We Nearly Died on the Way to New York.

The SUV drifted into our lane.

Suzie braked hard.

The back of our car started to fishtail.

She jerked the wheel.

I said, “Oh my Gd. I love you. I love you. Oh my Gd.”

The car started to fishtail in the other direction.

Oh my Gd.

Suzie slammed on the brakes again. She kept a cool head, and she kept her hands on the wheel. The SUV drifted back into its own lane and sped away. Suzie regained complete control of our car and sped back up to 65 miles an hour, and suddenly everything was fine again.

We breathed.

As we continued on our way, I sat in the passenger seat analyzing my bizarre little utterance. Saying “oh my Gd” when fearing for one’s life isn’t too strange–but why did I tell Suzie I loved her?

I said “I love you” because I wanted to say something calming. I wanted to support Suzie in a terrifying situation. I wanted her to feel safe.

I said “I love you” because I really thought we might die. I didn’t know what would happen. I thought maybe we might be horribly mangled. I thought maybe our lives would change forever in a sad and awful way. I just wanted her to know.

I said “I love you” because it was true.

Luckily, we did not die. But the world is crazy, and you never know what’s going to happen. That’s why it’s good to say “I love you.”

Lag B Blog, Day 28

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