in an instant

i held a hand today...she was a stranger, someone i've never met, someone i'll never see again, someone who's path crossed mine in the most devastating of ways...yet, the impact those moments had on me will be felt likely forever...

the gas pump had just started.  i was watching for katie and morgan to come back out of the store, and i heard it...cars crashing have a very distinct sound - loud and intense laced with fear, frustration, and pain - but there it was and as i turned around i watched the car slide to a halt just inches from the sidewalk in front of me.  it was a busy intersection, yet with all the people around i made eye contact with the random employee who also happened to see the same thing i just had and we both ran towards the car.  smoke was pouring out of both vehicles, and in the car closest to me there were two women...the passenger slumped out the window and the driver laying across her lap.  i'm not trained...i'm not a nurse or a paramedic, or anything special...i was just there.  cell phones were already in use so i went to the car...the passenger was conscious, but barely responsive...her arm was extended out the window so i reached out and took her hand...i prayed she could hear me, prayed she knew she wasn't alone as her friend...sister...mother...lay bleeding and unresponsive across her lap.  i stayed there with her until the paramedics came.  she didn't know me, didn't need to.  she tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come.  my heart shattered in those moments...they had simply been driving...something we all do, all the time, and their lives were changed in an instant. 

there are more details, but i've shared enough and those don't really matter...the other driver was an older woman who thankfully was able to walk away, even with her van on fire.  no doubt she is carrying burdens i don't want to imagine tonight, but at least she appeared physically ok. 

i most likely won't know the outcome of this incident...not that i need to i suppose.  these things happen all the time; i know that.  accidents happen.  lives are changed.  there were many lives changed in those few moments today...including mine...i will continue to pray for these strangers, continue to see the images i wish i could forget...continue to wonder about their story...and continue to be thankful for everything, everyone in my life...every blessing, every trial...all of it.  and all because i held a stranger's hand...