Friday, January 6, 2023 @ 3:00 PM ET
I woke up this morning late (almost noon). I had a very busy day yesterday after my visit to see Gwen. I made my protein shake and set down at my computer. That was when I got the call. Victor said she passed away this morning. He saw her last night and was at work when the call came from the hospital. I knew it wasn’t going to be long and I am thankful that she went quickly. Now I am helping Victor with the funeral arrangements as he is a wreck.
Clyde called me to make arrangements for us to go see Gwen. I told him she was gone. He always remembered her as being very nice. We plan on attending the funeral together. I texted Victor and told him to start calling me mom, mother or godmother. I don’t know why I never told him this sooner except that for the longest time I couldn’t remember that I was his godmother. He used to call me often and I wondered why? It wasn’t until he planned a 70th birthday party for his mother that I found out I was his godmother.
How could I have forgotten something so important? I asked Gwen to show me some photos and she said she had to look for them. Then her life got in the way and that was put aside.
Years ago, when Clyde was about 3 years old, we were involved in a near fatal accident. We were struck by a vehicle from the side coming into traffic and by a large diesel truck from behind. I was out cold. When I came around, I found myself lying on the ground, my wrist held by a stranger trying to feel for a pulse. I started to panic and wondered why I was on the ground. Out the right corner of my eye I noticed a huge, tall truck. Once I was fully awake, they placed me in an ambulance and drove to the hospital. My mother, sister and son were already there since they were awake through the entire ordeal. All I could think of was, “Did my fake lashes come off?” They placed me under 48-hour observation because I was unconscious. I did not suffer any broken bones, no real concussion, nothing. My mother got a wound on her thigh, Connie got a busted lip and Clyde was running through the hospital like any 3-year-old. No bruises, no scratches, no nothing. God was truly with us that day.
I was told that I was pinned between the driver’s seat and the steering wheel but because I was so tiny at the time, they were able to pull me out. Once they released us from the hospital, we went straight to the shop that held what was left of the car and it was completely totaled; wrecked beyond repair.
Only thing that made sense was that some parts of my past life may have been wiped out. I have no memory of the accident. I only know what I was told. So, I have to accept this memory lapse and embrace Victor like he was one of my own. And thank my God that he spared me and my family from serious injury. Were we spared for a reason?
Praise God!
Shirley Harris-Slaughter
Shirley Harris-Slaughter 
Pingback: DAY 8 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30 Day #Blogging Challenge 2023 | Shirley Harris-Slaughter
I believe it’s a blessing that you don’t remember the accident. We don’t need more painful memories. God saved you and your family so you can write this blog today. I’m kidding; he saved you because it wasn’t his plan for you to die.
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Susanne, I am a firm believer that what happened was a miracle. There is no way that we should have lived after seeing that wreck. The car was beyond repair. It was a crumpled heap. I could have died and would not have known it. Its mind boggling and I still shake my head in gratitude that we were spared. I thank God every day for my life and the life of my child and family.
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Hi Shirley, my condolences on your loss! I’m truly sorry abut Gwen’s passing but what a blessing it was that you were able to see her beforehand. As for the accident, I believe that you’re still here for a reason. Please take care of yourself during this time of mourning.
Best wishes,
Donna M Atwood
D M Atwood
https://www.dmatwood.com
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Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. It was wonderful that you were able to visit Gwen before she died, and you will be such a comfort and help to Victor. Of course there was a reason you were spared in that accident! Your whole life is testament to that, and many others have been enriched by your presence. We’re all so glad you are here to enrich us!!
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Hi, Shirley,
I am so glad you went to visit Gwen before she departed this world. I know you are hurt, but you have a new son to welcome into your fold, Victor, and I’m glad that you’re there to do whatever you can to help. Your nurturing spirit is important.
I am thinking of you.
Shalom Aleichem
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Sending you hugs on this very sad day, Shirley! I’m sure your godson appreciate you helping him through this time in his life. And I’m very happy you and your family survived that accident back then.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Yes, survive we did, but by the grace of God. I still shudder when I think about it. I still wonder if my memory was affected more than I will ever know.
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I’m sorry for your loss, Shirley. What a loving thing to do, helping Victor with the arrangements and asking him to call you Mom. You have a beautiful heart. Thank the Lord you survived that accident years ago! Of course there was a reason! You had a lot of lives to bless along the way, and so did your family. God wasn’t ready to let you come home yet, and I, for one, am grateful for that. Praying for you and for everyone who knew and loved Gwen.
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Patty, my godmother loved hearing my voice when I called her. She said it was comforting and relaxing to her. I was so surprised. I took care of her as best I could while she was on this earth. Yes, God wasn’t ready to let me go because he had plans for me. Like comforting my godmother and being there for her. I took care of my mother until the day she died. I do think we are put here to be of service to others.
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Oh, Shirley, I am sorry for your loss. As for the accident, I believe that there is a reason for everything.
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I believe that too, Karen.
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