Back in a far away time called “1994”, I was leaving my house after checking on my wife and 2 week old son when I lost control of my car on an ice patch.
I did all I could do to remain calm, especially when it became apparent to me that I was about to go sailing across a busy intersection.
Things went from bad to worse as I noticed I was about to become one with a Budweiser truck that was traveling directly in my path.
Quick Side Note: I must admit that “Death by Budweiser Truck” was number #2 on my “Cool Ways To Die” list . . . #1 was old age.
Any who . . .
It was one of those moments in life when you suddenly realize “So I guess this is it”.
I had, in those split seconds, time to feel a tremendous amount of regret for not being able to be there to see my son grow up but I just blessed myself and prepared to run towards the proverbial light. Maybe even grab a six pack or two as compensation for getting run over.
It was a horrible moment when my car hit the truck and quite frankly I thought I was now officially dead and not “Bruce Willis, Sixth Sense I think I’m really alive” kind of dead. I’m talking “dead” in a real “that sucks” sort of variety!
The next part is just a big blur to me until I got back to my office.
I explained what happened to my co workers but could offer no logical explanation why I came out of it unscathed and not a scratch on my car. Then I had a flash back to those crazy math problems we solved in High School . . .
A Mazda Protégé is traveling at x miles an hour while a Budweiser truck travels toward the Mazda . . . apparently the mathematics were such that my car hit the side of the truck and bounced off the tire.
A split second faster or slower and my time would have come to an untimely end.
To this day, I can’t believe that I survived that crash. It’s not something I talk about much, but I did have a moment of clarity come over me this weekend.(while having a moment with my son who is now 17 by the way)
Logically speaking, I’m sure this was simply that math equation I mentioned before but . . .
my spiritual side tells me that things didn’t end, because my work isn’t done.
And here’s an even bigger take away for you without having to attempt my once in a lifetime Mazda Tire Bouncing Trick.
If you wake up tomorrow morning, after going to bed tonight. . . your work isn’t done either!
Please don’t ever forget that!
So whataya say we get back to work? 🙂
Paul Castain works with both organizations and aspiring rock stars to help them achieve new levels of achievement! For more information and a free coaching session with Paul . . . send an email to paul@yoursalesplaybook.com And by all means hurry, we aren’t getting any younger you know!
Paul,
Thanks for writing this. Most of us worrry and fret over the little things and forget how important it is to just take in the day, that is and be content with being alive! Enjoy life!
Yep . . . the present certainly is a wonderful gift.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Paul,
Thanks for writing this. Most of us worrry and fret over the little things and forget how important it is to just take in the day, that is and be content with being alive! Enjoy life!
Yep . . . the present certainly is a wonderful gift.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Powerful post, Paul! Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for the reminder that as long as we’re still breathing, there’s still a plan, still work to be done, and still hope for the future. Gotta say, though, I think God must’ve had a guardian angel or two on both your front and rear bumpers! 🙂
I was thinking that exact thing as I was reading the story – “well, there is clearly something important left he needs to do here first…”
Each day we are here it is evidence that our work is not done… we are all here with a purpose to fulfill and our paths cross for reasons we may never know. And I’m so glad my path has crossed yours! 😀
Have a stellar day my friend! ((((CHEERS))))
Virtually Yours,
Anne-Marie
One second too early, one second too late…. the inches we need are all around us – Al Pachino’s speak in Any given Sunday. Great post Paul; digging your work. I’ll RT this one if you don’t mind.
Thank you Tharone.
Wishing you an awesome Tuesday my friend!
One second too early, one second too late…. the inches we need are all around us – Al Pachino’s speak in Any given Sunday. Great post Paul; digging your work. I’ll RT this one if you don’t mind.
Great post — thanks for sharing — and let’s be thankful we have a job to go to and the good health to do our jobs.
Debbie
You’re right Debbie . . . we really do have so much to be grateful for.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Paul, I’d like to say your post was the icing on the cake but let’s just say what it really is…a swift kick in the pants. Just returned from my company’s conference and listened to Steve Gilliland speak on “Enjoy the Ride”. And now, your post…I don’t think its coincidence.
I with you Lee . . . these things are never coincidences.
Seems like we both have work to do still 🙂
Thanks!
Paul, I’d like to say your post was the icing on the cake but let’s just say what it really is…a swift kick in the pants. Just returned from my company’s conference and listened to Steve Gilliland speak on “Enjoy the Ride”. And now, your post…I don’t think its coincidence.
I with you Lee . . . these things are never coincidences.
Seems like we both have work to do still 🙂
Thanks!
beautiful!
Thanks Susan!
Rock on!
beautiful!
Thanks Susan!
Rock on!
Whew!
I feel the same Anne-Marie!
Thank you 🙂
Paul,
This is a great reminder that each and every minute of each and every day is precious. Once they have passed, we can never reclaim them. Life offers no do-overs or Mulligans.
That is why I think it so important to savor each and every moment. And, just as importantly, remember to tell those you care about, how you really feel; and tell them often. You never know when it might be your last chance!
Thanks for the reminder.
Marc
I’m glad I didn’t skimp on the “guardian angel” option when I bought that car Rebecca 🙂
Rock horns of appreciation being sent your way!
Paul – Its always great to get a day started with your post.
Thanks….
And people like you make it a sincere joy.
Thank you Alex!
Paul – Its always great to get a day started with your post.
Thanks….
And people like you make it a sincere joy.
Thank you Alex!
I really connected with your post. I try very hard to remember this every day. We do not know what tomorrow bring! Glad you are still with us!
Me too Terrie and thank you!
I really connected with your post. I try very hard to remember this every day. We do not know what tomorrow bring! Glad you are still with us!
Paul, You have a way with words!
Very nice of you to say that Josie! 🙂
Paul, You have a way with words!
Paul,
I enjoy reading your post every morning. Keep up the great work my friend.
Rusty, my man . . . always great to have you stop by my blog!
Thanks brother!
Paul – It definitely would have been a cool way to go. My guess is that most with a little age have had that close call moment to death or major injury albeit not as action packed as your event. Most times I witness, myself included, we go back to our box, and slowly into our usual routine. The challenge is to keep your eyes open and keep that clarity in the forefront of your mind, and avoid the same old grind. I just noticed your tag down here, classic…
Thanks Steve!
Paul – It definitely would have been a cool way to go. My guess is that most with a little age have had that close call moment to death or major injury albeit not as action packed as your event. Most times I witness, myself included, we go back to our box, and slowly into our usual routine. The challenge is to keep your eyes open and keep that clarity in the forefront of your mind, and avoid the same old grind. I just noticed your tag down here, classic…
Thanks Steve!
Great Post Paul!
I appreciate every day and sometimes almost every minute of every day. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one, be grateful for today and this moment.
I guess that celebrating my Wife’s birthday yesterday, with my Wife, was a most beautiful thing!
Now there’s a precious gift if I ever spotted one Larry.
Blessing to you and your wife!
Great Post Paul!
I appreciate every day and sometimes almost every minute of every day. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one, be grateful for today and this moment.
I guess that celebrating my Wife’s birthday yesterday, with my Wife, was a most beautiful thing!
I literally reread your words multiple times Marc because they are pure gold . . . thank you!