It only takes a few seconds to realize how under-appreciated the gift of life really is. I still remember the exact moment in which I began to understand that life is the most valuable gift that I have ever been given. Never again since that moment will I forget how quickly that gift can be taken away. A few seconds earlier or later, a few inches left or right, or maybe just a little less luck could change what will turn out to be a life-altering experience into a life-ending disaster. As I look back, I remember the entire incident detail for detail. The date is August 16, 2000, and it is a seasonably warm summer day in the small town of Apex, North Carolina. Nothing, in my mind, leads me to believe today would be anything other than a normal day. I am driving down a main road, on my way to my place of work, Family Home and Garden, to pick up my paycheck. There is one more stop, and I will be heading home to relax, for I have an entire weekend to myself ahead of me. By the looks of things, there are not many people out, and there are very few cars commuting around town. Other than the cars parked along the sides of the road, it seems as if I have the entire road to myself. I have been driving for a little over a year, and I have taken these same roads countless numbers of times, both night and day. What I do not know though, is that this time will be different. As I drive along with my windows down and music playing, I notice a car coming in the other direction. I approach the intersection of a small side street as the oncoming car slows to take a turn. I take a look at the driver of the other car and he is turned the other way, oblivious to the position of my car. He suddenly turns left in front of me. The only thing that I know for certain is that, in the next few moments, I realize just how much I have been taking for granted. In the seconds to follow all of the stories that I have heard of time slowing to a crawl and of one's life flashing before his eyes during an accident came true.
