Shouldn't…but Do

Yesterday while procuring supplies for the 4th of July, another car rear-ended mine at a stop sign.

A young man, with a graduated driver license, was not watching the road, improper lookout, they used to call it.  Young energy bumping up against the rules.

No one likes car accidents, even minor fender-benders.  In addition to physical or automobile damage, accidents immediately alter reality.  At least for me.  The sickening thud that feels and sounds like nothing else, creates a distorted oasis of reality around involved parties and cars.

I am sensitive to distorted reality. Two years of  inflamed, inappropriate divorce rhetoric gives stark evidence to the damage  people can wreck on the lives of others.

Although the bump in this case nary made a scratch, I dutifully copied down the apologetic young man’s contact and insurance information.  I recognized his last name and inquired.  Yes, he is the nephew of the fellow who owns and runs the automotive repair shop here in town.  Best car maintenance I ever experienced, fine people, great service.

I finished writing down the information, told him to give my name and number to  his mom, whose insurance information I had just recorded.  It was not my place to deliver the lecture on paying attention – but I am guessing she will.

With the exchange of information, the distortion receded.  A mistake was made, examined by the parties, apologies, and a new connection made.

The ease with which this shock dissipated helped me.  Daily challenges shape perception and response.  Some mistakes are to be forgotten, others are important to remember. Destiny is figuring out  which is which.

I left the young man and his friend with a smile and a wish for their happy 4th of July.