I was in a car crash last Thursday night. I was on my way home and tired at only 9:30 p.m., mostly thanks to pregnancy fatigue. My mother called me as I was leaving my mother-in-law's. While talking while driving is not the safest habit, it is legal. I didn't get in a crash because of that, though. I was only two blocks from home. I didn't have a stop sign. I take that way home often, sometimes pausing even though it's unnecessary. I didn't pause that night. I had the right-of-way and I presumed the cross traffic would adhere to their stop sign. I went ahead, as I had the right to do. And then I felt the impact. I screamed, not knowing what else to do. I must have put the car in park then, but I don't remember doing so. I just remember screaming over and over again so my mother (listening on the phone that fell somewhere in the car) would know that something was wrong. In the immediate aftermath, I had no idea how bad the accident was, and I just wanted my mom to come looking for me. I looked around and the other vehicle had vanished.

A van pulled up beside me, the driver walked up to my car. I don't know who you are, driver. I just know that you live somewhere near me. I'm going to nickname you W for the rest of this note. I am so thankful for you, W. You came up to me, along with some teenage boys who were walking around. The first thing that I blurted out was that I was pregnant. I was crying and shaking, worried about what the accident could have done to the baby. W, you comforted me. You stayed with me until my parents showed up. My adrenaline and panic soared after the crash, but you kept me sane. You told me that my baby and I were going to be OK. You calmed me as much as you could. When my mother arrived, you gave me a hug. You weren't even going to take this route, but decided to for some reason. I don't know who you are, but you are one of my favorite people ever. Thank you for your compassion.

The teenagers who were on a nightly walk were also helpful and caring. They not only checked on my well-being, but they helped me make sense of what happened. I think it was one of you boys who called 911 for me. You guys also stayed and gave a description of what had passed to the police. Now thanks to you, we have a better chance of locating who hit and ran.

The ambulance came out. Thank God, I could walk. I felt a little pain from where the seat-belt was, but otherwise looked alright. I shared with you, paramedics, my concerns over the baby. You took my vitals and assured me that my little Ren was well protected. You did an amazing job in decreasing my panic. I know that it's your job to do this, but you were helpful in getting me out of panic mode. And you did so with so much love and care. Thank you.

I ended up getting checked out, and Ren and I are OK. My car is not drive-able, but I am thankful that my child and I were not injured. My adrenaline wreaked havoc on me for a few more hours after the wreck, but you helped me avoid a panic attack. The wreck could have been so much worse. Still, I was scared. You comforted me. More than that, you proved that decent and caring folks exist despite the negativity we see surrounding our social media. Thank you.