It took me a good two minutes to find my cell phone which was tossed about the car in the midst of the donuts. Upon finding it, I called 911 and told them about my situation. The Shawano County dispatcher asked me where I was. In all honesty, I did not know, and I wondered if I did not know because of the darkness outside, was I dizzy from the trip or even in a bit of shock? Thankfully, Selma Garmin, my GPS, told me that I was off 29 at Rock Road -- just at the bend in the highway I referred to earlier. The dispatcher asked me if I was hurt -- as I said, "no" she said someone would be on the way within the hour. "Within the hour?" Here's where I was a bit daring (and somewhat clumsy) but also totally honest. I told her that I was on the way to the hospital in Wausau to see my mom off for a very serious surgery. I know that "beggars cannot be choosers," but I told her that it was my excessive speed for the conditions that resulted in this situation; and yet, I was hoping to get out of the ditch sooner than an hour if at all possible and if the Shawano County Sheriff's Department did not have any bigger fish to fry. She was so kind and helpful and said she'd get someone there as quickly as possible -- she did not end the conversation until she offered, "Father Baraniak, please be assured that I will keep you and your mother in my thoughts and prayers."
How cool is that?
I also make a quick call to AAA, hoping that they would send someone soon given my hope to be at the hospital. Guess what, the AAA attendant also stated that she would be praying for Mom. Maybe I'm just a bit too emotional, but I really appreciate such kindness from total strangers. Rocked up on a snowbank in total darkness, their sincere concern for my mom and me certainly adds a great deal of light and goodness. Before long, a Sheriff's officer and two wreckers arrived -- one called by the police and the other arranged through AAA. In totality, my trip was sidelined by only an hour. The rest of my trip was very quiet and slow, never making 45 miles per hour. Nevertheless, in the end, I did have 20 minutes to share with Mom and her doctor before the surgery. What a blessing!
Trying to couple prayer with my driving -- (as I stated in the previous blog) -- a scripture passage came to my mind as I finished my trip to Wausau that New Year's Eve morning. It was the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. Remember Jesus stating that the one without sin can cast the first stone at her? One by one they all took off. Jesus told the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go now and make your way; but from now on, avoid this sin."
As I drove away from the wreckers, the Sheriff's officer and keeping in mind the kind dispatchers who wished my mom and me well, I could only think of them saying, once they got me back on trek, "Go and make your way; but from now on, avoid this sin."
Was I engaged in sin last Thursday morning? I certainly meant no harm to anyone, myself included. And yet, I was so consumed in my own wants and needs that I simply thought only of myself getting from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time regardless of how carelessly I was driving -- and in the process, putting myself and others in harm's way. To me, that does describe what I would consider to be sinful in nature.
So these days I continue to "go my way" hoping and praying that my way is consistent with God's way. In fact, often spending in excess of four hours on the road each day driving anywhere between Wausau, Antigo and DePere while attending to community needs and parish issues late into the evening, I make my way a bit differently. ...With the help of a kind and gentle wake up call from a good and loving God, I am trying to and succeeding at slowing down just a bit -- avoiding sin!
2009 went out like a lion. I'm looking for a few lambs in 2010! Lambs? That reminds me, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"
6 comments:
Father Jim! What a story! You had me on the edge of my seat throughout your whole post. I hope your mom is doing well. Just like the strangers, I'll keep you and her in my prayers.
Father Baraniak:
Our thoughts and prayers are for a rapid and healthy recovery for your mother.
pvd
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Jim ~
I hope all is okay with your mom - I too will be keeping your family in my prayers. What a story...you have always been good with the pen. I recall some good stories in our days at St. Mary's - remember your Price is Right Story?
My best to you and your family.
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Padre James,
YIKES, what a story! Your Guardian Angel was on "High Alert" that night!
We're all guilty at times of "driving too fast for conditions". Does this sometimes define our "spiritual" journey to Our Lord?
Everyone asks about your Mom and Dad and prays for their recovery ... I also ask about YOU;
we experience a terrible anguish when we watch our loved ones suffer and feel soooo helpless. It constantly tests our faith. You and the family continue to be in my daily prayers.
Peace, Love and Prayers,
3M
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