Van-0, Tree-1

I crashed the van Wednesday night. Missed a curve, went off the road, and into a tree. The three oldest and one friend were with me. We were taking the friend home. It was frightening. I've spent the past few days trying to figure out exactly what happened. This I do know, without divine intervention, we would have flipped over. I felt the van flipping over and then being righted. When Kermit asked Hannah what happened, she said we went off the road. It was very bumpy. There was a lot of white light and then we hit the tree.

All of the injuries were minor. Daniel wasn't hurt at all. Right after we hit, he jumped up and started checking on everyone. Our friend bit through his lip. Joseph's shoulder was sore where his seat belt was. Hannah's back and left shoulder were sore and she has a sprained ankle. I was sore all over. My back, neck and shoulder still hurt. The next day my wrists and upper arms were hurting. I didn't expect that.

I'm still uncertain what happened. I know that very sharp curve is there. I always slow down. That night I didn't see it. I can't even remember the stretch of road right before it. By the time I saw the curve it was too late. I slammed on the brakes and we dropped off the road. The incline is fairly steep. There is some distance from the road to the actual tree that I became acquainted with. However, the grass was very tall and made it impossible to slow down. I tried so hard to stop. I just couldn't.

Many have told me how lucky we were. The van stayed upright. The injuries were not serious. I know that. I know the angels kept watch over us. But still, I can wish that we hadn't gone off the road at all.

But we did. And since then, I've seen more goodness from people. I'm grateful to my friends and neighbors that came out to the crash site and later to the ER. I didn't know I was scared until I saw Lisa Leach and she just held me while I broke down. I'm grateful to the x-ray tech that stood in with Kermit and Brother Leach when they administered a blessing to our friend. I'm grateful to those who have brought meals to us and to Laura Rhein who cleaned my house. I'm grateful for Tammy Martin who went out of her way to pick up Daniel from school and get him to Youth Conference. I'm grateful for those who have called to check on us. I'm grateful for those who have come by to see us. I'm grateful that my father-in-law and his son are worthy priesthood holders.

Thank you, Lord, for protecting us during a crisis and for sending so many to help us recover. That is something to smile about.

Long Time, No See

Hello, blog. Haven't been here in awhile. In a very looong while. Sorry about that. You see, you are called "Laughing Monzingos" and I just couldn't find anything to laugh about. Life has been more challenging of late. All I could see were the problems and none of the joys. Really, that is where I was wrong.

It is precisely when we have great challenges that we should look for the bright spots. Actually, those challenges can be the bright spots. It's hard to see when you are in the middle of it. It's hard to be at peace. The temptation to say "WHY ME?" is great. Perhaps the answer to that universal question is, "Why NOT me?'

Trials in life make us look at paths we may not have considered before. They make us grow and stretch. Even though we don't want it. And most times when you are in the middle of your trials, you REALLY don't want it.

Maybe I needed to learn more patience or compassion. Maybe I needed to consider my talents in a new way. I don't know. But I do know that our family has been incredibly blessed. Somehow, we've managed to get by. I've seen remarkable examples of service from friends and family. I can even say that we've had some miracles. So, maybe while it wasn't laugh out loud funny. I do have plenty to smile about.