When he picked us up at the airport at 630 this morning after our redeye in from California, I remember thinking to myself that our driver reminded me of my Poppy. He introduced himself, Im Joe. Real simple. Told us he was retired from a government intelligence job and had been all over the world. So he wouldnt have to, Denise and I lifted our own heavy bags into the trunk, and I immediately noticed a handicap placard hanging on the rearview mirror. It just started raining when we were getting on 95 but it seemed fine. Joe was telling us that Acme, not that Im too fond of Acme mind you, but theyve got creamed chip beef 3 for $5. Theyre not giving it away, but thats a good deal. Out of nowhere, this man appeared, right in the middle of the Blue Route, waving his arms wildly to get us to slow down. As soon as Joe noticed and tried to slow down, we lost control and we started sliding. We could see other cars doing the same all around. In the moment, I was certain we were going right into the concrete barrier or the cars in front of us. Braced myself to be hit from behind. We stopped inches short. Inches. And no rear impact. A guy got out of his truck and couldnt even keep his footing. Absolute sheet of ice. Joes reflexes couldnt have been what they once were, but he handled the car so well and parked us as off to the side as he could. At one point, he pulled out his flip phone to let his girlfriend know he wouldnt be able to meet her at the diner. Hours we were stuck there and the accidents we saw made us both start sobbing. I cant stop thinking about the people that were on the road and the loss on such an unremarkable Sunday morning. But for the grace of God, there go I... and my friend. God sent Joe, in the form of a retired senior citizen with a flip phone, to get us home unharmed this morning.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 02:15:44 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015