Walking4Air

Four years ago today on the 22^nd November 2008 my life changed completely in a matter of moments.

It’s true what they say, in the moment that death is close your life flashes before you.

Now every year on this date I celebrate what I have called “My Alive Day”.

I was driving alone up the West Coast on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, about to surprise a friend for his birthday celebrations.  I was on the final stretch of road before I reached my destination, I was singing aloud to my music as I always do.  I had just finished exams and I had just moved into my new home ~ life was good and I was happy.  All of a sudden and without warning the unimaginable suddenly happened.

Those next few moments seemed to play out in slow motion.

The sights.

The horrifying sounds.

The smells.

The feel of things hitting my skin.

In those moments my life changed forever.

As each second passed there was more to learn, meanings and definitions, answers to questions, philosophies and reasons, mysteries and so much more all pouring into my head and I knew without a doubt I wasn’t ready to die. I still had so much to do and to discover. In a matter of moments, all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure ~ these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

In those moments it was a case of total surrender and total freedom.

In those terrifying slow motion seconds I spoke to God for the first time in a long, long time.

There are no words to describe the events that unfolded from there on out, but I was surrounded by angels and God’s hand’s cushioned my fall.

I had seen many signs along the journey of my life already. But I wasn’t paying full attention.  I knew life was precious but maybe I needed one final wake-up call.  They say when the student is ready the teacher appears. I believe there is a great divine plan to everything, even when it doesn’t look like it.

I was forever changed that sunny Saturday afternoon in November and in the days, weeks and months of healing that followed that almost fatal day. Now, not a day goes by that I am not aware of making decisions based on that experience.

I’m grateful for second chances and for the adventure that keeps me moving in compassion and absolute wonder, the dance of my life continues to re-create itself and it’s good to be alive.

I survived.

I am very much alive.

And that’s worth celebrating.

 ~ SO HAPPY 4^TH ALIVE DAY TO ME ~