Wahoo — I passed my physical therapy driver’s test. It’s been one year since I went over a 55-foot drop-off on U.S. 160. I was scraped, bruised, broken and banged up; I thought my days were done. But, I’ve been liberated. I’ll be driving again.
They put new parts on me — a monitor to read my heart, an object on my arm, and casts on my right ankle and left wrist. My motor still works, tires patched up, not safe for long trips, but the pistons turn the crankshaft and give me energy to keep going.
This accident has proven to be a blessing. I received so much love from family and friends, such kindness and respect from doctors and physical therapists. I learned to be a little more compassionate and merciful to others. There is no point of return — only now gathering up the things I learned, letting go of losses and loving more.
I told my physical therapist I feel like that old banged-up 4Runner sitting in our front yard on its last leg. My Sweet Al’s 1997 Toyota junker was looking at the Bayfield bone yard — until our sons-in-law got it running.
They emptied whatever out of the gas tank and put in new gas. They cleaned up the interior, strapped on new seat covers, scrubbed the floor mats, painted the rusty bumper and gave it an Armor All shine. Now Al is sitting high in his new love. Even though he’s limited to driving only around our property, he’s also been liberated and feels like he’s arrived in a new car.
In our Bible study, Dave Branon’s words resonated with me. “I fell in love. She was a beauty. Sleek. Clean. Radiant. As soon as I spied the 1962 Ford T-Bird at the used car lot, her shiny exterior and killer interior beckoned me. So I plunked down ... and bought my first car. A problem lurked inside my prized possession … she got a little cranky. She had no reverse.”
It was like a metaphor for our marriage. We started with a new, shiny feeling, with plans for a great ride, but then a problem or two came our way — no reverse and we got a little cranky.
Once committed, there is no reverse. We couldn’t go back. We had to proceed with what we knew, take what we learned on our ride together and hopefully become better because of it. With no reverse, God has and can fix what is broken. I know; the Lord has done it for us. It’s called forgiveness.
My Sweet Al and I have not been that easy to live with, not that noble, not that spiritual, but God has worked in us all these years. We couldn’t reverse what we were going through, but we could back off and give God space to work. We are still broken, but God has changed our thinking and doing, and set us on a path that has made us better.
As Al and I sit every morning, enjoying a cup of coffee together, I thank the Lord we still have each other for one more day. Getting older, slower and forgetful by the minute, our time is sweeter than ever. It’s good we didn’t have a reverse gear, or we might have taken another road.
Final brushstroke: Whether it’s an accident or an old junker fixed up for a few more miles, Al sits high in his Toyota loving it and I’m happy writing about it. There is no reverse, but there is forgiveness that has opened our hearts to each other. Life is worth fighting for.
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“Hi Betty,
“I really appreciate your article and your thoughts & feelings agree with Bible prophecy, which I’m sure is where you receive them by studying it. I am a Christian. I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in our community and I just wanted to let you know that your humble concern of your own faith to hold you up under such persecution is very heartwarming. We can be encouraged and strengthened through Scripture, God’s inspired Word and through like-minded ones.
“Thank you. With Big Warm Christian Love Michelle. MD H. Pagosa Springs, CO.”
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