There are moments in our lives that you can’t forget. Some of them you probably wish you could, or at least put in a box, nail it shut, never to be revisited. The year 2020 will be one of those years we’d probably just as soon put in the rear view, and never look back, and we’re still working through 2021. I wanted to take a minute and write this blog to try and express my gratitude for the men and women I’ve had a chance to meet face to face through 2020 and on into this year. I can promise you this, I won’t stop sharing these opportunities as long as I can.
I was twenty-four years old, and about to move to Nashville for the first time when I was riding in a truck headed to a job site when we were rear ended on I-65 south. The man driving had been working a 16 hour shift and fell asleep. I was in the passengers side, no seat belt, and thankfully he didn’t hit us squarely. He actually woke up in time to try to swerve around us but instead struck the drivers side which caused us to spin sideways, then flip a few times before landing down the embankment, and stopping between two pine trees on it’s side. The drivers side.
As I was trying to climb off Mr. Clarence, the driver, and the man I was working with, I remember the smoke coming out around the vehicle. The adrenaline was pumping through my body, and I was desperately trying to get off of him and climb out of the truck. I climbed out of the window and fell to the ground. I looked up the hill to the road and then turned back to the truck to see if Mr. Clarence was alright. He was a tough older man and he was making his way behind me. We helped each other up to the interstate. The truck didn’t erupt in flames, but of course, we didn’t know what was going to happen.
There were people who stopped to help, and someone called 911. The man who hit us stopped and was frantically trying to help us as well. Looking back, I felt for him too. He was not the bad guy, he was just tired, and trying to finish a shift. He was driving a half ton truck delivering tires to the truckers just a few miles more down the road. Isn’t it funny how one moment can alter the course of so many things?
I was supposed to move to Nashville the next week. I was supposed to record my first 5 song demo project with Ray Pillow ( Grand Old Opry member & Lee Greenwood’s first manger) Needless to say, that didn’t happen. As the adrenaline flowed through our bodies, I had no idea what my body had experienced. I would find that out in the short term, and again a few years later. Mr. Clarence was the one that I was most worried about at the time. You see, when we got back up the hill and sat down on the side of the road, I realized somehow in all the flipping and turning, his ear had been severed, and both of us would feel like we’d be beaten by 5 guys the next morning.
The troopers came, the paramedics came, the fire fighters came, and we were placed on stretchers headed for the hospital. The 1st responders do this everyday. They choose to put other people first everyday. I learned a lot that day too. I learned that being young didn’t mean I was bullet proof. I learned that maybe I should wear a seat belt. I learned that “ I “ ain’t in control. Oh, we keep learning these lessons again, but that was a major moment. I was out of commission for a few months. I had nerve damage, I had bruises, a chipped bone floating around in my back, and a few years later I learned I had a chipped vertebrae in my neck. I was blessed I didn’t lose my life, a limb, or have other major injuries that would keep me from doing so many things I loved. I was thankful….more than I can say.
That’s one reason why the past few months have been such a blessing for me. This wouldn’t be the last time I’ve experienced the need for help, but it was a memory I won’t ever forget. I know, you can relate, and you may be thinking of your own life moments like this one.
As many of you know, I’ve been able to stop in and share the love of Conecuh Sausage with many 1st responders during this period of time. It’s not that we hadn’t done these types of events before, but given the circumstances, it has been paramount to us. I have had the chance to meet so many men and woman, who for some reason, decided to serve in these occupations. Firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers, troopers, 911 personnel, etc.
I’ve been in KY, FL, AR, SC, AL, NC, GA, MS, TN, LA, TX, and many other places….I’ve had conversations with all kinds of folks and we all share the same goals, dreams, and desires. It’s been a privilege to play a small role in saying thank you. These folks don’t do it for the money. They don’t do it for fame. They don’t do it for a big retirement. They do it because they have an amazing capacity and desire to serve. They don’t even talk about it. It’s another day for them. It’s a commitment and I believe it’s a calling.
One thing is sure though….the day you need them, won’t be just “another day” for you! It will be a day that may determine whether you have another one….
I salute you….We salute you! And, we’ll be seeing you, sharing the love, and saying thank you, every time we get the chance!
Love you Big!