One of the many things I love about where I live is that no matter what may separate or divide us, people always come running when you need help.
Here, the love of community trumps almost everything.
And today, I needed help pretty badly.
I was driving home from my gym and turning left onto a big hill when a small van with no signals suddenly pulled towards me and in front of me.
Reflexively, I turned sharply to swerve around the van and went wide and drove off the road and into a patch of ice and snow and onto a rocky culvert with a stream rushing beneath the snow.
The car was just sliding, it didn’t respond to brakes or the steering wheel.
The car slid down the hill and began to roll over. It happened so quickly and quietly it was almost like a dream. In fact, it was a nightmare.
If it kept sliding and rolled I’d be trapped inside with icy water coming into the side. At that angle, I couldn’t pull myself out of the car.
In my town, everybody is a first responder at heart.
I was struggling to climb out of the car, which kept tipping when sudden a half dozen men and women appeared above and shouted that I needed to get out of the car quickly.
It is a quiet country road; I couldn’t imagine how they all appeared quickly.
They pulled the door open, and undid my seat belt, and then just pulled me up and out of the car and led me away from it. They were all looking at me and saying they should call an ambulance; I ought to be checked out.
They were kind and thoughtful and were reluctant to leave me until the police arrived.
But I wasn’t hurt.
There was no collision, and my slide into the ravine was slow.
I had no injuries, no bruises.
I declined the ambulance. In a couple of minutes, a state trooper, Trooper Kutscher, came up with lights flashing. He also asked me if I needed an ambulance (and also did a quick alcohol test).
He said this was the worst spot he had ever seen for a car to slide into.
Big boulders made it almost impossible to pull the car directly out.
Some cars and trucks came by – every single person stopped and asked me if I was all right if they could call anyone, do anything, or get anyone. I must have been saying thank you for hours.
I couldn’t get a cell signal at first, so I walked up the hill a bit and called Maria, who was coming back to the farmhouse after her daily walk in the woods. In a couple of minutes, she came sailing over the hill. I was so glad to see her.
Everyone was telling me what a close call it was, the car was still tipping over and was hanging off the rock wall by one tire, which popped as we watched. The car kept moving back and forth.
“If you hadn’t got out of that car,” said Nathan, the tow man, “it would almost surely have rolled over, and then it would be a rescue, not a tow. You wouldn’t have lasted long in that water.”
It was a dream for me;
I remember feeling I was caught in a slow-motion video, the car just sliding out of my control, right down that hill, tipping over to a fearful angle. I tried to text Maria to tell her I loved her always, but there was no signal, and I was sure I could get out of there.
Stay calm and strong, I thought.
I’m not sure I ever needed help in this way before, it was a powerful, wrenching feeling. And there was so much help.
After that, I felt nothing but lucky and grateful to all of these good people rushing to help me. If we watch the news, it’s easy to forget how good people really are once they meet face to face and not online or on angry and deranged websites and cable news channels.
Trooper Kutscher was kind and helpful, although he was making sure I wasn’t on drugs or alcohol. Suddenly an AAA towing truck came by; he said he was also passing by.
Nathan said this was the most complicated and difficult towing job he had ever seen. There was no way, he said, to pull my new car off of those rocks without destroying the undercarriage.
We had to get AAA’s permission to undertake the tow; I had to sign a bunch of waivers.
A second tow truck appeared in minutes, this one a wrecker, also just passing by on the way to another accident.
The two men couldn’t pass up this mess; they both just decided to get my car out and came up with an elaborate plan to lift one side and pull the other, pulling and pushing the car above the rocks.
They didn’t tell anyone what they were doing, and I think none of us dared to hear it.
Nathan from AAA was heroic, he said this was the most exciting job he’d seen in two years, and he was determined to figure it out.
Trooper Kutscher said he had never seen a tougher towing challenge; he said he could hardly bear to look. He said I was fortunate. Maria looked pale but stood with me – it got frigid out there.
The trooper came close to me, but not to chat. I knew he was checking my breath. I haven’t had a drunk in weeks, I thought, but tonight I’d probably have some wine.
I assured him I hadn’t had any alcohol in weeks. He smiled and said it was required of him to make sure. He said I should ask for an accident report because there would be damage to the car.
I thought about how controversial the police had become in so many places, but I felt nothing but gratitude for this man and his patience and helpfulness; he took control of the scene and directed the traffic, he gave me sound advice.
White privilege, people would say about my ease with him, and there’s truth in that, but this was a kind man who wanted to help and did. That’s just the truth of my experience.
Everyone who drove by pulled over – most of them knew my name – and said, “Jon, are you okay? Do you need anything?”
Some of them wanted me to go to the hospital in an ambulance, just to get checked out, but I’ve been checked out a hundred times all year, and I know when I’m okay.
I was okay, and I didn’t need anything, but their kindness and concern meant the world to me and reminded me of what it means to be a human. The real news never seems to get on the news.
Every person who pulled over lifted my spirits and reminded me to be grateful. But most of all I was grateful for Maria. I was so happy to see her; she is a rock of love, common sense, and support. I love her, but I also value her.
It took close to three hours to get the car onto the AAA tow truck and off to the Performance Auto Body and Collision Center (they repaired my other car when I hit a deer).
I called Nathan’s boss at AAA and told him what an amazing job he had done, Trooper Kutscher, who’s seen a lot, said he had never seen anything like the job Nathan did in getting my car out of that ravine.
Maria and I were frozen – we both had to sit in her car and thaw – but I had to get out again; I wasn’t leaving my car until it was up and safe. I regretted not wearing a jacket this afternoon.
We got home, and Maria wrapped me in blankets and scarves, and I called the insurance company, gave them the details.
Performance Auto called me back to say the car had arrived and they would look it over closely on Monday and call the insurance company.
After getting off the phone, I collapsed into my chair and had some jumbo shrimp for dinner. Maria sat with me in the living room and helped talked me down.
I really want to write about this while it is fresh. Then I’m getting into bed and holing up in blankets until the morning.
It is occurring to me to be especially grateful for today. I know how different that might have turned out, from the van to the ravine to the car.
There are many good people in the world, and I live amongst them with appreciation.
So glad you’re home safe
I am glad and relieved you are safe, and thankful for the first responders.
Thankful that you are safe and unhurt Jon. That was a scary situation.
I am so glad that you weren’t hurt and that good people came to your aid. As you would have done , yourself. I think you might be sore tomorrow. Peace.
So glad you’re ok!
I am so glad and grateful that you are okay! I live in a similar rural area, and I understand everything that you wrote. All of us who are writers need to write about this honest reality. About how real life helps, how social media divides if you let it. Real life connects people, urban or rural. Human Beings are tribal,hard wired to help each other. Folks need to re-examine the online world, and how it’s almost anonymous access to each other allows us to hurt each other, under the guise of “connecting”. How our manipulation and presentation of a perfect world hurt each other. The “REAL” world is different , my GOP friend holding me up while I am frightened, me holding up her daughter and farm purchasing what I need that they sell. THIS is real life. People need to remember that. Face to face is real, online can be manipulated and changed around at will. THIS is a message the world needs, when things go SOUTH, and eventually they do, real people and the heart of people is what sustains us. Not an online pretend place. I am so glad you are okay Jon, and I am even more glad that real people remembered what real people do. XO
Boy I sure can relate to those feelings. I felt very vulnerable and oddly raw for some time after. I am so glad you are so blessed to escape so unscathed surrounded by such love and support.
Jon So glad you are safe and not hurt. amazing people helping you. Like angels showing up . Good thing you have a good size car. The picture looks scary. You’re in good hands with Maria and hope you can rest tomorrow . Joan Tooher
Thanks for this story! We all need reminding about how most people in this world are good (including police and State troopers) no matter what the news would have us believe. Yes, we all have different opinions and perspectives, and we need to respect those and listen to each other’s truths. But when push comes to shove, I still believe there is so much good in the world and that what unites us is always stronger than what divides us. We just have to open our eyes and hearts to see it, and that takes courage. Thank you for sharing your courage.
Glad you are OK. Scary situation.
So glad that you are O.K. John>
Amen. And thank God you’re all right . And bless Maria and your army of first responders. And while i’m at it, America too. ❤
PS: Your therapy dogs have their work out for them tonight. they won’t let you out of their sight for a week. Bless them too. ?
Glad to hear you’re okay. Sometimes, tho, the day after is when you feel it; here’s hoping that you won’t. Thanks for sharing that there were more good people to help you out of the situation than there were of the opposite that got you into it.
Thank goodness you are OK!
SO GLAD YOU ARE OK!!
Just WOW! Glad you’re alright mentally and physically; take care and take it easy. Lamar from Texas.
Oh my god what a day you have had! I’m so glad you are ok. Also very glad that you were gifted with a number of helpers who arrived in time to keep your story from becoming a sad tale. Rest up! Im sure you’re sore and mentally exhausted too. Tomorrow’s a new day….
I am so sorry that you had that awful experience, Jon. Thank God you are ok. It is so true that with all of the bad behavior we hear about in the news, there are so many really kind and caring people in the world. I am glad you met so many of them today.
Thank goodness you weren’t hurt. We go to bed together every night, and I don’t know who could ever replace you.
So glad you are ok!
god was surely with you that day Jon, please take care and go forward from this and live your life to the full. I admire you very much, brave man, wonderful wife
Jon… WOW!
I totaled our little Honda in 2015. It was a careless moment that happened so quickly. Thinking about other things as I pulled out, and never saw the approaching car, although I must have been looking right where it should have been. There was an impact, some dust flying as the airbags deployed, and then there we were, turned sideways blocking a busy street.
All of this happened in a flash.
My wife and I got ambulance rides; the Honda went to the junkyard.
As in your case, people in the area were great. The police and EMS took command and knew what to do. We sought follow-up attention because after the accident, our vitals peaked at frightening levels. But over time, things turned out alright for us.
But I will never, never forget that in driving, we are taking control of very dangerous machinery under uncertain conditions. Sure, it has cushy seats, nice-sounding music, and a soft ride. But it’s a metal box with wheels – a dangerous machine. I shouldn’t have needed a reminder.
Oh my-how frightening this must have been for you and to surface unscathed was a true miracle!! So glad you are alright and you are so lucky to live in a caring community! Take care of yourself:)
Jon, I am so very glad that everything worked out okay for you, that appeared (to me) to be a very scary situation! Thank you for recording for us. It’s a reminder to your followers to pay attention to our driving, also!
Thank God you are alright.
Wow, Jon! So many people that were just “coincidentally” there to help you! You are indeed surrounded by good and kind people, and most of all – Maria. Isn’t it the best feeling to see your most loved person when you’re scared? It is a feeling like no other. I like what you said – you value her. I think that’s even better than love. So glad you are safe.
OMG!! How scary and how grateful we are that you are ok. Hopefully you slept well and aren’t too sore today.
Thanks, I wasn’t hurt..
Jon, you are right about people helping out in the country on country roads. And the fact is, having lived in both a very busy and large city and now the country for thirty-three years I know that country people are more aware of others living here particularly on our roads. We may not live in each other’s homes given that the proximity to our neighbours is far greater than in a closer city environment, but there is an awareness in the country of neighbour’s safety. What a relief that you were not injured or hurt but I’m sure your nerves were well-rattled. I hope your car has not sustained too much damage to its undercarriage, you were lucky, it could have been far worse. Driving in the country is not for sissies, I can tell you that.
Sandy Proudfoot
in the country, in Southern Ontario, Canada
I am very thankful that you are safe. I too believe that most people are good human beings.
Glad that you wrote about it while it was fresh; thank you for sharing a profound suspended moment in your life and it’s lessons. Now I hope you get the rest and time you need to breathe and take it slow- with the pieces you want. Peace
So much to be thankful for.
So glad you’re ok … what a scare this must have been to both you and Maria. Thankfully incidents like this seem to bring out the best in people. You weren’t a writer or farmer or Democrat or Republican, just a poor guy stuck in a ditch who desperately needed help. The goodness in those people who stopped to help came shining through … our better angels.
Very true Barbara, people are good, given the chance..
Jon, thank God that you are alright! You are very lucky !. The angels were watching over you for sure.
Jon, Were you ever able to find out who was the driver of that van that caused the accident? That was a heart-moving experience for sure. Prayers continue for you and all the responders.
No, he turned away behind me, I’m not sure he even saw me slide…
I know all of your blog readers out here are SO grateful for (1) the fact that you’re safe and have no injuries; (2) the wonderful professionals (Trooper Kutscher, Nathan from AAA, Performance Auto & Collision folks) who came to your aid; (3) the thoughtful friends and neighbors in your area; (4) angel Maria for her support and for just being; and (5) your dogs that I know are giving you warmth and comfort and smiles. This brings home what really matters in this life, about which you’ve written. Stay well; you have a lot of cheerleaders!
Thanks Kakaren, I am very lucky…people are good..
Well said Kaaren, I am so glad that Jon had witness the kindness and empathy of people in his community when he needed the most !! Wishing you a peaceful night with your beloved Maria and your dogs and cat to keep you warm … You can be assured we are all having you in our prayers … !!
An Angel on your shoulder!
Jon, what happened to the driver of thr van?
He drove off, I’m not sure he even saw me slide..
Scary. Glad you’re OK.
What a frightening experience, Jon. I am so happy to hear that you escaped relatively unscathed. An incident like this, with people helping people………. this is what we are all about. It brings me tears of joy to see (and to know) that people ARE good and caring. I’ve always believed that, but it’s never more apparent than when something like this happens. So glad you fared well all in all.
You have so many wonderful comments here Jon,but I would like to add mine, that you are blessed in so many ways! You and Maria certainly have lots of love around you. So glad to hear you are safe and warm and together where you belong. So appreciate your writing….
had two almost simultaneous thoughts: oh crap as the picture of your car up in the air loaded, was concerned even before I saw the whole photo and then you were Ok because it was already on your blog. Warms my heart that so many folks came to your assistance. Life can change in a moment. Giving you a warm digital hug.
So grateful you’re OK!
Every day I look for a miracle. You had a miracle that day. So glad you’re fine,!
I just read all the well wishes to you Jon. How wonderful to read how you are loved and cared for. The gift you give comes back to you.
Jon, so glad you are alright, and that Maria could come right away. Sending a prayer to both of you for a restful & comfortable night.