I was driving my dad's pickup to work yesterday morning because I wanted to ride my bike on my lunch break and it's so easy to throw the bike into the back of the pickup. DH and I are planning to buy my sister's half of the pickup because DH's current truck has 177,000 miles on it and we feel it's time for a change. Dad's truck, though 5 years old, only has 35,000 miles and is shiny and new-looking.

Or, WAS shiny and new-looking. As I was driving down the 4-lane expressway on the edge of our town, a car pulled across right in front of me. This happened so fast I couldn't even swerve; I slammed on my brakes but still crashed right into the side of the other car. I was able to get off the highway, and determined that the other driver wasn't hurt. Both vehicles had serious damage.

It took a bit for the reaction to set in and then I couldn't stop shaking. Either one of us could so easily have been killed. The other driver is a well-known and respected retired doctor in town. In fact, he was our doctor until he retired. He's in his 80s now and since the accident I've heard from many people that there is no way he should be driving anymore. I feel sorry for him and yet a little angry that his kids have been letting him drive. This could have been a tragedy.

But thanks be to God, neither of us was hurt. I did go see the PA yesterday afternoon because my back and neck were pretty sore. She gave me pain killers and muscle relaxers and they are keeping me pretty comfortable.

I still went for the bike ride at lunch because I thought, "Well, my dad's truck has been ruined in order that I could ride, so I'd better ride!" I also went for my run this morning. I planned to go 3 miles instead of my usual 4, but I was feeling fine so I went ahead and did 4. I took it slow; more like a long, slow run pace, and it felt pretty good. The PA said that exercise would actually help keep me from getting more stiff and sore.

I am so thankful to God that this didn't turn out to be a tragedy. I'm really sorry about Dad's lovely pickup, but it is just an object, and I know that's what he would say if he were still here.