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Monday, August 16, 2010

The Only Run I've Ever Regretted (Little Diva is ok, but was hit by a car)

You will recall from yesterday's post, that hubby and I had a 20 mile running date yesterday. I was tired and exhausted, as was hubby all afternoon. Little Diva asked me three times that afternoon if we could right her bike down to Walgreens to get some candy. She has been riding her bike with me all summer, while I run 3-6 miles. It has a blast and she is always so excited to be spending time together and sharing my runs. My upper legs weren't working well and I was mentally tired, but I decided to put on another running outfit (and Bondi Band!) and go out with her. Hubby told me I was crazy!

I loaded up her wallet with $3 worth of quarters, so that she could pick out some treats. We filled her bike basket with the wallet and our water bottles and snapped this quick photo.

We headed in our roundabout route to Walgreens. I don't like to take her down the main roads, because there are hills and I worry about her going to fast on the sidewalk. There are also a lot of cross-streets and even though she waits for me to give her the ok to cross to the next portion of the sidewalk, it still freaks me out a bit. So, we headed out on our 1 1/2 mile journey to Walgreens and along the bike path. She gets a kick out of putting her bike in the bike stand and entering the pharmacy with her bike helmet on. She chose a Dove candy bar and some Pop Rocks. She ate some chocolate and downed some water and we were headed back home for the second half of our journey.

We continued down the bike path and I kept telling her how awesome she is doing on her bike and what a good listener she is while she's on it. We made the turn into our neighborhood and down a private drive that is filled with about 20 condos. We use to live in the same condo community until she was one-and-a-half. These condos were directly behind where we use to live and there are a lot of older people residing there, as they are only one story. A lot of the retired folks were outside, sitting in lawn chairs or grilling out. This is the only portion of our journey where there aren't sidewalks and that isn't a bike path. I was running against traffic, which her about a compact car's length in front of me. Now that I think of it, we probably should have been on the right side of the street. I was thinking it was safer, just like when I'm running, but I was wrong.

I saw a truck coming at only about 5-10 MPH and I said, "There's a car coming, stay to the side." She saw it and moved a little to the left. Then she went about a foot to the right and it appeared that the truck almost angled into her. She hit the front of the truck (near the liscense plate) and the truck continued to roll for a few feet. I was seeing everything in slow motion as she was underneath the front half of the truck with her bike on top of her.

I started screaming. I feared the worse. I couldn't control the situation. She wasn't crying, she just kept repeating, "I'm ok, I'm ok". I pulled her out from underneath the bike and carried over to a nearby lawn. I just held her. I didn't even really look her over and I was just sobbing and screaming. I was in complete shock. I looked back at her bike and it was under the car, her shoe was off to the side of the road, her bike basket and contents were ripped off the bike and I found out later that the bell was even ripped off.

As I held her and screamed, someone that was outside grilling had gone inside and had his wife call 911. He came out and held me and Little Diva. And, looked her over for me, since I wasn't thinking straight. she just had some scrapes, cuts and bruises. It was amazing. He looked over her neck and and asked her some questions, which she answered fine. I asked him if he thought it was ok to take her helmet off, and we did. I realized that the outside of the helmet was cracked and ripped.

Within two minutes there were at least a half dozen police officers and an ambulance. Most of the condominium community was outside watching us as the sirens blared. The man who called 911 kept repeating to me that I did nothing wrong. It was a private drive and I was doing the right thing by not having her on the main roads or in the road. He told me that I was a good mom and just kept hugging me. Little Diva kept saying, "Mom, I'm ok.". Let's just say, I was not at my best.

The nice couple dialed my home number so that I could reach hubby. He doesn't typically answer the phone, especially if it's an unfamiliar number. I told him to pick up the phone and that she was ok, but was hit by a car. We spoke briefly. He piled Little Dude in the car and drove to the other end of the neighborhood. They showed up barefoot.

The police asked me fifty million questions and kept allowing me to go back to her in the grass to comfort her. I think he just thought I needed the comfort! A really elderly man was consoling Little Diva in the grass and telling her awesome it was that she was out riding her bike with her mom and how special that was. The stranger hugged me kissed my neck and reminded me that everything was going to be ok. I hugged the strangers and thanked them for their support and kindness. They told us to call and that Little Diva needs to stop by the next time we're running/riding through.

The man that was driving the truck said that he saw me, but didn't see her. I'm still not sure what happened. But, it was very, very scary.

The police offered to unlock hubbys car and put Little Diva's bike and belongs in the back. Another police officer gave her a sweet teddy bear to comfort her.

The emergency crew checked her out and said that she was ok and would just probably be sore the next day. They advised us to still head to the hospital to get her checked out. We piled in the car and drove to the new emergency center in our mid-size town. They saw her right away and checked her vital signs. She checked out just fine and gave her a gift certificate to Culver's. She was happy that we could go get some ice cream soon!

She says that she'll get back on her bike and still wants to ride with me. This makes me relieved. She's all smiles, as usual and proves to me just how resiliant she is. She's very confident and typically not hesitant to do anything. I'm glad to see that this hopefully has not changed.

We will be heading to Target shortly to let her pick out a cool, new bike helmet ... and probably a new bike. It's pretty banged up.

I never regret heading outside for a run or spending quality time with my children. But, I do regret yesterday's run. I am still torn-up and feel guilty. Why, I'm not sure. I feel that as her mom I should've been able to control the situation. If I had warned her a little bit earlier that the car was coming, would that have made a difference? If I had been another foot or two closer to her, would I have been able to stop this from happening? Should we have been on the other side of the road? I'm really worried that when people hear our story, that they'll think that I was dragging my child along with me on another run, trying to fit in some more miles. The girly just wanted to go get some candy and spend time with her mom.

97 comments:

  1. How terrifying. I am so glad she is okay. I understand feeling guilty, it is a mom thing no matter what, but you definitely didn't do anything wrong and you are a wonderful mother.

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  2. Holy cow Jamie! I am so happy she is ok. I was totally crying reading this even though I already knew she was fine. Don't beat yourself up. You didn't do anything wrong. Hugs to you all!

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  3. Oh my goodness, I am glad she is ok. What a relief that she is. And thankfully she had a helmet on too

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  4. I'm soooooo sorry that you had to go through that. It's a mom's worst nightmare to have something happen to her child.

    You are truly blessed that she is okay. Give her a big hug. :-)

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  5. I have tears in my eyes as I read this. It is such a scary thing...when your child is involved! You did nothing wrong, but as parents we want to protect our children no matter what, and when we are right there, you feel like nothing should happen to your child...but things can happen, and that is when God has to step in and take over to help out! Just remember that God was right there looking over Little Diva, and mommy, and everything is just fine!
    I think it is awesome that your daughter is so excited and happy to be spending time with her mommy! You two will always cherish these moments!

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  6. How scary! I'm so glad Little Diva is ok! And you did nothing wrong!

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  7. Oh my gosh, how terrifying, I'm so glad that she was okay!

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  8. Reading this brought tears to my eyes imagining how you must have felt watching that happen and not being able to stop it! Sounds like your daughter is one tough little girl! I'm glad to hear that everything is okay and that she still wants to go out riding! It sounds like you have some wonderful people in your neighborhood too! This was not your fault, you did everything you could at the moment, things happen sometimes that are out of our control.

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  9. Oh, wow, that is so scary!! I am so glad that she is ok (and ready to get back out there) and I just wanted to say it again - NOT your fault!! You did everything right. Sometimes, circumstances just conspire against us...

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  10. Oh how awful! What a huge relief that she's ok.

    It sounds like you have some wonderful and supportive neighbors in the condos.

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  11. How scary! Glad everyone is OK. You certainly did everything right but I understand why you still feel bad. Glad to hear she is still ready to get back out on her bike!

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  12. I am crying reading this. I completely understand your fears and guilt. But as a mom who's been there, done that many times before, I know you did everything you could to protect your little girl. Unfortunately as mommies, we can't be there all the time and can't protect against every unforeseen danger. Mine are quite a bit older and I got the call last winter that they had been in a car accident just a mile from our house. The other car hit the passenger side where my daughter was asleep against the window. My poor son was devastated, but was sure he hadn't done anything wrong (he hadn't). But I was so upset. I'd given them permission to stay for another game at a high school basketball tournament and if I hadn't, they would have been home earlier and it never would have happened. If I'd driven them, or my husband had picked them up, all of those thoughts go through your head. But you can't protect against the unknown. Just be as prepared as you can for it. Which you were. Little Diva was wearing her helmet and knows the rules of the road. You are a great mommy and have taught her well. {{{hugs}}}

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  13. Glad everything turned out okay! So scary!!!

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  14. Oh my god, that must have been so terrifying for you! I am SO glad that she is o-kay. Thank god she had her helmet on b/c things probably would have turned out differently. That helmet probably saved her life! You are a great mom, and there was nothing you could have done to prevent that. You just can't control every situation, which is the scary thing, but it sounds like you were doing everything right.

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  15. You should NOT feel guilty. It sounds like this was a completely freaky event. The fact you were on a private drive, and were with her shows what a great mom you are. You and I both have seen parents open the door and let their kids run around unsupervised. You are one of the best moms I know. I don't think anything you did or could have done would have made a difference or changed anything. Little Diva is very lucky to not be hurt, and it's thanks to YOU that she isn't hurt more severely and that isn't more traumatized.

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  16. I am so thankful that you both are ok. This hit very close to home this morning.
    I participated in the Spokane to Sandpoint relay and came upon the a horrible accident this weekend. The mother, on the bike, did not live. The girl she was with was seriously injured. They were hit from behind by a drunk driver. (I wrote about it on my blog)
    Running is not meant to be an extreme sport. Accidents happen. I'm glad that you and Little Diva walked away ok. Love each other and be thankful for each moment.

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  17. How terrible that you both had to go though such a scary experience. Stop beating yourself up. You weren't doing anything wrong. The fact that she wants to keep riding is huge. And SO GREAT that she always wears her helmet.

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  18. I'm so glad that she is ok! You should not feel guilty. Sometimes you plan and prepare and still things happen. I hope you are feeling better and Little Diva is healing!

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  19. That is so scary - I was frightened just reading it, so I know it must have been a horrible thing to go through. Thank God your daughter is okay - and don't feel guilty, you didn't do anything wrong and there is no way you could have predicted that this would happen. Hope she feels okay today!

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  20. I'm so glad she is okay. She's lucky to have you, you're a great mom! Its great to hear that she isn't afraid to go back out there, hopefully you won't be either. Thanks for the reminder of how fragile life is. I think I'll go give my kids a big hug. :)

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  21. I'm so glad she's okay. I'm so sorry you had to go through that experience. Give my niece a kiss for me and tell her I'm so relieved she's okay!

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  22. I am crying reading this! I'm so sorry you had to go through this! How awful. I have a 10 year old that loves riding her bike with me when I run. I always think it's a great way to spend time together being active but I have always wondered just like you said about which side we're suppose to be on. I hope she is feeling ok today and what a little trooper she is! I predict ice cream for lunch today, and maybe dinner too! Hang in there!

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  23. Oh a mother's worst nightmare, but God was so taking care of her. I'm so glad she is okay and not afraid to ride her bike. I know what your feeling is awful, but you are a good mom or else you wouldn't have been out there with her in the first place. You were there to make sure she was okay.

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  24. oh my lord, thank god all is ok. try not to keep harping on the what ifs, not worth it. focus on the positve and how you can help spread the news for everyone to hug and love their little ones

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  25. Oh honey, accidents happen. That's why they are called accidents! But mother guilt - ugh - that will stay with you, and I know the horrifying fear you must have experienced. So glad she is ok and you had such wonderful people around you to help with the situation. We pulled a cracked bike helmet off of my then-eleven-year-old son and wow, is that both a frightening and relieving feeling, so see how it protected him. Your girl is obviously very resilient, which I'm sure she gets from you! Hang in there...big hugs to the both of you!

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  26. You are an amazing mommy. I'm so glad to hear shes doing ok and got to enjoy some ice cream.

    HUGS.

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  27. You are so not a bad mom! That was just a freak accident that happened on what was actually a wonderful mother/daughter moment. Guilt happens, but try to let it go. She wants to get back out there, so try to let her. It sounds like she loves these active times with you!

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  28. I am so happy that Little Diva is OK. I was still in shock ready this - I am sure you were extremely stressed. Don't be too hard on yourself. I am sure you will have more issues with this than she will. Give yourself a break - you did nothing wrong and there will be plenty of other trips to Walgreens for candy.
    Enjoy the day with your sweet children.

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  29. It's all been said above, but please please don't blame yourself for this for a second. I'm so happy to hear Little Diva is looking forward to getting back on the bike again.

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  30. So glad she's okay (and ready to get back on her bike). Hang in there--even the best moms can't prevent every accident!

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  31. I am so sorry this happened, but SO glad it had a happy ending! I was tearing up just reading it, holding my youngest, knowing I would have been reacting the same way!!!! Sounds like you have a smart, resiliant young one there!

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  32. How scary! I'm glad little diva is okay. You did nothing wrong and was just one of those scary, nothing you can do about it kind of accidents.

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  33. Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry that this happened! How scary! I'm so happy she's okay and not even too shaken up by it. Glad you had lots of support from the people in your community. I can only imagine how freaked out you were.

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  34. My blood runs cold to read this Jamie but I am soooo thankful LD is ok! Horrifying and miraculous. Big hugs to both of you!

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  35. I'm so glad she's okay. What a scary time.

    My son rides with me when I run - all the time. When he was little, I taught him to always ride beside me when going through intersections or driveways; driveways just don't expect to see little people playing or on bikes.

    We had one scary incident - not nearly as yours - about 4 years ago; I chased down the driver and blasted him - with an audience. He said the same thing: he just didn't see him.

    I'm so, so glad that you are all fine. Now, saddle up again!

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  36. I am crying right now. I can totally feel your anxiety. Please don't keep questioning yourself! Just an accident. I take my kids out with me too and always try to be so careful and you just never know. I'm so happy to hear that you're fine and that your daughter has made a quick comeback. Kids are so resilient! I hope you don't let this phase you for too long! So glad you're ok!

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  37. Tears in my eyes reading this - Jamie I can only imagine how scared you must have been! Thank goodness she's ok! Please, please don't beat yourself up!! Sending you lots of hugs!

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  38. oh my word, Jamie! That is so scary, but very very glad little diva is alright!

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  39. I am so glad that everything turned out okay!!!

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  40. oh Jamie, i can only imagine how you felt. you did nothing wrong and should not feel guilty. thank god everything is okay.

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  41. you are such an amazing mom. Don't beat yourself up.

    You rock.

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  42. Your post brought me to tears. I too have little ones and can't imagine what you went through.

    Please don't beat yourself up or think "what if". You did everything right. God was watching out for Little Diva and she is fine.

    You know that any time you and/or her are in that same neighborhood she now has dozens of neighborly angels watching her.

    So glad you are both ok. Live for the present, not the past. You are a great mom!

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  43. I am so sorry you went through that! You did nothing wrong! In fact, you did everything right. Your Little Diva was wearing a bike helmet. Great moms make their kids wear helmets!

    I am so thankful for you that she is okay.

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  44. I'm so glad she was okay. You're a great mom and nothing about this was your fault! Little Diva seems like a trooper, I'm glad this won't deter her and she'll be back on her bike before you know it. I'm really glad that she was okay in the end, gotta love bike helmets!

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  45. I am glad she is ok! Don't beat yourself up! You sound like a great mama! Give her some extra hugs and kisses from everyone here tonight!

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  46. Jamie, I am happy and glad that Little Diva is fine. She is quite a tough girl, isn't she?
    Don't beat yourself up over the what ifs. I am sure as a mother (and you are a good one, you want to do everything possible to make sure no harm or hurt will ever happen to your child.
    Take this as a learning opportunity. Little Diva knows what could have happened so from now on, everyone in the family can do their best at keeping everyone safe.
    It's ok, Jamie. Everything is ok now.

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  47. Oh my goodness what an event, so glad to hear she's ok! Don't feel guilty, something could have just as easily happened even if she wasn't out on that run.

    Give the girl a big hug from all of us!

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  48. I pre-wrote a post about which side of the road! and then I saw your FB about this happening.

    You did nothing wrong and neither did the driver. It was an accident. I have heard so many people say that they see me but not biking sherpa or vice versa. I don't know why that happens but it does. Luckily everyone is okay. (I do hope that truck driver buys little diva a new bike. It would be a nice gesture.)
    To say that you were not at your best isn't correct. I was crying simply reading this. To be in tears and frightened after SEEING it, Jamie I think you were doing your very best. comforting little diva and accepting the kindness of strangers. It's nice to allow those around us the opportunity to step up when we really need them.
    Don't regret getting outside and being active. We can not control everything or everyone around us. We are meant to live our lives. We are not promised that we won't get bumps and bruises along the way. You did a great job comforting little diva...and she did a great job comforting you too!

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  49. Jeez. How frightening! I'm sure I'd have freaked out. My daughter fell off her bike while we were on our kind of busy street. She was behind me and I had the baby in the bike trailer. I couldn't get to her quickly. I panicked over that. I can't imagine her actually getting hit.

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  50. So glad to hear your little girl is ok! You have the best community of strangers :)

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  51. oh my dear God! I'm so relieve she's OK. Your story is terrifying, but I have done/do similar with my kids on their bikes too. As safe as our kids are, and we are about them, it's usually someone else that's the danger.

    I'm glad you all are OK, keep running, and stay safe!

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  52. I'm scared right along with you! I would've freaked. BIG TIME. I'm so glad you are both OK. Give her a big hug!

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  53. I'm so glad that everything was okay!

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  54. I was in tears reading this. Please know it is not your fault. We can't live life thinking "what if" every moment of the day. You were there to comfort her, love her, and be her mom. I say that is the BEST MOM EVER!! So glad Little Diva is okay.

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  55. How terrible!!! I am so glad little diva is ok!!! I do not think anyone would think that you are a bad mom because it is SOOO obvious that you are not!! A lot of moms would have said "i already ran 20 miles today, we can go get candy some other time... but you didn't! Honestly, I would have had my kids (if i had any) ride on the opposite side of the road too so i could make sure to see if anyone was coming at us! Im just glad that you had tons of support from the condo people! I'm sure that helped! Hopefully little diva isn't too sore... i'm sure getting a new helmet and bike will help with that ;)

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  56. You are such a good mama. You are a fantastic role model and you very wisely share with your children your passions.
    I would feel guilty too and not know why. I think that just goes with the whole mom thing.
    Guilt is second nature for us even though often unfounded.
    Take good care of yourself and I am so glad she was not hurt and also very glad that she was not scared off from riding with her mama!!

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  57. I'm so sorry to hear about Little Diva, and I'm so glad to hear she's okay. Sending you big (((((hugs))))). I can't even imagine how scary that was for both of you.

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  58. Oh my gosh how scary! I'm so glad she is ok!! I would have been terrified as well and unsure of what to do! You did nothing wrong so don't beat yourself up over it!

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  59. Count your blessings that nothing went worse, but live secure in the knowledge that you are not at fault!!

    Sometimes bad things happen beyond our control--and I have been there nearly losing my oldest in the wreck that took her best friend--but those things are beyond our control.

    She's so luckly to have a Mom who loves her enough to do these things with her.

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  60. Wow. I am a lurker on your site but felt compelled to post. I am so glad that your daughter is okay. Please don't beat yourself up over it, you did nothing wrong.

    Your daughter sounds like an amazing little girl!!

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  61. This post made me tear up! HOW SCARY! This is NOT your fault and will definitely reinforce to your daughter why you are so safety concious.
    I'm so glad she's okay.

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  62. That is scary! I'm so happy that you had her wearing a helmet (I am always amazed by how many don't wear them). You did nothing wrong. I'm so happy that she wants to get back on the bike again too...you can't live in fear and you don't want her to live in fear!

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  63. Wow! I'm SOO glad she's ok and that you're ok! What a tough girl, I bet she gets it from her momma. :)

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  64. This must have been beyond terrifying! Glad that everyone was okay. You did nothing wrong! She is a trooper! Thank God for helmets.

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  65. I'm sure my heart stopped as I read this blog post. I can't imagine how horrifying it would have been. I'm so glad it wasn't worse but no doubt, it was traumatic enough.
    Thinking of you and your family
    xxx

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  66. Thank you Little Diva's Guardian Angel !

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  67. Oh my gosh I'm tearing up for you here. First, I'm SO glad you're both ok. Second, you did NOTHING wrong!! You are such an amazing mom, we can all see that here on your blog. I'm so sorry you both had to go through this and it must have been terrifying. But you were there for her and she was there for you. Such an amazing strong bond between you both. I'm glad the neighborhood helped out so much and it sounds like it ended up being not too traumatic for little diva. Don't beat yourself up, something bad happened that was out of your control. What matters is that you are both safe! Now go get some ice cream. :)

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  68. Oh my gosh!! What a terrifying moment that must have been! I'm so glad she is okay.

    Remember that fluke things like this happen...totally not your fault!! Please don't let this discourage you from taking your daughter with you to run. It is clearly something she enjoys, and it seems like such a wonderful way to spend time together. You are a wonderful mother and definitely didn't do anything wrong.

    Hang in there lady!!

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  69. This brought tears to my eyes, too. What a terrible ordeal, but I am so glad everything turned out okay!

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  70. oh my!! this is soo scary. i am SOO glad she is ok! don't feel guilty, though i know that's next to impossible. that is awesome that all those people were helpful and caring - the neighbors, community, police officers.

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  71. Oh Jamie, I'm so sorry you had such a scare! Sounds like Little Diva is a very strong young lady...reassuring Mom she's ok. What a doll :)

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  72. Oh my goodness - that is so scary! I am so glad to hear that she's okay and that this wasn't more serious.

    Give yourself a break. You were doing something nice that both of you enjoy and unfortunately, you can't control every situation in the world. Just be thankful that she's okay, that the truck was going slower and that you weren't both injured.

    This is not an easy thing to do, but you'll get over the shock. She'll probably be completely fine on your next outing together, but you're going to have to be careful to not let her see your fear and make her super nervous.

    Take a deep breath, hug your sweet little girl and say a little thank you to whoever was watching over you both!

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  73. That is awful. You were doing a wonderful thing with your Daughter. You are an active energetic Mom and there is no need to be sorry for that.

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  74. Oh my gosh- so sorry about the accident. But Very grateful it wasn't more serious. Your feelings are understandable. Remember that it was an accident and that they happen beyond our control. No need to feel that guilt. You did what you could in the situation and with the support of others, and thankfully it all turned out okay. Little Diva is tough! *hugs*

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  75. I am in tears, I am so sorry that happened, but so glad everything is ok. You are a wonderful parent who values time with her children and there is nothing to feel guilty about.

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  76. chiming in late but had to add---again---that Im so glad she is ok and YOU MUST NOT BLAME YOURSELF.


    terrifying and yet Im grateful you are all ok.

    Carla

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  77. Wow, that's horrorfying. I'm so glad she is okay. As one parent to another, I can't imagine how you must have felt. Just reading it was making me sick to my stomach. Again, I'm so glad she's okay.

    B

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  78. Oh my goodness... that's so scary! I'm glad that she's alright and I'm hoping that you are hanging in there! :)

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  79. Oh Jamie, you totally did the right thing. I am so glad to hear that Little Diva is ok. Don't let it get you down. Glad to hear that she wants to get on the bike again too! Have fun getting a new helmet and ?bike :)

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  80. OMG! I'm so sorry. I'm so glad that she is ok!

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  81. wow, i'm so sorry you guys had to go through this! how horrifying but thank God it ended the way it did!!! i was all teary reading your story! I think you were on the right side of the road, it would have been more dangerous on the other side i think! At least you can see cars coming at you. The only time i think it could be dangerous riding on that side of the road is when a car is pulling out somewhere making a right turn, most of the time cars only look to the left and then just pull out.
    Good for little diva for wanting to get back on the bike again. I hope you're doing better, you must still be so shaken up. :-( thanks for sharing your story!

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  82. I was shaking reading this. You definitely had an angel out there looking out for your baby girl! Thank God she is okay! please don't feel guilty there's nothing you could have done. I'm so glad to hear you both are okay. Keep us updated on the little one!

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  83. Thank goodness your baby girl is okay! I am so happy that she wants to get back on that bike and go! She must be tough like her mamma!!
    You are a great mother and we all want to completely protect our children at all times. You did everything right and should not second guess any of it, it's why it's called an accident. Keep on being the great mom that you are!
    As for the bike & helmet, what size bike does she ride?? I would love to help in any way I can so that she can get back out there and riding ASAP!!!

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  84. oh my goodness!!! I totally had tears reading this! I am glad she is fine! Don't beat on yourself....some things are totally out of our control! I am sure the truck driver is beating himself up too!!

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  85. Ok, remind me not to read your blog at work. I'm sniffling and crying and trying not to look ridiculous. I'm SO glad she is okay. I'm always out riding with my 4 year old and he has a terrible habit of weaving a little too far from the curb. I think I'll be in mother-bear mode for a long time after reading that story.

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  86. How frightening! I am so glad that she was relatively unhurt, but I hope she's not too sore today.

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  87. My heart was racing while reading this. I am so sorry you guys had to deal with such a scary event! A million hugs to you and Little Diva. She sounds like quite the trooper! So glad she came out with just a few scrapes.

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  88. Oh my goodness, I can't even imagine how you must have felt. You did nothing wrong. I'm so happy to hear your baby girl is safe and sound. BIG hugs to you!!

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  89. How scary!! So glad there were so any amazing people who could surround you at that time. SO glad she is okay. Hang in there mom!

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  90. OH MYYY I am so glad that everything truly turned out ok, but I can't even imagine!!

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  91. How scary! I am glad to hear that she is okay!

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  92. You are a wonderful mom to take you daughter out for a bike ride to the store! As moms it is so hard to accept that we cannot control every situation.

    I am so glad to hear that your little Diva is doing well. I was reading your post teary eyed, just imagining what I would have felt if it had been me.

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  93. How scary! I'm so glad she was ok.

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  94. There are things we can not control and I am super happy she wasn't hurt.

    Now just learn from it. Own it, and learn from it.
    Just keep moving forward!

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  95. "This is the only portion of our journey where there aren't sidewalks and that isn't a bike path." It is so wrong to build a community without COMPLETE sidewalks and bike paths. Where on Earth do they think cyclists and pedestrians go when the paths disappear???

    I'm glad your girl's okay.

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  96. I am SO glad to hear that she's okay even after that horrible experience! However, I'm happy to hear that they gave her a teddy bear to cuddle - I was in a pretty bad car accident when I was little and I LOVED that program that provided the bears for children to hold.

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  97. I of course have tears, I can only imagine how scared you were. You are a wonderful mom and have very active kids - that is wonderful. I am so glad that she is fine and not afraid to ride again. She is a tough little girl.

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