In the rush of everyday life, we all get caught up in and distracted by things that, in the overall scheme of things, aren't really all that important. Today I was given a refresher course in what really matters.
My two stepsons were driving back from Dallas in Susan's car when another vehicle changed lanes into them. Adam, the oldest, was behind the wheel and handled things beautifully. The impact was enough to send the car into a spin on the wet road. He very calmly told his brother to hold on and did the best he could to bring the car under control. The front end was damaged, but that was, thankfully, the worst of it. The other driver never even stopped, and for that person I'm reserving a special place in my own personal Hell.
I'm proud of Adam for handling what had to be a terrifying moment with such aplomb, and I'm proud of Eric for getting through it as well. I'm thankful that both of them came through without a scratch. Sheet metal can be repaired or replaced. Children are another matter.
The worst part of this for me is that I'm in Austin on (yet another) business trip, and I can't tell Adam just how proud I am of him. Things could have been a whole lot worse, but they are not, and for that I am grateful and thankful.
