"What is it like to feel death?" It was the day before Thanksgiving. My family and I were driving to Costco to buy last-minute groceries. We were all caught up in the hustle and bustle, eager to gather the final ingredients for our party. The car was humming with anticipation as we sped towards the store. As we approached an intersection, another car slammed into ours, shattering our peace that evening. It felt like time stood still. The impact left me disoriented; the world was spinning, and I was in total distress. My immediate reaction was to scan my surroundings, fearing that the worst had happened. Looking around, I felt a sense of dread in the air. Each passing moment felt like an eternity. Thankfully, relief washed over me as I saw their faces, shaken but alive. With trembling hands, I reached out to them, grateful we had all survived the ordeal. As we stumbled onto the pavement, the gravity of the situation began to sink in.

We turned our attention to the car that had collided with ours, hoping its occupants were as fortunate as we were. It was a family of foreigners, and after a quick chat, they seemed to be sincerely apologetic and regretful of the entire situation. I remember sitting on the side of the road and hearing my brother begin praying. Tears of gratitude and thankfulness followed prayers. The sight of my brother, who I believed to be so strong, had his head bowed, which stirred a mix of emotions within me. At that moment, the grave sight filled me with reverence and humility.

Before the chaos, life consistently seemed to hum with a sense of predictability. Confronted by the aftermath of the car crash, a sobering idea dawned on me: life does not offer a rewind button; it only moves forward. The shock began wearing off as I drove home with a family member who had arrived to help. Replaying the accident in my mind, I grappled with the memories of the accident; fear and concern for my family’s safety consumed me. I questioned every possible outcome. The crash forced me to grasp the fragility of my mortality and the unscripted timing of accidents and death. Unlike other challenges, this incident shook me to my core. Lost adrift in a sea of vulnerability, I was stripped of the familiar balance that had been a part of my life.

My life was not just a series of mundane routines; it was a precious gift I had unknowingly taken for granted. Amidst the monotony of COVID-19-induced isolation, where each day blurred into the next, I found myself trapped in a cycle of wasting time. I consciously decided to welcome each day as a gift, cherishing the moments spent with loved ones and pursuing my goals with renewed determination. The car crash served as a stark reminder that certain occurrences in life are beyond my control. It made me realize that I could not dictate every outcome or circumstance.

The accident was a crash from reality, giving me a wake-up call. I began approaching each day with gratitude and thankfulness, attempting to live to the fullest. The lessons from the crash catalyzed personal growth and a sense of responsibility for life. I have emerged stronger than before, embracing the unknown future with the knowledge that I am doing my best.

Ultimately, the crash became a forced learning experience and internal closure for me to take action in my life. It continues to ripple through the fabric of my life, influencing my choices, perspectives, and relationships. I now tackle life with courage and determination, knowing that each day is an opportunity to make a positive impact and pursue my dreams wholeheartedly. My crash embodies the American spirit of resilience and determination to live life fully every day I’m alive.

© Jason . All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.