Two events this week caused me to take a major moment to reflect.

Our family vacation this year was a trip to San Antonio. Having never been to Texas, I was elated! Not only would I get four uninterrupted days with my husband and children, we were also going to be able to share in the joy of a new marriage. My husband's younger brother was marrying the love of his life.

We headed out Wednesday evening planning to drive all night. We made it through the first few hours of our trip with no problems. The kids were all snuggled in asleep and I was dozing off to my iPod.

Moments later, the world changed for us. Our tire blew while barreling down the highway at 75 miles per hour.

We hit a concrete wall median.

Fast asleep, with no seatbelt on, I was thrust into the dash and subsequently into the floor of our mini-van.

I awoke in an absolute panic to see my husband gripping the steering wheel and clenching his teeth. I knew this was serious. He dodged a car or two and made it to the side of the road.

We both spun around to check on the kids. Everyone hollered back that they were OK and Mia (our 2-year-old) was still fast asleep. Visibly shaken, the older kids asked what had happened. We explained that the car had an “owie” but as long as we were OK there was no reason to worry.

I have always heard people say, “My life flashed before my eyes,” but I never realized the truth of that statement.

We made it to a hotel in Wichita, Kan., for the night. Our car needed some major repair work before we were going to be able to make it to Texas.

After the shock wore off, I kept bursting into random sob fests. I was crying uncontrollably but couldn't muster any words. Realizing how close I was to losing everything that matters to me, I couldn't communicate my gratitude any other way.

We found a rental car and headed south again the next afternoon.

Then on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. in a little chapel on the Riverwalk of San Antonio, I witnessed the most beautiful ceremony I have ever seen. I have been to many weddings in my 29 years. Weddings where you honestly doubt how many years the couple will make it or weddings when you see a bride so frazzled she can't enjoy a single moment.

This wedding was so different and so beautiful. The only thing that mattered to this couple was their devotion to each other. They rarely dropped each other’s gaze, they repeated their vows with utter conviction in their voice, they smiled and reveled in their moment.

What a beautiful day.

I felt renewed in my love for my own dear husband. And I felt like the most blessed mommy in the world with five children who were safe and sound, despite the terror of our accident just days before.

What moments have caused you to stop and realize the blessings you have?

Sarah Tucker, who works full-time from home, is married with five children. Read more from her here.

« Mom Blogs

Share