I’m a happy person. I find a lot of joy in every day. This isn’t to say that life is always rainbows and butterflies.
Tough days happen. Tantrums occur. Household appliances break. Dogs get sick. Husbands work late. Internet connections go out. Dinners get burned. Financial decisions need to be made. Plans cancel. Computers delete important documents. Stains appear on couches. Floors somehow never get clean. All things that can be frustrating.
Whenever I find myself getting unnecessarily worked up over these sort of things, I force a deep breathe and think to myself, it could have been worse. This statement makes me evaluate situations in a less dramatic way. It makes me count my blessings and brings a bit of perspective to the situation.
Yesterday, I was in a car wreck. Worse, Hailey was with me. We were on our way home for lunch and nap when another car miscalculated its timing and t-boned into the left side of our car.
Like the story always goes, it happened so fast. Before I could scream, I was punched in the side of my face with the airbag and our car whipped around. Once I realized what happened, I jumped out to open the back door and grab Hailey.
Overall, we are all (including the other car) OK. Sore and achy, yes, but it could have been so much worse.
We almost turned Hailey’s car seat around this past weekend. She’s 21 months old- so close to 2. But it just didn’t sit right with me. She’s always been happy sitting backwards, so I figured if she wasn’t complaining, we might as well hold out a little longer. I’m so glad we did.
I’m no expert and perhaps it didn’t make a lick of difference, but it made me feel better that she was rear facing.
The event was so scary to me, as I’ve never been in an accident with airbags, especially with a toddler. Hailey screamed once, but never cried. I, on the other hand, could barely get a sentence out to the officer or tow truck guys because I would start crying every time I tried to talk. Needless to say, I was quite shaken up.
I called my friend, Alison, to see if she could get me. She wasn’t able to, but being a great friend, called around until she found someone that could. Thank you Amanda!
And also, let’s talk about this guy.
David was working, a crazy week for him no less, but as soon as I called he took over. After ensuring we were ok, he handled talking to insurance, getting the rental car, buying a new car seat, and every tiny detail while Hailey and I de-jittered at home.
I’m feeling pretty sore today, but also so grateful. I often live in a bubble of perceived safety and yesterday was a little reminder of how quickly things can change.
What is one thing that makes you grateful, even on the toughest days?
Holly says
I’m glad you are both okay! I’m grateful for being born at the time & in the place that I was. I don’t have to go to bed hungry, there had always been a rod overt my head, and most importantly, I have the freedom to share Good’s love with others without being persecuted.
Erica says
Woah! SO glad you guys are both okay. It’s frightening how suddenly things can fall apart but also incredible how something can happen to make you realize how beautiful life is most of the time for us all!
erin says
Yikes! Scary indeed. So glad that you and Hailey are ok!
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl says
Oh, Brittany…..I’m so glad you and Hailey are ok. What a scary thing. I’ve been in several car accidents and they are no fun, but I’ve never had one of my kids with me at the time and I can only imagine how terrifying that must have been. Thanks for the reminder to never take a moment for granted.
Erin @ Sugar Magnolia says
Oh girl that made me tear up!! So happy you two are okay!! That’s one of my fears- wrecking with Levi in the car! Hope the soreness goes away soon!
Jill says
I don’t often comment on your blog but I do read it and after reading this, I felt compelled to comment. How frightening. I am so glad you’re both okay and were able to get someone to help you after the accident. I hope the soreness goes away quickly.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Oh my goodness, that was probably super scary!! I am so glad to hear that you are both okay.
Lee says
Glad you are okay!
Kate says
SO glad to hear that you are all (other car included) ok! I’m pregnant for the first time now and one of my random weird anxieties has to do with getting in a car accident . . . can’t lie, I teared up reading this and thinking about how you must have been feeling (yey pregnancy hormones!).
blackhuff says
I’m just glad the two of you are okay.
Danica @ It's Progression says
I’m so thankful you two are okay!! Car accidents are terrifying, and though the car looks pretty scarred, I’m glad neither of you were seriously injured. Take today to give extra hugs <3
Shari says
Car accidents can be so frightening. I’m glad you and Hailey are both alright. Thank goodness!
char eats greens says
I wish I could hug you right now. You are the most amazing attitude and perspective on life. I am just SO happy that you and Hailey are both ok. I can only imagine how scary that must have been.
When my life gets out of balance (or need a reality check on how serious something is), I ask myself “on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being nothing, 10 being the word is going to end), how important is this thing that you’re worrying over?”
Sometimes it can really help me put perspective on my freak outs!
I hope you have a full day of rest and enjoying every minute of your awesome life 🙂
Sara says
I cannot imagine what you went through, just reading this brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy you and Hailey are okay, that is the most important thing.
I hope you both rest together, get lots of snuggle time and hopefully your soreness goes away soon!
Nicole says
I’m so glad you guys are safe and ok. Tears filled my eyes when I saw that it was the side Hailey’s seat was on. From everything I read rear facing is so much safer, great mommy instinct! Hope everyone is feeling better soon.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
yikes! glad you guys are ok!!
Christina says
I’m sorry you had to go through that, but I’m glad you are all ok!
This post was very appreciated today – as I sat down to read it, I was all worked up over a silly little thing that happened when I dropped my daughter off at daycare this morning. So now I’m taking deep breaths, and reminding myself that it’s not as big a deal as I made it out to be. Thanks for the perspective!
Hanna says
I’m glad you two are ok!! I love how joyful you are. I try to surround myself with people like you, who always seem to find the good in every situation. It’s refreshing 🙂
When I get worked up, which happens more than I care to admit, I try to remind myself of all the blessings God has given me. My good health, my beautiful children and their good health, my job, family, etc. I also try to think about how important the situation is and if I will remember it in 10 years.
Lindsey says
So glad you are okay! I have never been in a car accident (knock on wood) but my husband was last winter when a semi side swiped our SUV and that shook me up enough.
Like you said it makes me grateful that things are no worse when these things happen.
Beth Sheridan @sugarcoatedsheridans says
Praise God you and Hailey were not seriously hurt…That is so scary…I get chill bumps just looking at the photos. You are so right, it could’ve been SO much worse!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Oh goodness, I’m SO glad you and Hailey are OK. Car accidents are so scary. I think it’s great that you are able to put things into perspective like that. It makes a huge difference!
Verna says
SCARY!! So glad you are both okay! Yay for great husbands to the rescue!
kathy says
So glad you both are ok. I know that had to be very scary!
Heather @fitncookies says
I am so glad you both are ok! That had to have been so scary. Thankfully, Hailey is still young enough that she won’t remember it. I was hit from behind once, and i get scared everytime i am stopped and someone is coming at me from behind. I never think they are going to stop. Rest up!
Lauren B. says
Thank God you are both ok! That must have been so scary, and is one thing that frightens me, especially now having a little man who is extremely precious to me in the back seat. I pray your physical wounds heal, but that your emotional ones heal even more quickly! Sending love to you and Hailey!
Kim @ Cooking in the City says
So glad you are both okay! Also, big thanks for sneaking in some carseat safety info- rear facing until 2 and replace your carseat immediately after any accident. So important and not as well-known fact as they should be!
I am beyond grateful to have an incredibly supportive boyfriend who has been by my side for the past 5 1/2 years! He ran with me most of the way when I was having a tough time finishing a marathon (even though he wasn’t signed up) and was by my side when my lung collpased.
Kelli H says
ahhh! That is SO scary! Car crashes are terrible! I’ve never been in one where the air bags deploy so I can only imagine how incredibly shaken up you must have been. I totally would have been crying every time I tried to talk. Geez, I got teary eyed thinking about how terrifying that must have been! I’m so glad you & Hailey are okay!
Jackie @ MomJovi says
So happy for a happy ending. I was in a horrific accident when my daughter was 7 weeks old. A car crossed lanes and hit us head-on, totaling our car. It was the most terrifying moment of my life, knowing my precious newborn was in the backseat.
A word of warning: you’re going to have some PTSD for a bit. I could not get the sound of the crunching car metal out of my head for weeks and was very jittery behind the wheel. I’m lucky that I live in a neighborhood where I can walk a lot to do errands because I was NOT looking forward to driving around with my daughter. But that passed and it will for you, too. Just don’t be surprised if you’re very uneasy behind the wheel for some time.
Hoping you’re not too sore today or tomorrow. It sometimes takes the adrenaline wearing off for that pain to set in. Good luck and I’m so relieved for you guys!
Karen says
Thank goodness you are all ok.
I too have a husband I can count on in good and bad, so for that I am thankful.
Rest up and feel better soon.
Gcroft says
A big virtual hug for you and H from a fellow Mama and her little bub. We are so glad to hear you are ok but understandably shaken.
Tanya @ Vegan Faith says
So thankful you are both ok! Let me know if you need anything!
Maria says
Oh my goodness! I’m so glad you both are okay and sorry you had to go through that! Such a scary thing!
Rest up and take it easy friend!
Shanna says
Those are the exact words I said when I got in an accident in November while my 11 month old was in the car. It was rainy and slick and I hydroplaned into the car in front of me and hit twice (blacked out first time, let up on brake) and all the air bags deployed. My first concern was my baby. Aside from being suprirsed/scared, he was fine. It could have been worse…
So glad you and H are okay. Extra cuddles are in order…
Amy@ahealthyandhappyheart says
Praise God you both are ok! Such a scary thing to have happen and I am so sorry you guys went through that. Your attitude about life is so inspiring!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
I’m so glad the both of you are okay! That much have been absolutely terrifying. Like you said, things could have been worse and it’s good that you understand and appreciate that.
Lots of love!
Jen says
SO glad you are both OK. Wyatt has always been unhappy in the car and I refuse to turn him until he’s two — so not worth the risk!
christina says
I just got like so emotional over this!! When I first started reading, my heart like jumped for you guys. I am SO glad/relieved you’re okay. And what a trooper of a friend and husband for helping out like that. Lucky, blessed girls you are! xoxoox
calee says
suck. glad you are both safe and okay.
Paulina says
I’m so glad everyone is alright! Reading this gave me chills, I can’t imagine going through that. You and Hailey rest up this week!
Holly says
So glad to hear everyone is ok! What a scary situation.
Karen says
OMG, I am so happy you and Hailey are okay. How scary! That is always one fear I have but I try not too think about it.
Kaitlyn @Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
So GLAD you and H are okay! That must have been so scary 🙁
Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes says
Oh my goodness! So glad you’re okay. I have only been in one car accident (well, two if you count the time we ran into a deer on the freeway!). My step-dad was driving both times, and both times I was not paying attention at all so I didn’t see a thing coming. It was terrifying and I can still smell the hot, crushed metal. Ugh! Like you, I try to always remind myself it could be worse and be grateful for family and friends who can help us through hard times.
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
So glad you are both ok!!! I was in a small fender bender shortly after my Dad was killed in a car accident, and I couldn’t form a complete sentence. Car accidents are horrifying!!! Hugs and prayers for the both of you.
Tracy says
Glad you’re both ok!! God bless!
Katie says
So glad you are both ok! And three cheers for David for dealing with all the “hassle” of a car accident. I would have been the same way, especially with my daughter in the car! When I get frustrated I remind myself that I’m grateful for a loving husband, my beautiful, healthy daughter, the ability to pay our bills and a God that loves me. 🙂
Amanda says
So so so glad it was only the car damaged. Thinking of you today!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
Oh no!!!! I was in a wreck with the baby a few months ago, and it was the scariest moment of my life. I know exactly how you must have felt, and I am so happy that you’re both OK.
Pam says
Thankful you are both ok and that you listened to your intuition I’m grateful everyday for my health and the miracle of this human body that I occupy.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Glad both of you are OK!
Coco says
So glad that you two are fie, it was so scary!!! God sent you the message of not turning the carseat!
Kate says
Wow, so glad that you and Hailey are okay. How scary — my daughter is two months younger than Hailey, and I can’t imagine how nerve wracking that experience was for you.
But I like how you used this as a reminder to not get worked up over the little things. A great perspective that we should all be sure to keep in mind. I know I will!
Mer says
So glad y’all are ok!!
Ashley says
I literally just teared up reading this. I am so glad you guys are okay.
Kristen @ The Concrete Runner says
Oh Brittany! I’m so glad you and Hailey are OK! That is one of my biggest fears – getting into an accident with Mackenna in the car with me. We recently talked about turning her around since we had a 12+ hour roadtrip coming up. But after researching more into it, we decided not to. We are waiting until she’s 2 and hopefully by then she’ll be 20 pounds as well! 😉
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says
Very scary! Not good it happened but glad you are ok.
Tara@PNWRunner says
Oh no I am glad you two are okay! It is a scary experience. I’ve been there.
Gina @ Health Love and Chocolate says
I am so glad you are both okay, car accidents can be so scary and they definitely make you grateful.
Michelle says
I am so happy to hear that you are both ok! Car accidents can be terrifying and I don’t blame you one bit for being shaken up!
Rachel Cooks says
Ahh—how did I miss this?! So glad you are both okay!!! xo
Ashley @ Blondes on a Mission says
I’m so glad you guys are okay! Yeah for airbags! Hope you two are able to relax today!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I’m SO glad you and Hailey are OK, and that you have a strong support network to help take care of you. I’m happy you followed your intuition on the carseat…who knows if it did anything, but guts react for a reason. [And not just to tell you you ate too much peanut butter.] LOVE to both of you!!!
Katie P. says
I am so glad you and Hailey are ok! This post came just in time for me – we are heading out on a 9+ hour drive with our 13 month old daughter this weekend, and my husband has been adamant about turning her forward for the trip because he thinks her legs will be camped. I haven’t had a good feeling about it and now we will most definitely be keeping her rear facing. Thank you for your post!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Oh my goodness Brittany so scary! So glad you are all okay! It’s so amazing how safe and secure they make car seats these days. We have a similar Britax and it looks as if it has pillows on the sides of our sons head rest. Huge but I feel so much better knowing he’s in there safe and secure! Again, so glad you’re okay!
Liz says
So glad you are both okay and just shaken up. I’m so sorry. It’s very frightening when something like that happens. Take it easy today and pamper yourselves. Love Liz
Kathryn says
I am so sorry this happened to you two. I pray y’all are doing well and healing physically and emotionally. Car wrecks are so traumatic and jolting.
Taylor @ MamaTayLeMay says
Im so happy youre safe – I usually dont comment because you always get a zillion 🙂 But Im so happy you listened to your mommy gut and everyone is alright 🙂
Parita says
So glad you and H are ok! Things like this definitely make you think about the important things in life. Sending hugs your way!
Michelle says
Car wrecks are so scary, especially with the airbags! Yikes. So glad it wasn’t worse and you guys are ok :-/
Megan says
I regularly read your blog but don’t comment much – so happy you guys are okay!
Katy Widrick says
Honey, I’m just catching up on blogs…this is so terrifying! Glad you’re both OK.
Erika says
Yikes! I am so nervous every time I drive with my son in the backseat. That’s one reason we choose to put his carseat in the middle – it isn’t as easy to get him in and out of but I feel better with him being in the center. I hope I never have to deal with that and I’m sorry you did it, but it’s true – it could have been worse. I am grateful for lots of things but family is always at the top of this list!
Neil Butterfield says
Thank God nothing worse happened.