Good Morning. Sorry I have not had the time to read all the posts before posting this am. Yesterday was an incredible day in our lives. We drove to L.A. To purchase DD's car. Everything went smoothly, with her car being all ready (PERFECT) for our arrival. We all drove away together...like in a dream. Initially, I drove the Beetle with DD seated next to me in the front passenger position. We all stopped for some BaJa Fresh lunch near Magic Mountain, and switched vehicles.
I was behind the wheel of our Truck, following DD & DH as they drove the busy L.A. freeways towards home. The sun was slowly setting, casting rays of fading sunshine across the side of her little green transport. Somewhere, along the 405/101 the song "I hope you dance" came on the radio. I began to cry (okay...sob), as I listened to the words. It was just so odd, driving "behind" our 16 YO DD, as she drove along with her daddy in HER car. My mind refused to empty the "picture" of the photo I have of her at age "1", Driving my Vette. She was actually standing in the seat and holding onto the steering wheel (as the car was parked in our driveway) She was "beaming" from ear to ear....and appeared to be "driving". Where did those 15 years go?
We rounded a large bend in the four-lane highway, and I could clearly see her vibrant SMILE in both mirrors (rear-view/her side) as she chatted away with her dad. Suddenly, my attention was diverted to the right of them, as I noticed a big Dual-wheeled truck pulling a huge 25-foot gleaming yacht on a trailer. This vehicle was in lane three...and a SEMI was in lane four (the Slow lane). I was in lane 2, following DH & DD, and lane 1 (thank you, Lord) was vacant. Immediately, I had a "bad" feeling, and fixated on the trailer of the yacht. It was "bouncing" around literally "fishtailing", and he seemed to be losing control of it at the 75-80 MPH he was traveling. Yet...the driver seemed oblivious to the events unfolding, and continued his path/pace.
I began to PRAY outloud for DD to pass him, so I could place my Truck in Harms-way, in case anything tragic occurred. If I were behind her, yet in front of the Yacht...when it snapped it would hit the rear of my vehicle as opposed to slamming into hers. I braced myself for the impact. Yet...he only seemed to slow momentarily, as DD's beetle passed his set-up. I thanked God, and quickly followed. As I was directly adjacent to him, passing, he glanced over at me...then sped AHEAD of me towards DD & DH. At this moment, I fell-in behind him without concern for myself, to get NEXT to DD & DH to alert them of the danger in their midst. From their position...it was too difficult to notice. But, DH saw it...as soon as I approached to their left- next to them. He looked at me and grimmaced, motioning me to SLOW and STAY BACK. Actually, he was "telling" me these things out the open window...without having to yell. It is peculiar, as I look back, at how crystal clear and concise his voice/words seemed to be. It was as if he was talking, almost whispering, directly into my ear. But in reality there was a loud/rushing highway between us.
The entire Trailer and Yacht "Jackknifed" in front of our eyes. As the Trailer was screaming sideways, pushing the truck in an odd position, it seeming snapped...hurling both the Yacht and the trailer onto the roadway ahead of us. The Yacht SLID along the highway on it's side, and the truck was propelled in the opposite direction...over an embankment.
The Semi had locked-it-up to avoid the truck/yacht, and was on the side of the road at an odd angle. We drove carefully and slowly over the debris, before pulling safely to the side of the road. I ran to DD's car to comfort her. Shaken and on the verge of tears, she calmly recounted what she witnessed, as DH ran to assess the condition of the truck occupants. After calling an ambulance and CHP, he returned to our vehicles. The occupants were unsettled, but okay (by outward accounts).
I was stunned and in shock by the events, and even more surprised with the calm and cool manner in which our daughter handled the melee. It was extremely traumatic and surreal, like something from a movie (or earthquake @ U.S., where the TANKER slides towards the tram). Seeing the monolith of a yacht...hurled like a toy onto the roadway..sliding and scraping...(huges pieces breaking off and flying around), on it's side had me numb. My husband whispered to me this episode aged him another 30-40 years.
As we all presumed our travels, I spoke with GOD, and offered my gratitude. I knew there were some powerful ANGELS watching over us during that moment, with the Good Lord delegating their actions. So, on this day, the Sabbath, please be sure to say an extra prayer and give thanks to all the "blessings" in your lives. We are all linked together here on this thread, through our desires, dreams and experiences. I hope this one will be recounted to your loved ones as a "reminder" of the perils of the roadway/life which can occur suddenly and without warning. Perhaps it will make everyone a bit more "conscientious" of the dangers we face on a daily basis. Even though most all of these situations are in the hands of a higher power, many can be averted with simple awareness.
Thank you, for listening to me. I'm still "rattled" by the scenes of this accident replaying in my head. I'm still amazed it did not cause a pile-up with all the Semi's/travelers following closely at such high speeds. The hand of God was clearly visible for a moment yesterday, on a stretch of highway in Southern California. God Bless each and every one of you.
XO Always, Lisa
P.S. On Topic....be sure to closely monitor your speeds while driving in and around the WDW Dolphin on Disney Property. The rules of the road are strictly enforced, and the speeds clearly posted are a lot lower than most drivers seem to notice. This past summer we noticed more persons receiving citations than in recent memory. So, please...drive cautiously and slowly while in the MAGIC...to insure GOOD memories which last a lifetime.
It is great! I don't know how you find these pictures.
darn that Mother Nature, LOL...
Bye,madge! Have fun on us!
thought I!!! Then, I took the plunge and had to ask for the balcony room face-to-face --- might scary for me. If you remember my posts, not only did she give us the balcony but it was a Jr. Suite. So--- ask at check-in and I am sending PD your way and to the front desk that your wish comes true. 
House cleaning day. 
