" when I drive.
5. My daughter kissing me on the arm (where I had the small cut) and saying, "That will make it better."
6. Calling back the guy who I was talking to when the crash happened. (And, yes, I was using my hands free set, for the record.) Doug told me that all he heard was my yelling that I was about to crash, several crashes, then a horn. He waited on the line for 30 more minutes not hearing anything and told me later that he though I was dead.
7. Finding an old picture of my daughter as I cleaned out the car... and it reminded me that, although I am ready to see Jesus, I am glad I have some more time with my daughters.
Accidents remind us of what is precious. This Sunday, at my church, I will preach on the biblical value of community. As part of that message, I will confess that I am not yet in much community-- being new to town-- but I will make an added effort to be.
Posted on January 8, 2008 at 9:47 PM ~ 35 Comments
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35 Comments
01/08/08 @ 10:31 PM
holy smokes ed... i think i speak for many when i say that we are glad you are okay!
01/08/08 @ 10:34 PM
dang ... not your blackberry?!
seriously ... God is good
01/08/08 @ 10:40 PM
Brother, you are in our prayers. It is amazing how God will use all incidents to bring glory to His name! I hope you feel fine tomorrow.
God bless.
01/08/08 @ 10:40 PM
ed, thanks to our Lord that you are still alive.
01/08/08 @ 11:01 PM
Thaaats why you didn't answer when I called tonight.
01/08/08 @ 11:02 PM
Seeing "Dad" walk through the door after such an accident - "Praise worthy."
01/08/08 @ 11:12 PM
Wow Ed! Glad you're ok!
01/08/08 @ 11:59 PM
Glad to hear you are ok Ed. Praying for you.
01/09/08 @ 4:02 AM
Man that sucks. But I'm glad to hear your ok. I'll keep you in my prayers.
01/09/08 @ 4:06 AM
Hoping you recover swiftly, and praying that you have the opportunity to minister to the firefighter and his family . . .
01/09/08 @ 4:15 AM
glad you're ok, ed!
01/09/08 @ 6:40 AM
Praise God for his Hand of protection. Thanks for the great scripture reminder.
01/09/08 @ 7:16 AM
Ed
My friend I am thankful we have such an awesome God who protects us from so many things. Glad you are OK. See you soon.
01/09/08 @ 7:24 AM
Wow... not a great day. How scary! Glad you are OK though.
01/09/08 @ 7:48 AM
Glad to hear you are ok! How wonderful and marvelous is the Providence of God!!
01/09/08 @ 8:30 AM
Glad to hear you're ok, Ed!
Todd
01/09/08 @ 8:44 AM
Never so good to be home I'm sure. Blessings.
01/09/08 @ 9:02 AM
no, no, no...
joking about a near death experience a few hours later...priceless.
wow, I'm serious when I say thank God you're ok.
01/09/08 @ 9:04 AM
Wow Ed! Count me among the many who are glad to hear you are ok and are giving thanks to God for that.
01/09/08 @ 9:25 AM
Thanks to all...
Today I took the day off work and have embraced the beauty of Motrin.
Today is a big research day, which is a bit of bad timing. Such is life.
Yes, Lance, you called moments after I had crashed. I was still stuck in the car, on its side, trying to push away the airbags to find the phone and answer you... but, well, I could not do it!
Mark, the BlackBerry is alive, but with a crack in the screen. Very sad, I know. And you are a funny guy.
Thanks to all... and, remember, always wear your seatbelt. If I had not, I would not have that big bruise in my shoulder, but I would also not be writing this.
01/09/08 @ 9:26 AM
Glad that you're okay Ed. Looking forward to this Sunday's message. Thanks for being a part of FBCH.
01/09/08 @ 9:39 AM
Ed-
I'm more thankful that you are ok, and I'll have to admit that I find it at least a bit funny that you were standing around taking pictures afterwards.
We're praying for you.
01/09/08 @ 9:53 AM
Micah,
I knew someone would comment on the picture. But, I am taking blogging seriously!
But, more seriously, a friend (and blog reader) took it and sent it to me... my cracked blackberry has no camera.
01/09/08 @ 10:05 AM
I may have passed your accident. Indian Lake BLVD? Glad you are well. Let us know if you need anything.
01/09/08 @ 10:09 AM
Michael,
Indeed that was me. I think the road was closed for about 30 minutes to extract my car from the railing... hopefully you made it by when there was still one lane open!
01/09/08 @ 12:29 PM
Ed,
You know, you have lived in GA for several years, and now live in TN. You should know by now that you can't drive like a Yankee anymore. :)
I along with everyone else are very thankful you are well. Praying for a quick recovery.
01/09/08 @ 12:42 PM
Ed... I am also thankful for God's protection & grace in your "upended situation". Hope recovery is smooth and short.
01/09/08 @ 2:51 PM
Good Doctor, No more driving 60mph in heavy rain! what the heck?! good to see you blogging...keep poppin' the Motrins!
01/09/08 @ 9:05 PM
It was a girly truck anyway. Glad you're OK.
01/11/08 @ 8:12 PM
Glad your okay. Didn't know you were in Nashville.
01/12/08 @ 11:11 PM
Ed
I am so sorry to read about your accident and give God praise for you well being.
Blessings,
Rick
01/13/08 @ 2:36 PM
Ed,
Glad you're OK and praying for recovery.
I'm trying to remember if I saw this on the news. Not sure.
Blessings,
Mark
01/14/08 @ 12:35 PM
Ed,
I am glad you are OK. It’s just another reminder that God is in control, even at 60 MPH in the rain.
01/14/08 @ 8:33 PM
We're VERY glad at FBC Hendersonville that you are "sore and no more" - you have blessed us SO much and have been instrumental in helping us heal with so great a loss as our pastor. We've grown to love you and your family - sorry about the truck and the blackberry though!! Please contact us if we can help you out - oh yeah, loved Ergun getting tased!!! I've dared Dave Paxton to do it!
01/15/08 @ 7:10 PM
Ed,
Jason here. From Philadelphia. If you need me to come be your chauffeur again, I'm looking for a full-time job :)
I know where we can get some good 7-11 soda-pop too!
Glad you are okay my friend.
Hope to see ya soon.
-Jason