Dec 15, 2007

Hugged by an Angel




While I promised to show you a sneak peek of a photo shoot I did for the April issue of Romantic Homes, I decided to post an event that I experienced that truly touched me on many levels. I promise design photos in my next post!


Last Tuesday, December 11th, was my 44th birthday - and it very well could have been my very last one at that. Having celebrated my birthday the prior evening, I was free to do some painting work for a client. I painted a couple of bathroom cabinets at my clients' home and took the drawers and doors of cabinets in my car to be painted in my workshop. It was getting late, but I wanted to get in a short run.


I was in West County (St. Louis proper) and unfamiliar with the location of the YMCA so I called my fiance, Randy, to get directions. Yes, you read correctly - I have a fiance and I was hoping to introduce him at another time and tell you how we met and so on, and I will, but just not in this posting. I was wearing my bluetooth and listening to Randy's directions and as he directed me, he told me to look for the bridge that goes over highway 40.
I then said, "Oh! I see the sign for 40 and the bridge...." and that was the last thing I said to him.

Out of no where, and I mean no where, a car slammed into me full force on the driver's side. No braking, no slowing down. I was so shocked because I had no warning. It was as if I was calmly walking down a sidewalk, looking straight ahead, and large football player came bolting out of an alley and slammed me to the ground. I never saw it coming.

I saw headlights, bright lights coming through my driver's side window. I spun, then flipped (twice I believe) and landed upside down, smashed against the guard rail and lamp post at the side of the overpass bridge. That is the short version of what happened in a nutshell.








Now let me tell what really happened:





Upon the first impact and seeing headlights coming right at my door, I immediately, without thinking, threw both of my hands up over my face and tucked in my elbows across my rib cage and curled up my knees to my stomach - sort of like a fetal position. I held that exact position for the entire ordeal. I was shocked first, then I realized I was rolling, and then I realized I was rolling towards the edge of the bridge and I let out a blood-curdling scream because in my heart, I knew I about be tossed over the bridge and fall to my death on the highway below.

And in that split second, time seemed to stop.







As I continued to roll, I screamed in my head, "I am going to die! I am going to die!" I believed that with all my heart, that I was truly going to die in that moment. The entire time, my eyes were shut and my hands firmly planted over my face, but I still saw a very bright, solid white light. And for just a millisecond I told myself, in a very calm voice this time, "I am going to roll over the bridge, and land on the ground and will be killed instantly, and it will be over. And that is okay." For just a fraction of second, I felt a very calming peace.
I was actually okay with it being my time.



And at the very moment I was "okay" with what was happening to me, the noise stopped, the rolling stopped, and I found myself hanging upside down by my seat belt. I immediately began to shake, cry, and started screaming, "Help me! Help me! Help me!" over and over again as I listened to glass clinking to the ground. I was convinced that I was on the edge of the bridge, ready to go over any moment. The real fact is that I was at the edge of the bridge, but "safely" smashed against a very strong guard rail.










Several people stopped to help and a man unbuckled my seat belt and pulled me out of the crushed window. I was shaking uncontrollably and tried to walk, I just wanted to get away from the car. The people helping me had me lie down and they started to cover me with their coats. Then I heard my phone ringing from my smashed car. I thought, Randy!

You can see in above photo how on the other side of the sidewalk, it drops down to the highway.

Randy, unfortunately, heard the entire crash over his cell phone while he was driving home from a business seminar. He said that one moment I was talking with him and the next moment he heard the whoosh noises and banging noises. It took him about five seconds to realize what was happening to me. He said heard me screaming, then crying and then very faintly calling for help over and over and over again.





He didn't want to hang up, but he did to call 911. This dispatcher told him that the accident had already been reported and asked him, "you mean the overturned car?" He couldn't believe what she said. He called his mother and raced to wreck site and all the while, he believed I was dying or already dead. He was about 5 miles away and even at 9PM, the traffic jammed the streets. He then finally approached the bridge only to see firetrucks, ambulances, police cars flashing all their lights. As he slowly approached the scene he saw a very smashed car, upside down and thought it was someone Else's. Then with a closer look, he realized it was my car. Police wouldn't let him see me as they worked on me and he just about lost it. Some bystanders were trying to convince him I was okay, but he didn't believe them. He finally got a chance to see me on the stretcher and saw that I was awake and not bleeding. His mother pulled up, sees all the commotion and her son leaning on a bystander, crying, and of course she thinks the worse as well.






As I am loaded into the ambulance people are wondering what happened because there were no other cars involved - or so they thought. I told a policeman that I was hit. I am 100% sure of that. I never lost control of the car, as in slipping on ice (there wasn't any ice anyway) and I was hit. It appeared to be a hit and run. However, a little later, Randy saw a woman at the end of the bridge being given a sobriety test, seemingly failed, and was handcuffed and taken away. Her car was way down the entrance ramp to the highway. At this time, we do have not any official report other than she did in fact hit me. We do not have any official report stating it was a DUI or that she left the scene.





I was taken to the emergency room and the EMTs and doctors could not believe that I had NO broken bones, NO cuts, NO internal bleeding, NO broken teeth, and not even a broken fingernail. I did however, have a huge, huge lump on the back of my head, mostly likely from a gallon paint can flying about and knocking me from the back. It was (and still is) so painful that they couldn't even put a neck brace on me because it barely touched that part of my head. They did a CAT scan and it was clear. I couldn't stop shaking and I never shook like that before. The doctor gave me a couple of pain pills to calm me and to help stop the shaking.


Now I ask you: by looking at these photos, how, how, how in the world did I literally walk away from it all? I will tell you how....I was hugged tightly by an angel. And I firmly believe that. Remember when I said that upon impact that without even thinking, I covered my face with both hands, tucked in my elbows and curled up my knees? And through the entire ordeal, my arms and hands remained in that very tight position, never budging once. Had my arms and legs thrashed about, they surely would have been broken or cut up. I believe my guardian angel is the one who held my hands, arms, and legs securely around my body. No one, and I mean no person could possibly have the strength to remain in that position during such a crushing slam, hard roll and slammed against the guard rail. But I did - with help from my angel.







After I was discharged from the hospital, about midnight, Randy took me to his home. We were pretty quiet on the way home and being in a car again made me very nervous. I had several cans of paint and stain in my car when it crashed, and a lot of it landed in my hair. Randy got black paint all over himself as he tried to retrieve my briefcase, lap top, files, papers, purse and so on out of my paint-filled car. Once home, he drew me a bath and as I sat in the hot water, hugging my knees and letting my tears fall freely, Randy very gently washed my hair, careful to avoid my bump, and slowly and carefully picked all the dried paint out of my hair. It was finally quiet...there was no screaming, no sirens, no flashing lights, no people, no doctors, no IV's, no CAT scans, no questions...just me, sitting in the tub, hugging my knees, silently crying, while my wonderful fiance gently washed my hair. I will tell you about this wonderful man in another, happier, post.

Once out of the tub, Randy got in it to soak as well. He didn't have the pleasure of silence that I had. He still heard the noise, my screaming and my cry for help playing over and over in his head. He choked up and just simply said, "I thought I lost you." My tears flowed as I got a wash cloth and gently washed the black paint off his head and neck and we just stayed quiet.

It was a miracle. Only hours before I was being tossed around in my car and lying in the street with broken glass all around me, and now, here I am, clean, in a fluffy robe, eating a bite or two of my birthday cake to settle my stomach for all the medicine I took. My head was (and is) very tender, my shoulders, neck, and back are tight, but I will be fine.

Yup, Happy Birthday. I would like to think that God isn't done with me yet and I have much more to do in this world and that is why I am still here. But there is a small part of me that thinks that in that very moment, when I thought I was going over the bridge, and I felt a second of calmness, that God might have changed His mind and realized that I am just too ornery for Him to handle at this time. He probably would have a handful of people who would agree with Him as well. :-)

Life is good, but living it is better.

Please be safe and live as if there is no tomorrow - because you know, there just might not be...and I personally know that it is all okay.

from my house to your house,
Elizabeth












74 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow. you have told your story very powerfully. I am so glad you are here to tell it.

Anonymous said...

Blessing to you dear Elizabeth. My eyes were bug eyed reading this. I am so sorry for your frightful experience and at the same time is excited that you had such a wonderful angel. You were protected and God must have tons for you to do yet! Cherish your every moment. And wow, sounds like you found the perfect man!

Peace & Love!
Teresa

www.teresaksheeley.typepad.com

and p.s. Happy Birthday :)

cathypentonatelier said...

Oh my gosh honey, just reading that makes me shake....All I can say is God definitely got it right... you are an angel here on earth and we need you too much for you to go any where... Love you heaps
Cathy

Jackie said...

Thank God for Angels as yours was with you!!! I am so glad that you were not seriously injured. God Bless
Jackie

The Paris Apartment said...

Oh my god i am balling my eyes out! First to think of losing you, then to think of the others thinking of losing you, then to realize the miracle of it all. You're so loved and blessed and most of all, it's not your time yet! I hope your head heals up soon. It is shocking that something can happen so suddenly, we have to remember how fragile we all are in everyday life. Thank you for sharing your story, and happy birthday!
love
claudia

The Feathered Nest said...

oh elizabeth!!! what a miracle!!! you sweet thing, I'm so sorry this happened to you. what a life changing experience, too!! I'm just so glad you are fine ~ definitely the work of God's divine intervention and His angels....

For He shall give his angels
charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways.
~ Psalms 91:11 ~

much love to you, elizabeth!
and I'm very happy about your precious fiance too, congratulations!
xxoo,
Dawn

Sandy said...

What a post! I've got goose bumps. Thank God you are okay. You are one very, very lucky lady.

Chris Brown said...

Hello Elizabeth. Thank GOD for your life. We need you here! No other words at this time, only a small pray.

Be well,
Chris

For Love Of Home said...

Elizabeth,
I am sure you were protected by an angel and you are still here not because God did not want you, but he knows the joy and compassion you bring to others on this earth.
I am so thankful you were not hurt worse, I could barely look at the photos of your car. And about Randy, I can't wait to hear all about him. I have a Randy too, and would not trade him for the world. He is my gift from God.
Take Care of yourself!
With Love
Cindy

Ulla said...

OMG Elizabeth! I am shaking as I read your story... Yes you do have an angel, two in fact, (Randy, being your 2nd one). Life threatening ordeals make us count our blessings and believe... Rest, Heal and be Safe - Sweet BLESSINGS and gentle hugs to you from California.

"Maggie & Kevin" said...

Wow Elizabeth, I am SO glad you survived such a terrible accident or one that could have been much worse. I do believe God definitely has more plans for you and maybe he was just trying to draw your attention to trusting completely in Him. I had a close call last year, though nothing as terrible as your accident but I do believe and angel was sent to protect me.

Life is good and you are blessed and alive, yeah!

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth -

This is just my second visit to your site; just found it the other day. I sit here with goosebumps after reading of your accident and all that occured. I just have to say that God has a plan for you on this earth. One that maybe He is opening your eyes to see. I am just so glad you are okay. I also look forward to reading more of your posts!! Take care and hope you are feeling better soon - I know you have to be so sore and will be finding bruises you did not know you had.

Robin

Unknown said...

Wishing you peace this holiday season.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your horrible experience, and thankful you are all right. Randy sounds like a gem...

Melissa said...

I just recently found your blog and I think this is my first time commenting. I KNOW there are angels out there helping us. I've felt them recently in my life too! Truly a miracle you'll never forget! You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you recover soon. Lord knows your whole body is going to ache tomorrow.

blessings said...

Oh Elizabeth, what a miracle! You're right - only God!! Hold onto this: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps%2091:9-11&version=31 (sorry, I think you'll have to copy & paste it). I'm so grateful to have more time to get to know you better! Blessings...over & over! -Polly

Kathleen Grace said...

Praise God that he kept you safe in such a terrible ordeal! It sounds like you have a wonderful guy.

bethy said...

oh my, elizabeth,
thank you for taking the time to write about your amazing and frightening experience. a birthday gift from an angel, really, what could be more beautiful than that? i wish you peace and health. and many more birthdays. bethy

Doreen Frost said...

It is truly a miracle that you walked away from this accident. Without a doubt,God was watching over you. I can not believe that I happened upon your blog and came across this post. I had tears in my eyes as I read it. I have always been a believer in Miracles and this was yet another one.

Thank God you came through it all unharmed.

~ Congratulations on your engagement and Happy Birthday.

Take care
Doreen Frost

Heavenly Chic Interiors said...

What chills (and tears) I have while reading your story. My husband had the same exact accident in 1996. Take it easy and just pray a special thanks to your Angel...
Wishing you wellness and healing soon!

Jane said...

I am thankful to God you survived the accident and that your "knight" was able to eventually be with you. I am concerned about your new aches in relation to your daily pain. Last week I just started a new focus to my prayer time: people I don't know...and YES, you were (and are) one of those. Honest!

paris parfait said...

Oh, Elizabeth! What an incredible story! Thank goodness you lived to tell...So much to say - mainly, happy that you weren't more seriously injured; yes, miracles happen and this was certainly one of them, with your guardian angel and congrats on your engagement! Take care of yourself, get lots of rest and celebrate every single day, not just your birthday! Thanks for this powerful reminder that we must live in the moment and never take anything for granted. xo

Amy said...

Elizabeth - Wow - what an experience! I'm so happy to hear that you're OK - what a miracle to think that you walked away from that! How true your words are about living each moment fully - we are not promised tomorrow! Take care of yourself, and thank God for miracles!

Anonymous said...

it was not your time because you have a full life to live and many things to share with all of us out here in blog land.We love your magazine articles and we adore YOU.
You have been through so much already and this just shows that life doesn't slow down for anyone.It must be lived and not ignored or wasted.In each life there is a gift.You have many gifts and one of them will be growing old with Randy.I am glad you are with us Elizabeth.AND you will be with us for many more years to come!
Geneen

Anonymous said...

I don't normally leave comments, but after reading your ordeal....I just wanted to say that if someone didn't believe in the spirits (as we call them in my native culture) or "angels", then after reading your ordeal...then they have no reason but to believe!

After an accident I had and should've died, but obviously didn't....all the tests did not show anything...in fact, my injuries from the back of my head being hit did not show up for almost 3 months after the accident. So, from experience...please don't settle with anyone or the insurance companies (if the other driver has any) until several months go by! Because a head injury can be a slow injury to show up...

Hug your great man and have a blessed day! debi

Debra said...

I am so choked up right now, and we have never even met. I do believe that you were being cradled by your Guardian Angel. They do that kind of thing. Hard to believe, yet it makes so much sense. Jewish people believe that every baby is born with 10,000 Guardian Angels. It sounds like yours were paying very close attention, that day.

I'm not quite sure how I made it to your blog, but I am glad that I found it. I guess that the phrase "Happy Birthday" will be taking on a new meaning for you, from now on. Happy to be alive, happy to be safe, happy to know that you have angels watching over you.

Hugs,
Debbie

BailiwickStudio said...

Life is indeed a blessing. I know how your Randy must have felt - I was talking to my daughter by cell phone last week and I heard a blaring horn and a crash, then she said "I'll call you back". Someone had hit her on the passenger side, not at all like what happened to you, but very scary for the person hearing it.

I'm really glad you're well! Hallelujah for angels!

Curious Sofa said...

I have no words for you my dear. Not to you, but to the Lord above. Thank you for saving my friend.

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hello everyone - I don't know how to get this comment program to let me respond to those comments I wanted to address personally, so I am putting my comments in this one space.

First, THANK YOU so much for your well wishes. I got many emails, most of which had me in tears with your stories, your own tragedies and your compassion. I am continually amazed at the love and friendship I receive with my cyber friends - you all are so truly amazing and you don't even realize it.

I have had people email me and tell me that they are praying for me in their prayer groups and these people are people I have never met. I have people emailing me telling me they were in tears when they read the post...how much more compassion could a person show than that? I have had people email me and tell me that they are so grateful that I wasn't taken yet...again these are people I never met...and again...how wonderful is that?

While it is argued that the internet is isolating our society and we are no longer the social creatures as we use to be, I have to differ. It is through this wonderful electronic medium do I get the honor to "meet" wonderful and caring people such as yourselves from all over the world and that to me, is the real blessing.

I am very blessed and I am honored to have so many that care.
Love,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Dear Elizabeth~Tears were welling in my eyes while reading your traumatic accident. What a dear sweet Man you have found, I think he is your true angel.
Blessings:)
Carol

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Elizabeth: I sat and cried as I read your ordeal, so thankful you are well, even though in pain. You are so right about your angel and God protecting you. All I can say, because I am truly speechless is...I hope you have the best Christmas ever !! I believe too God isn't through with you yet; you are too talented. Merry Christmas, Theresa

Yoli said...

Elizabeth, I found your blog in October and have it tagged as a favorite. I am just back from my own birthday celebration at Disney World (another Sagittarius)and I read this shocking post. Amazing, looking at those pictures, amazing that you survived. Yes, your guardian angel was with you.

I am glad you are OK and I hope you enjoy the rest of the holiday season. It is moments like these that bring home how fragile we are and how everything can change in an instant.

Hugs,
Yoli

Rhondi said...

WOW ! What an amazing story! You know why you were saved? BECAUSE GOD LOVES YOU! That's why. He doesn't expect you to do anything great with your life because he rescued you, but I bet you will sure be aware of how precious life is. I'm glad I"happened" upon your blog today.

Anonymous said...

Well doesn't this just knock the stuffing right out of you? I'm sorry that the world has actually turned upside down on you. Don't you just love angels? I have a small collection of vintage angels around my home to remind me we're not REALLY alone. When I was young I felt so protected by an angel then with life's experience my feelings of securtiy wasn't as strong. I totally agree with your comments on the internet. We only hear about the negative (which are true)but it all boils down to the intentions of the person using a tool whether for good or bad. Take care. This has had to be an awful shock that will take much time to recover from. We're with ya!
Peace,
Kathy

Anonymous said...

Oh... my... goodness. Thank you for so bravely telling your story. I am in tears... thinking about how terrified you and your fiance must have been. I am praying for you both to heal... emotionally and physically.

Anonymous said...

elizabeth, i always knew you'd be back, and would check into your blog every so often, but wow!! you have many angels in your life now! as i read your story i could "hear" the noise, then i could "feel" your peace. God has blessed you, merry christmas! meleen

SweetAnnee said...

OMG, I can not believe how bad that wreck was..I know you were so SCARED ..and thank heavens God was with you.. You're fiance sounds
so wonderful.

ATTENTION, please put all heavy objects in the trunk..no just you , everyone.
fondly..
angels watch over us, Deena

Elizabeth Maxson said...

I agree - all heavy items in the trunk! Except, I didn't have a trunk - my little Kia Sportage was a hatchback - something to consider in my next car! Thank you for your well wishes!

Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth- so shocked to read of your terrible ordeal. So overjoyed that you are still with us to continue to be a witness to all that life has to offer. This cyberworld that we all share can be just as powerful for the positive in spite of the negative. You do have a wonderful realm of people to witness to, and in your sharing you have and will continue to do so. It is often through the quirky understanding of others struggles and gains that somehow bring a realism to this big world we live in. Thanks so much for your courage and your sharing of the gifts of your talents that make the world a better place. I think everyone is empowered with this ability, some are just gifted with the courage to go forth and share. Allow yourself to heal in all ways and accept the fact that you mean a lot to a lot of people. Congratulations on your engagement and best wishes. - Angela

Mary said...

Elizabeth - I popped over to wish you holiday greetings and was shocked to read the account of your serious accident! I'm so glad angels were around you and it was not your time to leave. You are so loved here for all the creativity you share with us - I thank God he spared you.

Hope by now your poor head is healed........looking forward to hearing more about your wonderful fiance.
Blessings of the season.
Get better hugs - Mary.

Bumpkin Hill said...

my gosh Elizabeth, I am so relieved to hear that you are ok, thank goodness for your guardian angel. Take care and have a wonderful Christmas together with your fiance xxx

Gunhild said...

I stopped by to wish you a merry christmas, and there was your amazing story. It is true, we don't know anything about tomorrow. We have to live now.

stadtgarten said...

Dear Elizabeth, I was really shocked to read about your accident and I am very happy that it went out so good! You must really have had a guardian angel!
I wish you and your fiance a very happy and merry christmas!
Kind regards from Germany, Monika

charlotte said...

omigosh, that is a frightening tale, but so reassuring that you stepped away unhurt. wishing you a very happy, safe new year!

susanna said...

Oh.my.god. I'm tearing up reading about your accident. How scary. How truly, truly scary that must have been for you and for your fiance. I am so glad that God was watching over you and that your guardian angel was alert and took care of you.

I hope that you have a wonderful, RELAXING holiday week after this ordeal. I hope that lump goes down and that you won't feel any pain from the accident. And I hope that your fiance covers you with loving smooches under the mistletoe.

susanna said...

PS - Happy Belated Birthday, Elizabeth! Now isn't great that you had an extra slice of birthday cake left over in the fridge? :)

Anonymous said...

It's the day after Christmas and I've been drinking tea and "blogging". Wow! What a prime example of when God isn't done with you, nothing can harm you. Bless your heart and bless the heart of your fiance. I hope you are on the mend.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for you and your loved ones but, after all, you were so lucky! I'm glad you're still there!!!
I have just come across this blog and I really like it - though I'm sad I came to read this terrible sorry first!

lindaharre said...

Oh Elizabeth.......what an ordeal! So glad you are O.K. I don't remember seeing this on the news....must have been one of my NO T.V. days:D Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and congrats on the engagement!

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you Linda, and all the rest of you who continue to show so much concern and love. My birthday has new meaning to me in many ways. I am so grateful to you all for taking time out of your busy lives to wish me well.

Love,
Elizabeth

Rosemary said...

wow, your story gave me goosebumps too! I truly believe we all have guardian angels and it sounds like you gave yours a workout!I'm so thankful you are okay! Hows the bump on the head?

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Elizabeth,


I am reading this late. But I am praising God for saving you, and in such a dramatic way. You are right, there is much more for you here to do.

I know you are celebrating this New Year with more joy, and thankfulness than ever before.

xo and extra hugs,
Lidy

Michele said...

It's storming tonight and I am home alone so I thought I would travel the world via blogs. I was spell bound, resting my chin in both my hands while reading about your frightening ordeal. I had tears running down my cheeks as I know all to well about angels stepping in when we need them the most. You were blessed and so right about God giving you back to live a full and loving life.
Happy Re-Birthday!
Hugs~
Michele

VINTAGE HOME lifestyle said...

WOW !!! You are truly BLESSED in so many ways...so happy you are still with us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!

Cathleen
Mixing Whimsy

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Michele,

Thank you for reading about my ordeal - your compassion is great. I had many people tell me they had tears while reading this post. And I have to tell you that when I read that people (people that I have never met) are crying over what I have written, is like being washed in love. To know that so many "unknown friends" care so deeply is so touching, that I can't find the words to describe my gratefulness.

Love,
Elizabeth

Lana Manis said...

Dear Elizabeth, Thank God for His love and for His angels watching over us especially in times of need. I'm so glad you are ok.

Happy belated Birthday!

God Bless,
Lana

ps. Randy sounds like a keeper!

The French Hen, Chester, CT said...

your job here is clearly not done. sounds like part of what you are meant to do is love that wonderful man you will marry some day. your story will stay with me. Thank Goodness for the angel.
Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth. I felt as though I was in that car with you in reading it. You told us so well every moment that flashed before you. I believe you did have a heavenly angel watching over you. I don't even know you, but I am grateful that you are okay and know that God isn't finished with you yet.... this is probably just the beginning.

Happy Birthday and Ney Year, and for you and should be for all of us, Happy New Day.... Every day.

Karen Eileen

shelbi said...

Elizabeth....i write this through my own tears. what a life changing experience. I am so sorry that you had to endure such a traumatic experience, but I am so grateful for the fact that God had His angel holding you and protecting you so... no words can wrap around what you have been blessed to witness. such a miracle.

your sweet fiance sounds like a wonderful man, perhaps another angel in disguise? i am so relieved to know you are ok.

may He continue to hold you tightly my friend....

warmly,
shelbi

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you are still here! .. we must be blessed~ ^_^

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you all for the lovely thoughts and comments. Yes, Randy is a keeper. He is one of those little "devils" on the outside that is really an angel in disguise on the inside....what is it about men that make them want us women believe that they really aren't "mushy" on the inside and then they pretend to be tough when we all know that they have a tender heart? He is a good guy - both on the outside and the inside and I am grateful to have him and all of you in my life.
Love,
Elizabeth

Red Shed French Antiques and Travel said...

Elizabeth,
This is the first time I have read your blog. I came for the pretty pictures, I have come out with so much more. To me the story of your fiance is so touching and so much more unbelievable (to have found such a great man!) than your experience with the angel. I too had a similiar crash where my car should have flipped, was totaled, but I didn't have a scratch and my dog never fell out of the back seat. I also had the knowledge that an angel had held us and the car down. I now call him (he has to be strong) my "Highway Angel" as I have had some other instances of "protection". God is real, watching over you and protecting you. I look forward to enjoying your "Adventures"!

Valarie
Red Shed Antiques
www.RedShedOnline.com

Bethany said...

Elizabeth,
I came by your blog to complement you on your amazingly inspiring feature in the new issue of Romantic Homes mag...I loved every bit of it as I love all of what you do.
BUT........I was stopped cold when I read about this AWFUL ordeal!! Oh my heart is hurting to read all that you had to go through :( I just praise God for His sending that angel to shield you and hold you close during all of that horrible nightmare. Life is sooo short and to read this amazing story of strength and survival gives me a renewed faith to go on during the trying time I am facing. Thank you so much for sharing this story...I am just soo thankful you are ok and I will thank God for the gift He left safe with all of us...YOU! xxoo

Betty said...

I was just blog hopping and saw the picture of you in the top post. I recognized you from the article in Romantic Homes.
I was in a very similar car accident many years ago and it is a feeling I will never forget. My little Toyota was hit by a hit and run driver and the driver's side was pushed to the middle of the car. I survived with just a dislocated wrist. It was a miracle and to this day I think there were angels with me too. Best wishes to you.

Anonymous said...

Wow. So glad you're safe

Anonymous said...

I cried when I read about your ordeal, as I too had a similar accident in which I walked away unharmed. I have also had two happier angel encounters and I cherish them. I think too many people miss their angel moments because they are not open to the experience. I'm happy for you that you realized you had an angel there for you and didn't just chalk it up to luck, as many would.
And hold onto Randy...what a sweetheart! Set that wedding date if yo haven't already!
Thanks for sharing...I'll be checking your wonderful blog regularly!

Anonymous said...

What a great post. I read this and couldn't read any more blogs for the day. Nothing seemed important but being with my family after reading this. Thank you for telling your story.

My Pink Boutique said...

That's a tremendous experience! I'm so sorry it happened. However, I'm glad that you're here to tell us about it. What a blessing that you were unharmed! I'm happy to see how God protected you.

Blessings,
Kimberly

Unknown said...

I can understand, and I am sitting here crying reading your story. I was in a roll-over accident on my way to Oklahoma. Our youngest daughter went out the window...my three other children were in the car as well. It was a nightmare and has taken me YEARS to get past it. We all were OK, even Annie who went out the window. I had so much anger toward the driver who caused the accident from being too lazy to properly secure a load on the back of his truck. It almost took the life of my six year old daughter.

I am so glad you made it out OK. What a blessing to have such an incredible man by your side!

Unknown said...

What a powerful story. Tears streaming down my face, I am so thankful you are still here. You've definitely been an inspiration to me always...
God is so good, and that sweet guy of yours, wow.
Lots of love and hugs...

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Hi Becky,

Thanks so much for writing. Yes, I will admit, I haven't read this post in some time until Anne posted such a nice post about my book and such. I went to this post, and it hit me again, with lots of tears. It is easy to forget all that one goes through when life just goes on and we get back to life, work, and well....just getting on with getting on...

But yes, tears came back, but mostly because I feel so happy that I got to experience so much after that day and feel so happy that I am "taken care" of by someone so much greater, smarter, and in control. Thank the Lord that He is looking after us...I sure wouldn't want the job of looking after myself by myself...wouldn't do a very good job and I am sure I make HIS job very hard at times by just being stubborn and not listening.

Thanks for writing. Always means a lot to me when a readers takes time out of their day to write me.

Big hug
Elizabeth :-)

Susan said...

Anne, sent me over...my spiritual beliefs are a bit different BUT I 100% believe in Angels. i think you are definitely correct in thinking that it was strong angel wrapping himself and his wings around you to keep you in that position!
Many blessings!
Susan

Elizabeth Maxson said...

Thank you Susan for stopping by and visiting. Anne is so wonderful...I love her so much. And yes, Angels do really exist and no one will ever convince otherwise.

Thank you for sharing,

Big hug
Elizabeth :-)

Revi said...

Amazing. I know about that peace you felt, too. I am glad you are ok, and still sharing your beauty with us.
-Revi

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