Last night my 7-year-old son Isaac and I were driving home from his karate class, cracking silly jokes and making up goofy names for Star Wars characters (his favorite was "Luke Pottywalker"). Nearing a busy intersection, I slowed down, but the light was green so I kept going.
WHAM
Another driver slams into us. He ran the red light and hit us hard on the driver's side.
Glass is flying everywhere, my car is no longer under my control. My son yells. We stop moving, all I see is pieces of glass. And blood.
The blood is coming from my son. It's pouring down his neck.
I hold his hand, tell him everything's going to be fine, hoping he hears the calmness in my voice and doesn't see the panic in my eyes.
I see the other driver take off. Sounds like he's got a flat tire, but the son-of-a-bitch drives off anyway. And nobody is stopping to see if we're hurt - they just keep driving, like it's not their business, they don't have time to get involved.
I dial 911. They put me on hold. Dammit, answer my call! They answer, and I tell them what happened as calmly as I can. I'm bounced around to three different call centers. This is taking too long!
A kind woman (I never got her name) appeared at my son's window and asked him his age, where he goes to school, anything to soothe him while I talked with 911. Thank you, you made up for the heartless souls who kept driving instead of checking on us.
The paramedics and the police are on their way. I hold my son's hand, and I'm humbled by his strength. He tells me he's fine - scared, but fine. We talk until the ambulance arrives.
The paramedics carefully sweep the broken glass from Isaac's hair, face, shoulders, man, it's everywhere. They gently lift him out of the car and place him on a stretcher, and I escape through the passenger door. Holding his hand the whole time, I follow as he's placed in the ambulance. They tell us he's okay - there's a lot of blood, but nothing life-threatening. The blood is mainly from a cut below his chin, which is deep and will need stitches.
On the way to the hospital, they tell us they found the other vehicle - it was abandoned a few blocks from the accident. They haven't found the other driver yet, but they will. The bastard hurt my son and fled the scene, but I'm trying to swallow my anger and focus on what's important right now.
My wife meets us at the hospital, and we wait in the emergency room for an hour, my son strapped to a back board in a gurney the whole time. He's uncomfortable, but we're told he needs to stay on the back board until the doctor sees him in case he has a neck or back injury. We play games like rock, paper, scissors while we wait.
At one point Isaac did a few expert armpit farts while a nurse was in the room, and I'm secretly proud of him for doing that.
The doctor arrives, checks him out, and says his neck and back appear fine but they want to run a CAT scan to be sure. In the meantime, my adrenaline rush has worn off, and I realize my neck and shoulders are really sore, so I ask to get a CAT scan myself just to be safe. They strap me onto a board just like the one my son is on, which he thinks is pretty funny.
It takes forever, but we're told we're okay. Glass falls off Isaac as he sits up, and the doctor starts the process of suturing the wound on his chin. I tell Isaac that the stitches won't hurt, but they need to give him a shot to take away the pain. The shot is awful - they have to give it to him right in the wound, and Isaac is trying not to cry but I know it's hurting more than anything in his life ever has. I give him my hand and tell him to squeeze it as hard as he wants, and the shot is finally over. The suturing is gruesome, but it's painless for Isaac. Six quick stitches, and it's done.
We finally leave the hospital, and the ride home was nerve-wracking for both Isaac and myself. We relive the accident every time we perceive a car getting too close, and he worries out loud about the window breaking again. We get home around 1AM, and sleep comes easier than any of us expected.
This morning I'm able to reflect on the accident, thankful that it wasn't worse. The flying glass could've caused far graver injuries, and given that the other car slammed head-first into the driver's side, I'm amazed that I'm not really hurt (I'm glad I bought a Volvo). And Isaac just woke up, and he's happy - elated, in fact, because he gets to skip school today and play video games (something he's normally only permitted to do on weekends).
So I guess we're fine. Shaken, but fine. And now another day starts.
Nick! My heart practically dropped out my chest reading that. I'll say a prayer for you, your son and your family. I'm glad everyone's okay.
Posted by: Jon-Paul LeClair | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:17 AM
Hey Nick, glad to hear you are both ok.
That scares the crap out of me. The thought of an accident happening to my family is truly bothersome. I pray to God to always watch over them. You may want to consider "tinting" your windows. It does not have to be dark tint. The window film will hold the glass together in the event of a break. I have a friend who is the 3M dealer in your area-- if you need a number. Again, glad you and Isaac are phyically ok. You were always a little mental ;)
Paul
Posted by: Paul Shamiyeh | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:23 AM
Man, I am really glad you guys are ok. I hate stupid people and I cant believe that jerk fled the scene. But I feel confident one way or another he will get what he deserves.
Really I am just glad you are both mostly ok. Great story telling by the way, i was on the edge of my seat.
Posted by: Simeon | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:25 AM
Crikey. Glad you two made it out OK and that you kept your head, Nick.
I remember getting stitches in my ankle when I was a kid. What you said about it not hurting except for the anesthetic injection flashed me back to my mom holding my hand so tight as I cried my eyes out. It hurts like the dickens and then goes all numb.
Posted by: Paul Watson | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:29 AM
I am *so* glad everyone is ok. Let us know if they got the SOB that did this to you...
Posted by: critter42 | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:29 AM
Hopefully all cervical disks are still in the right place and nothing has flared up again. Glad you and your son are OK.
Posted by: Niall Kennedy | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Glad to hear both of you are ok. That is very scary.
I hope they lock up the guy who drove off from you. Gutless puke.
Posted by: Chris G. | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:39 AM
Holy cow. Nick, I'm really glad to know that you and your son are OK. This is the second story you've posted that has made my hair stand on end thinking about how I would feel in a similar situation. Your family is lucky to have someone ilke you taking care of them.
-c
Posted by: Charlie Wood | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:40 AM
Nick, glad to hear you and your son are ok, Hope they catch the bugger who hit you.
Posted by: stuart taylor | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:41 AM
As with the others, glad you were not seriously hurt physically and hope they get that guy soon before he does this to anyone else.
Posted by: Greg Stevenson | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Hey Nick....
My first thoughts when reading this were "Man what weird luck this year for you and Isaac...first the kayak incident and now this!" :(
I won't say "bad" luck however, since you've both come out okay both times.
Sad to hear of all the people just driving on, but glad there was at least one "helping hand" out there.
Hopefully justice will prevail and they'll find and punish the "hitter."
Posted by: alan | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:53 AM
WHen they find the guy - be sure to post his name. Don't libel - just say, this is the guy who hit me.
Posted by: Raymond Camden | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:58 AM
I'm very glad to hear that you both are Ok. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope that they catch the guy who hit you.
Posted by: Will | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:01 PM
Wow. I raced to the end of your post for what I hoped would be good news. Very glad to hear you and your son are safe.
As a fellow parent, these kinds of stories always impact me: all the better when they turn out OK.
Robert
Posted by: Robert W. Anderson | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:05 PM
Agree with Raymond. The other driver should be ashamed of what he did. Let's hope our criminal justice system does not let you or your son down.
Posted by: Jill | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:06 PM
Hey, Nick. Glad to hear you and your son are ok.
Posted by: Doug P. | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:12 PM
Nick, we're all grateful you and your son are alive and well after such a traumatic incident. It's the kind of thing we always hear about but assume happens to "other people." We hope your son's recovery is swift, and that law enforcement does their job to help determine who is responsible.
Posted by: Louis Gray | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:13 PM
Nick, is this the same son who had the close call with you in a kayack last summer? You guys are on your way to writing a book of adverntures. Stay safe.
Posted by: Rex Hammock | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Wow! Glad you are ok. Your son sounds like a trooper.
Posted by: Andrew | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:20 PM
Nick, thanks for all the great work you do, and I'm glad to hear you and your son are ok, and that it wasn't anymore serious than it could've been.
Posted by: Joe | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:21 PM
Nick, I am glad to hear that everything turned out alright, especially after reading the first few sentences of your post. Here's hoping that the fool who is responsible for this is caught.
Posted by: Jason J. Thomas | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:27 PM
I'm glad for you that everything seems to be so relatively well, it's shocking to read a story like this. I begin to believe you have someone holding a hand over your family.
Posted by: Thomas Stache | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:28 PM
Nick, good grief my man, you do live an exciting life . I am utterly relieved to see that you're both OK. Ra ra for Volvos. Big hint (my wife's a DA): keep in touch with the DAs office to ensure they don't plea the other driver down to something ridiculous. Cheers, Julian.
Posted by: Julian M Bucknall | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:31 PM
Nick,
I am glad you and your son are O.K.
I had a wreck several years ago and I am still skidish like you described. I hope we can all get over those feelings and drive normally again.
Posted by: Mike | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:32 PM
Glad everyone is ok. What a harrowing moment!
Posted by: Haacked | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:37 PM
Wow Nick Glad you and your Son are ok. I would have freaked out Blood on me from me ok, Blood from my kid, man another story all together.
Nice to see Volvo lived up to it's reputation I have one as well. Those side impacts are a bitch keep an eye on your son real close for the next few days.
Posted by: todd cochrane | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:42 PM
Carpe diem, Nick; keep well.
Posted by: JB | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:47 PM
Glad you and your son are ok. It is moments like this when priorities come into sharp focus. Cherish every moment.
Posted by: Peter Eschenbrenner | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:52 PM
Holy cow.
All I can think is that between this and the kayak, Isaac is one tough son of a gun.
Sure hope you can bring your family to the Christmas party this year. It may be too early to buy him a beer, but I'd sure like to shake his hand.
Posted by: Jack Brewster | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 12:59 PM
Nick!
WOW! All my best. We here at NG are all glad you are doing well. And Isaac sounds like he is Super Strong! Well done!
I can really relate to your commentary about our seemingly careless society! Good thing you were in the "Swedish Tank" -- bad thing you even needed it!
Hope they catch the SOB!
-JC
Posted by: John Carmichael | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 01:00 PM
Forgot to mention that I guess that's one way to resolve the Crazy Poopin' Bird problem. Though, I would have gone with the socks over the mirrors, myself.
Posted by: Jack Brewster | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 01:03 PM
Hey Nick,
It's really relieving to know that you and your son are ok. My prayers are with you and your family. And make sure you hunt down that ba*tard and kick him where it hurts the most.
Posted by: JD | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 01:09 PM
Wow - that was really moving. I'm glad you and your boy are OK. You're both very brave, I would be so lucky to remain so calm under that kind of duress. Best to your family.
Posted by: Rick | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 01:17 PM
Hey Nick,
Glad to hear that you and your son are fine and wish you quick recovery from any aches and pains. Those Volvo's are great aren't they. I drive one too and they are life savers. A friend of mine was driving my car and got hit from the back and Volvo saved his life.
Posted by: Karan Bavandi | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 01:36 PM
Hey Nick: So glad you and Isaac are OK. Stay safe, and enjoy the video games. :)
Posted by: Rick Klau | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 02:11 PM
Wow. What a jerk... I can't believe he just drove away.
Glad everyone is ok.... except for a few cuts.
"We relive the accident every time we perceive a car getting too close, and he worries out loud about the window breaking again. "
Yeah...... I got side swipped a few years ago and kept thinking the same thing would happen..... probably some form of post traumatic stress syndrome.
I got over it in a few days/weeks so you guys should be ok too! :)
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Burton | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 02:15 PM
Nick,
Here's to a speedy recovery both physical and emotional for both you and your son (and your wife too, as she's problably gonna fret for a little while everytime you guys go out).
I am very glad you are both OK.
Also, WRITE DOWN as much minute detail as possible while the memories are fresh, as you will be glad to have notes to refer to as you answer the endless questions from the authorities and your insurance company and to aid you in presenting a consistent account about exactly what happened.
Posted by: Alberto S. Lopez | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 02:15 PM
Nick, so glad all are okay. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Posted by: Sheila Manning | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 02:21 PM
Nick, that was an unfortunate moment in your life that has now passed. I wish both of you good health and quick recovery.
Posted by: Amit Agarwal | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 02:35 PM
Nick, I have been reading your blog for years now, and admiring your work for even longer. I usually never comment on other peoples blog entries, but this time I simply had to. Your story touched me, and I must admit that I kept thinking "Damn I hope they find that S.O.B as soon as possible" the whole time while reading it. Now that I've read it all, I still hope they find the bastard!!
I'm glad to hear that you and your son is okay - keep inspiring people with your great work and your interesting blog!
Posted by: Kasper | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 02:41 PM
Volvo, eh? Good to hear both of you are in good health as you've said it definitely could have been worse.
Posted by: Mark Lapasa | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 02:46 PM
I'm glad that none of you was seriously hurt. Take care!
Posted by: Ervin J | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 02:53 PM
Life doesn't seem to easy on you! I'm glad you're both alright.
Posted by: Manuzhai | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 03:11 PM
Nick - I'm glad you and your son are okay, more or less. I got t-boned like that about 7 years ago and while it was just me in the car and the other driver didn't run off after running a red light, he never even came over to my car. He stood there by his pickup as passerby checked on me and called the police and ambulance. I ended up with a broken knee, hip, and ribs and rehab. You were both very lucky, and I'm glad.
Posted by: Kenneth | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 03:12 PM
Glad you guys are ok. Personally I'm pissed off for you. Hope they find that bastard.
Posted by: Albert Pascual | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 03:14 PM
That Volvo steel cage comes in handy sometimes.
The hardest thing in the world to watch is your own child's suffering. Glad he and you are OK.
Posted by: Sterling Camden | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 03:22 PM
Glad everyone is ok.
Posted by: Les | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 03:37 PM
Wow! When I first started reading this... I thought I was on the wrong blog. Glad both you and your son are fine.
I've been in more car accidents than I care to admit and luckily walked away with minor injuries. I know the feeling and again it's great to hear you and your son are ok!
Btw... great writing Nick... comics, programming, stories... you do it all :-)
Posted by: Matt Zur | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 03:43 PM
Wow, glad everyone is ok. I can't imagine how scary that was.
To drive away after that, people amaze me. Sad so few (only 1?) person bothered to help, that's terrible.
Posted by: John Wilker | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 04:00 PM
Wow.
You have one brave son. And it seems he's got quite a dad.
I hope they find the jerks that ran off.
Posted by: jag | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 04:12 PM
Nick,
You're a trooper to be strong for Isaac - keep us in the loop - I helped one time as a good Samaritan on a accident and after the courts and police, it was the worst humilating experience ever. Still, I'm appalled that no one stopped to help. Blessings to your family.
Posted by: Kerry Woo | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 04:13 PM
Nick,
Thank God you and your son are okay. This probably will sound ridiculous to you, but take a moment to enjoy this day and let your friends love on you and your son. We're all just a breath away from "the other side," and all we really have is this moment. Use one of yours today to take a deep breath and enjoy it.
(and buy your son another video game. He earned it with his bravery.)
The other driver was probably drunk, which ought to give all of us pause.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry
Posted by: Terry Heaton | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 04:41 PM
Glad to hear everyone's ok. My son and I do the Star Wars thing too - but he's a little older:
Puke Skywalker
Darth Vomit
Chupchucka
Heave Solo
Toss Eisley
Posted by: sean | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 04:44 PM
Having been in an accident myself on more than one occassion, it has been my experience that it will take time to process all that happened. From anger to fear to soreness to whatever else, know that you and your son can grow from this experience in surprising ways and become even stronger people for one another and for those around you.
Feel better, and thank you for sharing your story with us.
Posted by: Jeffrey Keefer | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 05:19 PM
Glad you guys are ok. I was the victim of a similar hit and run and even 3 years later I'm still angry about it.
The guy who hit me got 2 years probation and that's it! I hope they catch the guy who hit you and I hope you find a prosacuter willing to really stick it to him.
Posted by: anonymous | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 05:23 PM
Good to hear you are going ahead. But really hope they catch the SOB...
Posted by: M Freitas | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 05:43 PM
I went through a similar experience with my daughter when she was five -- she was run over by a van. That shot was the very worst part of the whole thing, and I completely felt your pain and worry as I read through your entry.
I am so glad that you and your son will be fine and hope they catch the SOB who couldn't be bothered to stop after slamming into you.
Your son is a brave kid -- he deserves lots of kudos for handling such a tough situation.
We went through a bit of PTSD with our daughter after her accident, so keep an eye out for that with your son..they want to be brave but flash back to it sometimes.
regards,
DnW
Posted by: DrumsNWhistles | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 05:52 PM
Glad to hear you & your son are A-ok. Here's to a speedy recovery for both of you, both physically & mentally/emotionally!
Posted by: Ginger | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 06:07 PM
Add me to the chorus of people that are glad you guys are ok.
Posted by: Mark Fletcher | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 06:13 PM
wow Nick. You scared me. So pleased to hear you are both ok. I've got a five year old - I don't know how I'd react to this. Hope you get the chance to look the evil git in the eye.
Posted by: Alex Barnett | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 06:14 PM
wow, that was really scary. Glad to hear that you are both OK.
Posted by: salil | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 06:25 PM
Thank god you are both okay! Gotta love those Volvo's for the strength!
Posted by: Peter Tilbrook | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 06:33 PM
Glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Having been in similar predicaments when I was growing up I can completely understand what you and your son went through.
I think you handled everything perfectly. Hopefully if I am faced in a similar situation with my son I will be able to act as calmly and rationally as it sounds like you did.
Anyhow, once again, glad to hear that everything turned out for the better. Here's to hoping that they catch the little bastard that ran in to you!
Posted by: Scott | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 07:20 PM
Glad you and your son are OK. I just wanted to add my hopes they catch and convict the culprit! Please keep us in the loop.
Posted by: Mike Hamilton | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 07:38 PM
I'm very glad to hear you are both alright.
Posted by: Donovan Watts | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 08:15 PM
Glad everyone is ok
Posted by: Ariel Selig | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 08:20 PM
Glad you are both OK. Hope they catch the bastard.
Posted by: walter | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 08:26 PM
Wow - glad to hear you and son are okay. Your son is great. Thank you for sharing the story.
Posted by: Dylan Greene | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 09:07 PM
Nick...sorry to hear about this and even sorrier it was with your son. Glad it came out on the up end.
Four weeks ago I was going through a very wide intersection on 29 in Silver Spring, MD with a green light at 55 mph. A 20-year old on his cell phone and driving his grandfather's Jag pulled right in front of me. He did not yield from the opposite side turning lane and never saw me. I cut the wheel hard and directed the impact sideways, fortunately for him and me. And God Bless the engineer who invented air bags!
Both my Dodge Dakota and his Jag were totalled. Still, I was not with either of my 2 sons which would have made it far, far worse as you describe. Let us know if they catch this guy and if he does time.
Best with your and your son's recovery.
Posted by: Bruce Curley | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 09:29 PM
Geez Nick! Maybe you should keep your wife with you more often. She seems to keep you out of danger ;-)
Glad everyone is ok!
Posted by: Nick Harris | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 09:45 PM
I'm glad to hear that the two of you are OK. Hope you both get back to 100% soon. All the best.
Posted by: Diego Barros | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 10:36 PM
So surreal. I assume you are Nick Bradbury of Top CSS fame. I think everyone is different, and I am truly sorry that you felt the whiz of cars going by why you were helpless, especially with your child bleeding in front of you.
I remember "having to pull over" once myself, and I can only be honest in saying I was glad the guy across the flipped over car was the one who got the door open (I was unable to get the one on my side open).
As it all turned out the guy had to be cut out of the car, but it was nerve wracking. I saw him flip in front of me as he took a turnoff on I-280 near Woodside Road. He didn't look good.
But here's the killer. I didn't feel brave at all. I was scared shitless. Afraid his car would blow up, afraid I'd be the one who could open his door and have to be the one to figure out what to do with his mangled body.
The story turned out just fine. He was cut out of his car (I had to stick around, cuz I was nearly in tears), and he walked away.
Seriously, about 15 people were around the accident, and they all applauded.
Nick, I do appreciate the darkness you felt. I can't read the minds of the people who drove past you, but I assume they were driving fast.
My experience was very different, and probably based on something as simple as slower traffic.
Best of luck to you.
Posted by: The Gore Years | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 12:54 AM
Nick I am glad that you and your son are doing ok. That was scary to read.
Posted by: Jim Williams | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 01:04 AM
Scary story Nick!
I've had an accident myself once, where I got into a spin on top of a dike (I live in the Netherlands) and my car rolled off sideways. That was not good for the car, but the roof didn't dent enough to hit my head. I still have to ride on that dike regularly, and always remember.
Posted by: Rijk | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 05:23 AM
Isaac certainly sounds like a really brave boy. You must be very proud of him, Nick. I hope you are both left with no scars, physical or mental, from the incident.
As another commentator said, you do live an exciting life!
Posted by: Alan Palmer | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 06:19 AM
Firstly, glad you're both ok. Secondly, don't underestimate the shock you've both faced. The sleep comes easily, I think, because your brains have a huge amount to process in the background before returning to 'normal'.
I had a vehicle accident recently and was amazed by how tired I was for the few days after the event. If it wasn't for work I think I could have slept several days straight.
Allow for extra sleep. Sleep, for me at least, was what I needed for my brain to settle down again.
Posted by: Jed | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 08:15 AM
Glad to hear the good news that everyone is OK.
And I hope they catch the guy who hit and ran and throw the book at him.
Posted by: Michael | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 08:39 AM
Nick -
Thankful that you and your son were unhurt. I'm sure you will soon be back in the crazy buzz of building out your business. And your son will only have a great story to tell his buddies at the lunch table.
Until then, I wish a speedy recovery, physical and mental.
Posted by: Michael Schoeffler | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 09:06 AM
How truly scary. I hope they do catch the miserable f*cker who sped off after crashing into you.
I was very relieved to read that both you and your son were okay (I skipped to the end of the article too). I hope Isaac's enjoying his time off school too :-)
Posted by: Cathy | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 09:23 AM
Nick, or should I say Jonah?
Glad you and your son are OK. I'm not for one minute condoning the other drivers actions, but can you can kind of understand how it's possible for someone to panic and head for the hills. What I can't understand however, is the other drivers - some of whom must have witnessed the incident - just driving on by!
P.S. Luke Warmwater and Daft Radar were always two of my favourites.
Posted by: Toni Ruckwood | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Horrible, very glad that you both got out ok. Your son's attitude is fantastic.
Posted by: Aleksandar | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 02:10 PM
Hi Nick,
Glad both you and your son are OK
Now - for all you lurkers - GO TAKE A FIRST AID class, and equip a first aid kit, and put it in your cars. Not "band aids" - a real kit. That way if your ever in the position TO help, you can. They will teach you how to restrain peoples neck, and stop major bleeding - plus do CPR
Just go out and do it - OK?
Posted by: KG2V | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 02:20 PM
I'm really glad that you two are okay. When I saw the post with the pictures of the car (haven't read my feeds for some days) I was really shocked at first and didn't know what happened. All the best to you and your son!
Posted by: Christoph | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 04:05 PM
Nick:
I was reconnecting today and saw the Scripting News link to this story. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I really worried when I saw the link and remembered you and your son's vacation escape from disaster on the water.
Those Volvo's are safe and it's a good thing you were in one.
I'm probably one voice among many, but if you need something, email or call.
Steve
Posted by: Steve Kirks | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 04:54 PM
WOW, this is incredible. And as Rex and others have said here, after the kayaking incident and now this, this kid is a survivor! No one should ever have to deal with all this at his age, but with a stable/calm dad setting the tone and an example of a great attitude, he'll probably come out of all this with a real sense of being able to survive just about anything. :)
And after spending most of last year lying around recovering from a car accident myself, the best advice I can offer is to really pay attention to any pain, etc, even if it seems minor. Almost 1.5 years later, they're still trying to figure out my resulting breathing problems... Not fun.
Sounds like you're both in relatively good condition, all things considered, so that's great to hear. Best wishes for a fast recovery, both physically and emotionally!
Posted by: John Stanforth | Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 08:05 PM
Glad everything is OK!
Posted by: Keith | Monday, October 23, 2006 at 01:15 PM
How awful! Praise God both you and your son made it out okay. I hope he gets to feeling better soon!
Posted by: Aaress | Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 07:05 PM
Keep recovering well, both of you. That's a nice piece of writing, too, Nick.
Posted by: Jim | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 02:08 AM
Nick, glad to read that you and your son are ok. Chilling account, thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: James | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 05:37 AM