Coming Together in a Time of Crisis

In general, most of us are very busy and in a hurry. Even if it’s in the McDonald’s Drive-Thru, we get impatient in waiting. We work 40+ hours a week. On our time off we run to our kids’ sporting events and extracurricular activities. And in between those two things we find the time to take care of our homes, get caught up on laundry and the yard work. Maybe, if we are lucky, we can cram in some fun into our busy schedules.

Something happens though in a time of crisis. People come together and help one another. We rally around each other and give our time and energy without any apprehension often putting ourselves in danger.

This recently happened when my step-son, Douglas was in a serious car accident. According to eyewitnesses, after losing control due to a tire malfunction, his car crossed the median of a busy interstate into oncoming traffic. His car clipped a SUV before going airborne and flipping several times. His vehicle landing on it’s top on the freeway.

The driver of the SUV, a retired EMS and another bystander hurried to Douglas’s aid. They had to look for him as he was thrown approximately 30′ out of the car into a ditch. The two talked to Douglas and kept him still while they waited for help to come. A lady that stopped called 911. Others ran down the interstate flagging down oncoming traffic to avoid more crashes.

One eyewitness said it was as if someone had orchestrated it all. Everyone jumped into action and done their part to help Douglas and to direct oncoming traffic around his car until authorities arrived.

I, and his other family members are eternally thankful for those who stopped and jumped into action to help a complete stranger that day. Throwing off their schedules for the day and putting themselves in harm’s way on a busy freeway to help. It gives me chills to think about their self-lessness that day.

Family members hurried to the hospital when they got the news. Douglas’ girlfriend, sister and mom and dad went to his side. I was 700 miles away in another state. I waited to get updates.

Douglas injuries were minor considering the accident. He had 17 broken/fractured bones and severe road rash. He had surgery on a broken femur near his hip. Plates and pins were placed to hold the bones together. We thank God we still have him with us.

I was able to go be with him for a week where I would visit him at the hospital. Douglas was going to move his family back to Mount Vernon, IL from Streator. The stress of how he was going to manage to do things now overwhelmed him.

His grandmother came to help him by getting a U-haul and other things that he needed for his house. His dad got an adjustable bed for Douglas while he recuperated at home. HIs brother-in-law helped haul it and put it together in his house. His dad and others will join together to move his family’s belongings to Mount Vernon.

Douglas spent 20 days in the hospital. He continues to have out-patient physical therapy. He gets stronger every day.

It is heartwarming to know that people come together in a crisis for the good of another. It brings a renewed viewpoint of the goodness of people! Thank God for Good Samaritans who drops everything to help and come together in a crisis!