Life's Close Escapes: Stories of Imminent Disaster and Survival
Life can be full of unexpected and intense moments, some of which can be truly life-altering. Here are three stories from my life that have shaped who I am today. Each of these experiences tested me in ways I could have never imagined, but they also taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me to this day.
A Life-Threatening Decision
Back in 1985, I was married to a very abusive man who was testing me constantly. One day, I had to call my parents to collect me and bring me home. The house was tense with the sound of a hammer tapping against a table, which made the situation feel much worse. My husband stood with the hammer at my head, watching every move I made as I tried to dial their number. The fear was overwhelming, as I had to make a decision that would either mean I was going to stay or meant I desired to leave.
The scenario was the ultimate test of my will and mental fortitude. No matter what I did, it would mean disobeying him, and that was not something I was willing to do. However, calling my parents would have exposed me to more pain. I felt as if I was on the brink of disaster and was overcome by terror. Paralyzed with fear, I passed out, and when I came to, I had messed myself. This was a period in my life where my self-worth and my ability to make decisions were constantly under attack. Eventually, I divorced my abusive husband and have since moved on to a life of greater independence and happiness. However, the raw intensity of that moment will always be etched in my memory.
A Traumatic Experience on the Nile
A more recent escape I had was on a bus ride along the Nile River. My friends and I were traveling when a bus in front of us stopped abruptly. Sudden panic ensued as several men, each carrying machine guns, approached our bus, yelling at us. The driver of our bus, who could speak some English, told us that the bus in front of us had been blown up. Our bus driver had deftly swerved to avoid the blast, narrowly escaping harm. This incident was a stark reminder that even the most routine situations can turn into immediate dangers, and it emphasizes the importance of staying alert and prepared for the unexpected.
Navigating the Harsh Realities of Driving
The majority of dangerous situations I've experienced have involved driving. Growing up, my family was not well-off, and we didn't have fancy cars. My first car was a cheap Volkswagen 412, which had a low ground clearance and a high center of gravity, making it prone to skidding. During my college days, I was driving onto an interstate on-ramp when I saw my cousin coming from the other direction. Feeling "pumped" about seeing him, I accelerated, causing the car to lift from the passenger side. My heart raced as I saw the pavement closing in on me, and I realized the car was now only on its two driver's side wheels. Quick thinking and calm nerves on my part saved the day; by leaning to the right, the car returned to all four wheels. Since then, I have been more mindful of the forces at play when driving vehicles. This incident taught me respect for gravity and centrifugal force and serves as a constant reminder to always stay alert and cautious.
Each of these experiences has left a lasting impact on me, shaping my resilience and outlook on life. They remind me that life is full of unpredictability, and sometimes, you must act quickly to ensure your safety. These events have also reinforced the importance of staying calm and making quick, rational decisions in the face of danger.