A Totalled Minivan, Two Unharmed Kids, and One Sore but Grateful Mama

I didn’t even see it coming. I couldn’t have—but I wish I did.

Getting into a car accident with my kids is one of my worst nightmares. And last Sunday, that nightmare came true. I was on the way to my six-year-old’s piano lesson, with my five-month-old daughter in tow, when a distracted driver hit our minivan.

I felt the force of the impact as all the airbags on the passenger side exploded around us. Terror washed over me—pure, primal terror—until I heard my son’s little voice in the backseat: “We’re okay, Mom.”

Still, I had to be sure. I jumped out and ran to get eyes on my baby. She was still safely buckled in her rear-facing car seat, her sweet face looking up at me—unharmed, but confused, probably wondering why I looked so afraid. I was shaking, sputtering, unable to think clearly.

The driver who hit us pulled over and stayed. A witness did too. A police officer arrived quickly and waited with us until my husband—who had to drive 45 minutes from work—got there.

They say most accidents happen close to home. Ours did—less than a kilometre away. The driver immediately admitted fault. No story, no denial. By all accounts, he was just a decent person who made a stupid mistake.

My van is gone—a total loss. My kids are safe—smiling, laughing, and moving about as before. My body is awfully sore—probably from bracing for impact. And my heart is still catching up. I’m riddled with anxiety—terrified at the potential of getting in another accident and not being so lucky the next time. The recovery ahead is mostly mental, but it’s real.

Accidents can happen anytime, in any weather. Mine occurred on a drizzly, overcast afternoon, less than five minutes from home. The conditions were typical for this time of year in my city, and I was taking my usual route—driving cautiously, as I always do. If anything, I had a false sense of security because everything felt so routine.

As the warmer spring weather lures us out for sunny day adventures, please remember to stay alert and drive safely. Things can change in an instant.

It could have been so much worse. But it wasn’t. I’m just incredibly grateful that luck was on our side that day.