I don't know how many times I have driven I-15 - probably hundreds. I have never felt in danger. Well that all changed on Thursday night. The day had been a good one. We went to the funeral of Evan's Uncle Emmett Clark in Torrey, Utah. The funeral was a wonderful tribute to him. Relationships were rekindled with Evan's cousins, aunts and uncles. The Wood Family is a great family. They might not have always seen eye to eye, but they have always treated me (and Evan) with nothing but kindness and love. Aunt Veola and her children invited us to the dinner at the church. It was important for us to go and I'm glad we did.
We stopped in Lyman to load up with the final things from Grandma and Grandpa Wood's house and then headed for West Valley. Evan drove from Lyman to Scipio - there were tons of dear on the road - and then I took over in Scipio. It is always a relief when you finally reach the freeway - no more deer to be worried about. We stopped at the Flying J - refilled our Diet Cokes - and headed for the final leg home. Evan was busy checking his emails/texts and just as we got on the freeway he said "Oh I better put on my seat belt".
Two miles north of Scipio, going the speed limit of 80 mph, the Elk was suddenly in front of us. No time to react...we hit the animal...it was like hitting a brick wall. The Durango came to a stop - we couldn't see out the window - didn't know where the animal was - but we were physically okay. Evan got out of the car and realized we were still part way on the freeway. Somehow the car started and we "lurched" forward and pulled off and called 911.
Events continued to happen - cars hitting the elk - debris flying all over - it seemed like an eternity until the Highway patrol came.
In the end, we realized how blessed we were. The Elk did not come through the windshield. The airbags did not deploy. There were no cars behind us when it happened. I had tears in my eyes all the way home and for most of the weekend as I thought about what could have happened. I thought about the phone call that could have been made to my children. I thought about Meranda on her mission. I thought about my Dad. I thought about my Mom. I thought about my sisters and brothers.
Yes life is full of surprises.We were being watched over. It kind of put life in perspective!
