Precious Life

When I was fishtailing in my car towards what could have been my ultimate demise, the craziest thoughts popped into my head. What disturbed me most as the black ice took my Ford hostage,  spinning it around in circles and rushing it towards a tree, was that I was not wearing any underwear. What would the paramedics think when they pulled me out with the 'jaws of life' and had to cut off my rust corduroys stuck to my bloody legs.

"Hey Buddy, Check this out..." "Whoa - no undies...huh?!"

Since I had a cup of steaming coffee in my right hand, I steered unsuccessfully with the left. As the car slid sideways into the woods, I finally threw the coffee and mug to the floor with a shriek and covered my head with both hands.  At this point, my thoughts were glued to my mortality. For the past three weeks, I had been made aware of many family members who had various stages of cancer or cancer scares. They all were facing the end of their life in one way or another.  It struck me how ironic it was that within minutes, I could be dead. There would be no forewarning. My family would get a phone call from the local police. All of this worry and consternation and preparation for everyone else and in 2 minutes my precious life could be done.

I wasn't done yet. I thought of my babies at home, where they would be when they found out. Who would tell them?  Would they tell them I wasn't wearing any underwear?

With a jolt, the car stopped. I looked up at a bunch of twigs looming above me. I patted my legs, still there. Not broken. I looked at the front of the car. It was wedged between 2 trees. Other than being stuck, and a few dings and dents, the car was fine. With a shaky hand, I grabbed for my cell phone, waving onlookers by me. 'Nothing to see here'.  Still here. Still alive.