At 6:15 AM, I set out on my bike on my morning ride. Despite the clear skies and sun, it was cold for a day late in May, so I made sure to wear my full gloves, rather than my fingerless ones, a long sleeve shirt under my riding jersey, and thick cycling pants. 12 miles into a 20 mile loop I like, I met with disaster.
I was going 23 miles per hour in the bike lane on Redwood Road, just north of Bangerter Highway, when suddenly, a car in the lane to the left of me made an abrupt turn into the bike lane, careening into me on my left side. The driver was attempting to pass a slower car in front of him by passing on the right and using the bike lane as a driving lane. He didn't look before swerving and sent me and my bike rolling toward the curb. It all happened so fast, I scarcely had time to think "uh-oh." I eventually landed on my back in the parking strip above the curb, still clipped into my right pedal.
I sat up, felt a burning pain shoot through my left shoulder, and laid back down. The driver came running to me, apologizing all the way. Two other motorists who had witnessed the accident sat down near me as well. One called the police and paramedics, who arrived shortly to assess my condition.
Upon removing my helmet, it was discovered that it was completely dented in on the right side and was broken through in large cracks in three places. My helmet was obliterated, I had obviously bounced on my head, but I did not have any head, neck, or back trauma. Even the paramedics marvelled at the miracle they were witnessing. Because of my thick cycling pants and jersey, there were no abrasions on the places I landed, only rub marks and light snagging of the material. Now I understand the purpose of those ugly cycling clothes. :) My elbow was the only place road rash hit as the long sleeve shirt I was wearing wasn't as protective as the cycling clothes I had on everywhere else.
Because I was lucid and "ok," I felt it an expensive waste to be transported by ambulance and refused ambulance service. I know it was going on the driver's insurance, but it was unnecessary and would be very costly, so I waited for Shawn to arrive to ride with him to the hospital instead. During that time, the driver, who was an 18 year old high school student on the way to school, told me that he'd gotten his first ever speeding ticket the day before. I told him that our experience was life telling him to learn patience. :) I felt so bad for him, as he was extremely distraught and apologetic. I assured him that "we were cool" and not to worry as I knew I'd be fine.
When Shawn arrived, he checked my bike and told me it had a tilt to the frame, as well as broken shifters, and brake handles. He put it in the back of the truck and helped me get into the front seat comfortably. After getting insurance information and the police report, we headed to the hospital. It was a 2 hour emergency room visit to get x-rays and my elbow bandaged. I awaited the news that I had a broken clavicle. I was so glad to hear that's all it was. If it was dislocated, I would have had to be sedated to have it popped back in. If the muscles were torn badly, I may have had to have surgical interventions and in both those cases, months, even years of pain. I really did have the best case scenario considering the scope of possible injuries. I felt very blessed and grateful. A broken clavicle is a 4-6 week healing time through the wearing of a posture-perfecting sling.
It was obvious I had been cared for by angels who protected me. It was ironic that Shawn had been listening to the Lance Armstrong autobiography on his ipod the night before. When he turned it off, he recounted some facts from the story. He said that Lance had been run off the road and hit by cars more times than he could count, as well as having broken his clavicle as many times. I remember thinking on the possibilities and odds of getting hurt as he told me about it. Little did I know I'd learn first hand the next morning. When I was sitting on the curb chatting with the witnesses, one remarked "It looks like you'll be okay. You just won't be surfing for a little while." It was such an off-hand remark. I remembered something. We had been scheduled to go to Hawaii on May 27 for a family trip, which would have been just two days after the accident. At the beginning of the month, for other minor reasons, we decided to reschedule it until September. What a miracle! I would have been miserable not being able to hike volcanoes, zipline through the jungle, or surf!
While waiting for the results of the x-ray, I pondered over the events of the morning. I don't believe in "accidents." I think the word "accident" describes an experience or event we would not necessarily choose for ourselves. Accidents and the lessons that come from them are an integral part of our learning and growth process in mortal life, and are individually crafted to suit each of our needs. I was texting Aura telling her about what was going on. I told her that I got to be the instrument of a young man's progression as well as my own that morning. She asked me what I learned. I said "I am profoundly grateful for life, family, health, home, attitude, agency, the Gospel, and am again acutely reminded of the literal battle for souls." After further thought, I elaborated "I also realize it was an opportunity to be tested on forgiveness or bitterness. I sincerely am forgiving. I love that young man and pray he forgives himself." Aura said "Thank heavens for helmets. Oh, and angels!" to which I replied "Amen! :)"
It looks like I'll be cycling on a stationary bike for the next 4-6 weeks either at the gym or with the winter trainer we have at home. Maybe Shawn can even set it up outside for me. :) I don't want to lose the strength acquired in my legs and heart that I've been building over the past 10 weeks since I started cycling, nor disrupt the positive effects of cycling on my weight loss plans. In the last 10 weeks, I've ridden 754.18 miles and lost 24 lbs. Can't wait to get back outside, on the road again!I've often thought that I want to leave life used up, spent, burned out, full of experiences and living in my years, complete. I don't want to leave with regrets of what might have been. I love this quote by Abraham Lincoln, "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Getting hit by a car is just another one of those experiences, and gratefully, another opportunity to spend a morning with the guardian angels that have supported, uplifted, and literally saved me on numerous other occasions. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for a brush with death any time soon, I've actually had too many this year so far, but I'm so grateful to those angels!
Amy Kenney
Amy, you never fail to inspire me. I can't imagine a more positive attitude after being hit by a CAR. You're simply amazing. And, yes, I do believe that you have many angels helping you with your journey through life. What a great blessing.
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