Two days ago my husband was in a car accident.
He walked away a little sore, but otherwise without a scratch, and so did the other woman in the crash. It wasn’t a minor accident. Both cars were going 65 miles an hour on the highway. My husband’s car was struck head-on by a spinning SUV that went out of control after being hit by another car. The impact was significant, our Prius is totaled, and my mind can’t help but run through a series of “what ifs.”
And yet, down to my core, it feels as though a shift has happened. There is a deeper understanding of the preciousness of this life. A deeper understanding of what it really means to be grateful. A lessening of taking things (and each other) for granted. A knowing that we are here for a reason.
It feels like a pause in my heart. Stopping and noticing this moment tucked deep inside as a reminder to love and appreciate each day.
I know as life goes on the busy-ness will settle in again and the “what ifs” will be long gone. But I know this close call has had a profound impact on both my husband and I. I know it has changed us for the better.
And I am so very, deeply grateful.
***
PS: You are a Blessing to Me is a new print in my shop! This print has new meaning to me now.
Hello friends! I'm Lori Portka. I make art with the intention to radiate love and healing. 
SO glad to hear that all are ok. Life is so precious. YOU are so precious!
oh how scary! i’m so glad your husband is ok. i hate that it’s terrifying events like these that remind us to be thankful…
Oh my Lori, so glad your husband is okay. It really does remind us how precious life is. Sending love xx
Lori, I am so happy to hear your husband is safe. Sometimes we need a strong shaking to come back and be present you know? (hugs) Sending both of you love <3
Oh my. Sending you and your husband love! How scary. So glad he’s okay, and that you’re able to see the message in this!
My dear friend,
I’m so glad you decided to share this story today & that your sweet husband is okay. Whew. These close calls are such a wake up call, such a reminder of what really matters and how very much we have to say thank you for.
In the middle of the night the other night we thought we were losing our sweet 14 year old dog (it appeared that she was having a heart attack)–thankfully, it turned out to be something old dogs get a lot, something that goes away. I feel like we’ve been given another chance to really savor our time with this sweet being while she’s still with us. It feels like a blessing…
Thank you for sharing your heart, Lori–I treasure you.
With love,
Julia
P.S: I love your new painting…there’s really nothing not to love with your paintings–I adore them all.
OH, Lori…I saw your instagram photo and my heart sank, but it’s also smiling b/c everything is OK!! but, I know how shaken up something like this can be. I was in an accident once…when I was 16…nothing major but it really shook me up.
I’m SO grateful that your husband and the others involved are OK!! that makes me sigh a relief…and what’s even better…having this colorful reminder that life is a blessing and it’s also full of color…thanks to you!! 🙂
sending HUGS to you and your family!! 🙂
Oh Lori, how startling. I’m so so so glad he is okay, and the woman too. Sending lots of love and hugs to you and your fam. Life is so precious.
OMG…i’m so happy your husband is okay…definitely something to be very grateful for! sending your family lots of good energy and prayers!!
Lori – I am so glad Jay was unhurt. I can only imagine the panic and then joy that filled your heart when you received the call. Hold each other close and give thanks for all the new days you will share with each other. Love to you both.
So glad everyone was okay…and don’t dwell on the what ifs…but yea, I do that too. :0) I love your line “a pause in my heart”. That’s a beautiful line, and a lovely piece of art.
Dearest sweet lori, so sorry to hear about the accident but i am so happy to know your hubby is OK! So so happy! I love reading your writing and your words are always such a comfort to me. Every time i visit, i am always reminded of sweet sentiments of life. YOU are truly an inspiration to me! Thank YOU for being here with me and thank YOU for sharing. Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!
Goodness, Lori,
Thank you so much for sharing what is a very personal experience with us here. I too am so pleased that neither your husband nor the other lady were seriously hurt. And your painting is beautiful and very poignant. Death is present quite often in my awareness nowadays. Every day, I am moving closer towards my death. Wow. That is profound and prompts me to want to wake up, get connected and breathe deeply and fully, making the most of all of my beautiful relationships and every day that I get to live on this planet.
Love,
Elloa xx
oh my gosh, lori!!!!!!!!!!!
thank God he’s ok!!
yes, praise to our
beautiful lives.
breathing beside you.
LOVE. xoxox
There was an angel watching out for your husband. So glad to hear no one was seriously injured.
Oh my goodness, Lori. What a scary experience, and I’m so grateful that you are able to see it through the filter of gratitude and share it with us in such a beautiful way. Vicariously, I feel we are ALL feeling a bit more grateful!
Oh..I’m so glad that everyone walked away unharmed. These things can certainly shake the ground we walk on..give us new perspective on what is truly important in our lives. So sorry to hear about the accident…
Oh, Lori, I’m so sorry to hear that this happened and yet, you are so wise to sense and feel a shift that is happening. I’m so happy your husband and the other person are ok. Take good care and enjoy being gentle and slow as you transition. Be well…
This is my very first visit to your blog and I found myself holding my breath as I read that your husband and the other person in the accident, are indeed, okay. How incredibly frightening and enlightening all at the same time.
Your artwork is lovely. I will definitely return.
Warmly,
Debbie
Oh this brought tears to my eyes….
I was in a car accident with my daughter about a month ago – we are totally fine – but ever since then I pause and just appreciate the people in my life….
via Shannon’s blog 😉
xo
wow. head on at 65 mph. i’m relieved this story has a happy ending.