Birthday surprise: my first car accident, perfect gift

Tuesday was my 25th birthday, and let's just say I've been a little excited leading up to it! ...Okay, a lot excited! The age is a half milestone on my way to age 30 - an age where I have magical expectations of a perfect, settled life. Plus, I had been hinting to my boyfriend that I love surprises and sweet gestures, and I knew he had something up his sleeve.

 

The day started off fantastically with a sweet goodbye from the excited boyfriend, a surprise candy bouquet in a gorgeous vase from my parents, and a very thoughtful gift from the mom I worked for that day. Baby B and I enjoyed treats at my favorite smoothie shop, and I was a happy girl.

 

Jonny asked me to be home and ready by 4:30 that afternoon. 4:15, and I was driving back with a vase of flowers between my legs and a smile on my face ready for a surprise!

 

However, the biggest birthday surprise I got was not what I expected. In fact, it was quite unpleasant.

It was this:

Yes, that's my car! :(

 

I was driving around the corner as 16th street turns onto West Main (if you're familiar with downtown Boise). Theres a small side street, 17th, that crosses Main. Main has no stop sign at this intersection but 17th does.

 

I saw a green van at the intersection...nope, I looked again, I saw a green van zooming past the stop sign towards me. Panic, adrenaline and terror took over. I braced myself for the impact trying to scoot to the right away from the green flash at my left.

 

And then BAM! Collision. I screamed. Petals and water from the vase of flowers exploded like fireworks inside the car. (hmm..at least it was a pretty birthday crash?)

 

My car skid across the lanes and stopped before I even could slam the brakes. I later found that the frame of the car was wedged into my front tire.

 

Pure shock hit. My breathing became rapid. I was shaking.

 

But, I was okay. No blood, no injuries. Intact.

 

I couldn't even function. I had no idea what to do. I dialed for my boyfriend. Before I knew it, a witness was rushing over. He asked if I was okay.

 

In a panic, I shook on my door handle. "I can't get out!" I whimpered.

 

This patient man kindly asked "can you use the passenger door?"

 

Doh! Of course.

 

Nope, still couldn't figure it out. He helped me slide my seat back and get out. He made sure I grabbed my purse and valuables. Then him and a coworker moved my car out of the road. I am so grateful, and am working on a thank-you card for them. They were so kind and supportive.

 

The first thing I said as I stepped out of the car?

 

"Hey look, my vase of flowers is okay!" lol. What I meant, was "thank goodness the vase didn't shatter and embed glass into my legs." Lesson learned - no breakables held while driving. Let the water spill instead of take that risk.

 

Then the tears hit from the shock. Later, waiting for the police, I admit that the tears came more in a mourning for my birthday surprise.

 

I couldn't look at the lady that hit me. I just didn't know what to say to her, and I was worried about making her feel bad as I sobbed, water all over my bright coral pants, gaping at my yellow car opened on the side like it had been taken to a can opener.

 

I did find out it was her 6th car accident....and she said she couldn't see me. Now, maybe I shouldn't judge, but my car is bright yellow. Hmm.

 

But the point is that we are all okay. No one, albeit the cars, was hurt. It could have been so much worse. And, I don't believe either car was totaled, but both were towed. The insurance experience has been so fast and efficient. I'll get my rental car this afternoon and my car is already in the body shop. Also, I've been to my chiropractor to address my resulting aches and pains.

 

So, all is well and the rest of my birthday went wonderfully! In fact, I ended up getting two days of birthday fun since the wreck made us have to postpone part until Wednesday. YEAH - there are perks to non-injury car accidents!

 

So, why was this accident the best birthday gift, afterall?

 

It reminded me of the miracle of life and what really matters. Isn't that what a birthday should honor? It's a time to celebrate being alive another year with loved ones. What more could I ask for? So, it was perfect, and hey, I'll never forget it.

Birthday dinner with my handsome boyfriend and parents

See?! Didn't I tell you he is handsome?

The ginormous "mile-high" birthday dessert we shared

See why Jonny and I are a good fit? lol

 

Dinner at the Ram in celebration of being an Aries Ram! Woohoo. I so want one of these chairs. I even asked the owner if it was ever possible to buy a couple of them. He laughed but gave me a phone number. Woohoo. Oh, and yes, very instagram filtered photo. A little much! lol.

All-in-all, it was a birthday leaving me filled with gratitude and joy!

 

 

Comments always appreciated! Ever had a not so welcome holiday surprise? Tell me about it. :)

 

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