Well, I said in a previous post that I would touch back on this story sooner or later, so here it is.
I'm pretty sure a lot of people have at least one or two experiences where they would develop a greater sense of appreciation for life and mortality; an experience that could've directly or indirectly been caused and sometimes the situation may have been life threatening. Unfortunately for me, the two "life-appreciating" moments I remember were BOTH potentially life threatening. The first experience took place back during the 2008 Thanksgiving weekend and you may have already heard/read it. The second occurred exactly 3 months later and I share it with you now. This occurred around the beginning of second semester of my Senior year:
It was a sunny afternoon when the school day ended. I was driving home from school and roads were wet as a result of the rain the fell earlier in the day. The roads were not just wet; it looked like black ice as a result of the sunlight. Water on the ground that you can see a reflection of yourself or any other object. As I was slowing down for a red light, just before the intersection was when the good day went bad. It all happened so fast yet in slow motion, as I felt this sudden forward impact. In an instant my right foot pushed down on the break pedal as far as my strength would allow me to. I then felt this burning sensation on my face as the airbags deployed. The impact also pushed me into two cars in front of me. When it was all over, I felt like I was thrust into a nightmare; a nightmare of momentary pain and horror.
In the end, I was feeling bruised and sore all over. I was left with minor propellant burns on my left forearm and a scar (that eventually healed) on my face, below and to the left of my chin. I was able to drive the now totaled car onto the side of the road and get out of the way. I killed the engine and got out of my car. Although nothing was broken, I could barely stand because my mind was still in shock of what just happened. My heart was racing and I was breathing heavy, but I kept my composure. To my surprise, the person that rear-ended me was a someone I knew pretty well; a friend. That's all I want to say about that.
I was taken to the hospital to be checked on; for internal injuries (which I knew was highly unlikely) and a concussion (which WAS highly possible). My friend was there too. After spending about an hour or so at the hospital lobby, I went home. I've been out of the house for almost 12 hours; but it felt more like an eternity. But when I got home that evening, aside from feeling minor pain from the impact, I could never have been happier to be alive. From that day, I had a greater appreciation for life and mortality and I tried to live in a more optimistic fashion. I also easily found it in my heart to forgive the person that did this to me. I'm sure the majority of motorists are bound to get into an accident at least once... This experience taught me that you only live once (at least in this world unless you believe in reincarnation) and that there's more to life than meets the eye.
So there you have it. The story of my established appreciation (no pun intended).
NOTE: This post was prepared prior to my departure.
Again, I'll see you readers in 2 years.
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