Monday, June 21, 2010

4-Wheeler Accident

This is my son Harrison and his girlfriend Nikki after a very scary accident. We are so thankful they have nothing but scratches to show for it. They were riding this 4-wheeler and got too close to the edge of an embankment and went down and rolled over.
This is where they landed. You can see the creek through the thicket. They were both able to crawl out as the handle bars and rack were not broken. The height of them kept a space for them to move their legs and get out. My son called me, then came to the house to get the big tractor. We own the land, but our neighbor leases it from us. The crop belongs to him. Harrison called to get his permission to drive our tractor back their about a mile.
Harrison driving the large tractor along the rim of the field as to do as little damage to the crop as necessary. The dirt path along the edge follows the creek it was so frightening because my son was so concerned about the crop he got close to the bank of the creek. I could feel the tractor leaning. I screamed a few times, as I did not want the tractor going in just like the 4-wheeler had. My son assured me he knew what he was doing. I bit my lip and prayed. When I got to the scene Nikki was there waiting. We held hands and thanked God for protecting them and then prayed for wisdom, safety and success to get the ATV out of the there.
Nikki took this picture of Harrison giving me a refresher course on backing the tractor. I know how to drive a tractor, but I was in shock and needed to be told what to do. He attached a chain to the axle of the 4-wheeler. My job was to back slowly while he pushed as hard as he could to guide and flip the 4-wheeler back onto its tires.
My husband was in Europe and could not be reached, so I called my sister Sharon to pray for us. I backed the tractor slowly. Together with Nikki's help with hand signals, we got the thing upright. The next step was to pull with the chain while Harrison rode it up. He turned the key and "Praise God," it started. He drove it to the top and that's where we took a moment to thank God again. For His grace and mercy. Many people have lost their lives or broken their spinal cords on these things.
Nikki and I drove the 4-wheeler home and Harrison followed on the tractor. He owes the owner of the crop some $$ for the damage and loss of grass seed. He said he learned so much. And has taken to heart that he nearly killed himself and his girlfriend. He was a different person in the evening than he was in the morning. He has changed in a good way in a more mature way. He could not sleep and kept blaming himself. I am glad he takes full responsibility. This is the stuff that make boys into men.Several factors kept the kids from severe head and neck injuries. The fact that they were not going fast or jumping over a dip. If they had been going fast and the thing had leaped and flipped onto them it would have been terrible. Those 4-wheelers are heavy. It was a gradual slope, in which he lost control and then a gentle roll over. They both had on these dirt bike helmets with face protectors. Ultimately, it was God's mercy and grace and I thank Him for watching over these kids. I also thank him for allowing it to happen and to see my son taking responsibility for his actions.

"9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:9-12

7 comments:

DeNiece Barnes said...

Praise God that everyone is ok...God is an awesome God and he will protect us from all hurt harm and danger. I will continue to keep your entire family in prayer...Harrison and his girlfriend look like a great couple. Have a blessed week.

onlymehere said...

Thank heavens he was okay. My brother was in a rollover accident and in the hospital for months when he was 13 years old. My family used these on the farm to get around and he was driving it to get my dad something. My daughter and her husband ride them at his parents place but they scare me bz of what happened to my brother. I know God heard and answered your prayers and Harrison's and his girlfriend's too.

Stephanie said...

I read that on your FB, Im so glad that their ok! Your right... God is GOOD!
Hope you have a great first week of Summer !
Stephanie

DeNiece Barnes said...

Kathi I recieved your email I sent you an email back let me know when you get the chance to read it dear friend.....I also sent you the new email address.

luvmy4sons said...

Praise god for His infinite mercy. So glad they were safe! What a scare to a mother's heart! Hugs!

Molly's Art Designs said...

Kathi-
Praise God that they are safe! --Molly

Elena said...

Praise God everyone is OK!

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