Every day I try to remind myself about all of the goodness in my life. Every once in awhile, though, I’m shocked into the full reality of that fortunate truth. Like a few days ago when I got stuck in terrible traffic on the way home due to a nearby expressway closure.
What should have taken 10 minutes took 30. My husband later told me someone posted dash cam footage of the vehicle accident that closed the road: an SUV sped, rammed the medium and flipped over into oncoming traffic before bursting into flames. The driver died, and possibly those in the cars he hit.
Accidents and tragedies happen every day, but it seems that until it’s in front of our noses there’s little reality to such misery. Maybe our minds can only handle so much harsh news. Or maybe the brain needs the visuals, smells and sounds to puncture our never-ending stream of thought about what we’ll do next.
Whatever the case, I’m sorry for those who experience tragedy, big or small, as one day I might. The only thing I can do is to every day be aware of those around me, help when I can, and be thankful for another day of living.
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For updates about Martha’s forthcoming books, news and giveaways, subscribe to her website: MarthaEngber.com.
SCATTERED LIGHT, a novel, sequel to WINTER LIGHT (Nov. 2025)
THE FALCON, THE WOLF AND THE HUMMINGBIRD a historical novel
BLISS ROAD, a memoir
WINTER LIGHT, a novel
THE WIND THIEF, a novel
GROWING GREAT CHARACTERS, a resource for writers
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