When I think what could have happened last night, I’m still thanking God.
We all know how that last day of moving goes. Loads of fun, right? It doesn’t matter how well prepared you are. There are always dozens of boxes that need to be packed at the last minute, everyone is exhausted, and there are hours ahead of you before bedtime.
By the time the truck is nearly loaded, you’ve likely approached the “throw it all away or into a box” and just be done mindset. It was right about then when we realized that the washer and dryer, treadmill, and a small couch weren’t going to fit onto the truck.
I’m seriously impressed by how much our guys actually managed to fit onto the truck! Fortunately, thanks to the reach of social media, those items had happy new homes with local friends within a few hours.
After a very long day of packing, loading, and taking multiple runs to Goodwill with endless donations, I headed to the airport to pick up a friend who was flying in to help Sean with the drive to Ohio.
The flight had been delayed by several hours, and by the time I got to the airport, it was after 9:00pm and the plane was just landing. I waited in the cell lot, as you do, and when he texted me he was at the curb, I went to pick him up.
I waved to him at the curb and pulled over. At the same time, the man in front of me, opened his door to get out and his car slid into reverse from park. We still aren’t sure how that happened, but when it did, the door knocked him over and the car started rolling backward.
The driver’s arm tangled in the seatbelt as he hit the ground and it pulled him underneath the car right as his vehicle slammed into mine. It was terrifying. I jumped out of the van to see if I could help or call for help. Another man ran over and the driver asked us to help him get the car off his foot.
I sat on the street behind the driver to support his back, while the other man climbed over him to get into the car, so he could roll the car forward. All of this happened within minutes.
We helped him back onto the seat of his car and at that point, I realized I was shaking pretty hard. The driver’s wife had been about to get into the car when she saw him fall and slide under the car. I can only imagine her terror having felt the scare on my end.
She came around the car and at that point, there was no way I wasn’t going to hug this poor woman. She was just so grateful he hadn’t been crushed and trying to apologize for the vehicle damages.
At that point, all conversation broke down and I just hugged her for a moment. I couldn’t have cared less about my vehicle. I shared the relief that his injury wasn’t worse.
Over the next hour and a half, we spoke with several police officers, paramedics, and each other. The paramedics told us that my being there when I was saved his life. Due to the way he fell, if his car had rolled farther back, it likely would have crushed him.
I cried grateful tears at that point and I’m teary now as I thank God again for the flight delays, traffic, and everything else involved in our crazy moving day that put me at the airport at just that moment in time.
Through it all, my vehicle was only damaged cosmetically, the headlight wasn’t even broken. While this was obviously not the way any of us wanted to spend our last night in Phoenix, I am grateful today for a banged up vehicle that is on its way to Ohio.
The kids and I flew to Columbus this morning and Sean will meet us here on Wed night. I’ve been grateful for so many things that have come together to make this move possible, but more than anything right now, I’m grateful for the car accident along the way.
Milisa says
I don’t believe in coincidences and I’m so glad that the situation was not worse. I would say you were in the right place at the right time. Your willingness to help others in need has always been an inspiration. XOXO
Mary says
I am so very glad that we were there at the right moment. Thanks, Milisa.
Anna Tackett says
So glad for a Divine appointments…enjoy Ohio. I’m fro Eastern KY and I have an Aunt, Patricia Boyd, who is a fan of yours. God Bless you all!
Mary says
Thanks, Anna!
Candace says
I’m so glad things worked out for you, Mary! You were definitely meant to be there at that time! A dear friend of mine moved here a couple of years ago after living in Pickerington, Ohio for 18 years. She told me countless stories of Jungle Jims International market in Cincinnati. https://junglejims.com. After you’re all moved in and unpacked, treat yourself and your family to a day up there. You won’t regret it – and you deserve it after all you’ve been through!
Cheers!
Mary says
I have Jungle Jims on my list to try, Candace! That store looks incredible.
Linda says
I agree about coincidences and being in the right place and knowing what to do and did it. So many people turn from a situation like that and don’t help. You will have an amazing move I’m convinced for all that good karma you earned and I know you feel everything done was the right thing and did it without hesitating. Safe travels!
Mary says
Thanks, Linda!
Maryh says
It’s very clear you were God’s angel at the moment He needed you to be. Bless you, your family and the fortunate man you helped save too 🙂 I once heard a coworker say “We are here to serve others” It is so very true that is our purpose in life.
Gail says
Wow Mary! Here’s hoping that’s the most exciting thing that happens in this move. Sometimes God really does put you in a certain place at a certain time. So glad he will be OK and that you and the kids are safely on your way to Ohio.
Mary says
Thanks, Gail! That’s my hope as well.
Kirsten says
That was no coincidence. I’m so glad that God put you in this man’s path (literally) and you met under the circumstances in which He needed you to act. How frightening and fortunate at the same time. You are his Angel. ❤️
Mary says
I’m so very glad that I was there as well, Kirsten!
Rexanne Foti says
Some moments you just look up and say ” I know that was you”. This was one of those times. I was teary reading this. Thank God everyone is ok.
Mary says
I agree.
Janet McGinnis says
So grateful for those appointed intersections in our lives. What a fabulous reminder that we can have peace and a grateful heart…even when WE think everything is falling apart!
Amy says
Glad you were at the airport when you were. And welcome to Ohio! I am in the NW Ohio area around Defiance.
Mary says
Thanks, Amy!
allie says
Thank God Mary. You were in the right place at the right time doing what you were supposed to be doing, down to the minute. Providence is a beautiful thing. Thank you for sharing this amazing God story. Praying for your family as you settle in. XO
Mary says
We appreciate the prayers, Allie!
Mary says
Mary what a beautiful testimony of Gods goodness. protection and timing, love your blogs and recipes, thank u for sharing Blessings to u and fam Mary
Mary says
Thank you so much, Mary!
Noreen says
Timing is everything. God wanted you there and that’s where he put you! Love to him and cars can be repaired!!
Mary says
Amen to that! Vehicles can always be repaired.
Cheryl says
Praise God for His intervention and timing! Wow, this is quite the story one you will use often to show how God uses you. And how He is in control. I was in suspense as I was reading it. And ever so glad it all turned out as well as it did.
May the Lord bless you all in your new home and keep using you to be an Angel to others. 👼🙏✝📖
Mary says
It really is so wonderful that we were there at the right moment. Thanks, Cheryl!
Cheryl Caldararo says
God works in so many ways in our life. At the time you wonder why? So thankful you and your family are ok.
Mary says
Thank you, Cheryl!
Rosie jeffrey says
Hoping you are all settled in now! I live north of Columbus and we are getting ready to move to El Paso in a few months so I can sympathize with all the packing and moving! Would love to meet you sometime when I am in Columbus!
Mary says
Hi Rosie, we’ve given away about half the boxes, but we still have a LOT of them. If you’d like to pick them up for your move, you’re welcome to email me at [email protected] Best of luck in El Paso!