Today after our morning devotional and planning time, my coworkers invited me to go out to eat. I wasn't hungry because we were served baleadas after the devotional, but I went along just to hang out. (Plus I didn't want to eat fast food because I'm reading that a good diet is important for Chikungunya.)
After lunch I went to figure out what is going on with my phone bill. When I went to the bank to pay it, they said I didn't owe anything. When I went to Tigo (the phone company) they said I owed $4.25, which still wasn't right for the monthly price. Turns out Tigo gives you every third month free if you pay your bill on time! That was exciting news, so I was pulling out of the mall feeling pretty good.
As I turned left, I thought I hit the curb with my right front tire. But the curb was too far away, so I looked all around and realized I had run into a car! I was shocked.
Guards came running, assuming someone would flee the scene, but we both pulled over. One of the passengers came over and asked if I was okay. I said yes and asked if they were. He said they were all fine. Everyone gathered around my bumper, which suffered the most damage. I stayed in my car, assuming the other people would be jerks.
Turned out they were some of the kindest people I've ever met. And it also turned out that it was my fault. I assumed, probably because they were young males, that they were driving too fast and ran into me. But as I looked at the damage, the angles made it seem like it was probably my fault.
I kept to myself and called my insurance guy. The other people were totally respectful about waiting. My insurance agent came quickly and we talked about our options. I told him from the beginning that it could have been my fault, but that I thought they were also driving too fast. We considered calling the police, but my insurance guy checked with the guard who said it was my fault. Another guy came from the insurance company. He agreed the evidence it looked like my fault.
We decided not to waste time with court dates and spend energy arguing. I said I wanted to do what is right. If I was at fault, I would pay. No need to involve police.
I can't say enough how nice the three young boys were. The accident cost them three hours of their day, plus some damage to their car. But they were always SO kind and thoughtful. Just sweet, sweet, young men.
When it was all over, the driver's father came to pick them up. I told the boy I wanted to apologize to his family too. He said it wasn't necessary. But I wanted them to know how truly kind their son had been.
Not surprisingly, the parents were just as nice. I apologized for the accident and told them their son was a complete gentleman. He immediately changed the subject saying, "She is sick with Chikungunya." The whole family seemed more concerned about my health than their car! They kept saying, "Accidents happen," and that they hope I feel better soon. Can you imagine?
Looking back on my day, it stinks that I had a car accident. But I learned some things.
First, if I am ever in a car accident again, even if I am SURE it was the other person's fault, I will not be aggressive or defensive. I will be kind and thoughtful. Those teenage boys were a perfect example of how to behave. I ran into their car, but they were gracious, thoughtful and kind. They were examples of God's love here on earth. My human nature was to try to place blame. In a moment that could have been stressful and negative, those young boys rose above human nature and made everything good.
The thought of having a car accident is horrible. But it's over and it really wasn't that bad. Nobody is hurt. The cars weren't damaged too much. I confirmed that I have a really great insurance agent who made me feel safe and well cared for. If I had to have a car accident, I couldn't have planned it better myself.
Also, I am hopeful that this family's mechanic may be my new mechanic, which would be a great blessing. I've been looking for a mechanic since mine suddenly went nuts this year. So far this new mechanic made a great impression. He is going to fix my car, as well as help me search for a new car and sell my old one. He has a used car lot in front of his shop. Although it would have been nice to go there under different circumstances, I can see some good things that came out of a bad situation.
Later, I was talking to my Mom and she asked how I felt physically. I told her that yesterday it hurt to stand up long enough to wash a cup and plate. Yesterday I felt exhausted lifting up my Crock Pot for only a few seconds. But today I stood in the sun waiting for about a half an hour and didn't feel any pain. My knees, hips and knuckles are sore to walk, but I didn't feel weak.
I could stand up! That made it a good day to have an accident. I smashed into the right car, with the kindest people inside. The car accident was a good reminder that things can always be worse, and sometimes a really crappy situation isn't so bad.
