A Sign...Maybe?

Thanks for all your thoughts, comments and wishes. I don't normally post twice in the same day, but given the circumstances, I think you'll understand...my world was slightly rocked again this evening.

Today, I happened to have had some work I wanted to catch up on, so I didn't leave my office until late - about 6:45 pm (yes, that's late for Denver - the office is usually empty by 5 and our office lights go off automatically at 6 pm). The bonus is that by this time, there's no traffic, so my 45+ minute commute takes closer to 25 minutes.

Tonight, a couple miles after I exited the northbound highway onto the westbound highway, traffic suddenly came to a standstill. I don't mean LA or Atlanta traffic where it still moves at 2-3 mph, I am talking a true parking lot to the point where people were getting out of their cars. About a minute after stopping, I focused my sights about 30 cars in front of me and saw a car flipped completely on it's roof, tires pointed to the sky and people running all over the road. About two minutes later, no less than 30 emergency vehicles arrived on the scene - police trucks, fire engines, ambulances, unmarked cars. As time progressed, up ahead on the overpass I could see people gathering at the fences looking at the horrible accident.

The amazing thing is that everyone seemed to remain calm and realized they just needed to wait this one out. People politely moved right so the emergency vehicles could pass and vehicles yielded to one another. No one leaned on their horn or tried to squeeze by the accident so they could get home. Everyone seemed to realize the gravity and urgency of the situation.

After waiting about 45 minutes with all lanes blocked, the police had all traffic where I was make a U-turn on the highway and drive backwards to the previous exit. Again, people were polite and kind to one another.

There is no doubt in my mind that at least one person (and probably more) will not be coming home tonight. Had I been on the highway a mere 5-10 seconds earlier there is no question that I might have not been so lucky.

I don't generally believe in fate or destiny, but in this case I can't help but think that I was in that exact place at that exact time with the accident somewhat visible in front of me. Was I pondering about my dilemma all day today because I was somehow supposed to be reminded how precious life is and that there is the possibility that it can be gone in an instant?

I can't tell you how thankful I was to pull into my garage tonight, open the door to my kitchen and step over the threshold to two dogs who were excited to see me and a husband who took me into his arms and said "Welcome home, I love you."