Saturday 25th February 2017.
That’s a date I won’t forget in a hurry.
It was a hard enough day, attending the funeral of my cousin, then I had to drive back home, 3 hours to normality… or so I thought.
Basically, I’m lucky to be here writing this post.
As I sit here, still in Birmingham with my Pops, sore as anything, I can’t help but flash back to what happened yesterday.
I had an accident. A pretty big accident, on the Motorway, the M6, not long after I left here.
In a nutshell, I lost control of my car, possibly a burst tyre, or a sudden gust of wind (remnants of Storm Doris), and went careering into the central reservation. I tried to turn the steering wheel to get back on the road, but it started to spin around.
Hitting the barrier on all sides, it spun round into the middle of the busy motorway. Somehow I didn’t hit any other vehicles, and no one went into me.
I sat there in shock. A
few cars went past, and some stopped to help. A young Eastern European man asked if I was ok, and went to call an ambulance. Another couple of Asian men came to my door and encouraged me to get out if I was able.
Two other cars stopped. A young British couple and an older British couple.
I was given hugs, and reassurance and the younger lady brought me a drink from their car.
Standing there at the side of the road, adrenalin coursing through my veins, I couldn’t quite believe what was happening.
The next thing I know, the police had arrived, to cordon off the road so they could clear debris, and an ambulance arrived.
In the space of 5 minutes, there were five squad cars, an ambulance, Paramedic car, the Doctors on Call car, a Fire Engine, and even an Air Ambulance on the scene! They tried to get the helicopter to not land, as it wasn’t needed, but the message arrived late, so it touched down, then went straight back up in the air again!
And I had, single-handedly, shut down both sides of the M6. Debris strewn across both sides of the M6…
My poor car… It took a hell of a beating, and I fear I will be saying goodbye to my precious Bebe. The bumper came off, it crumpled, the sides and boot were all hit severely, all the tyres burst, but it looks like Bebe took the brunt of the force, leaving me still standing.
I was checked over, and the paramedics were worried about my spine as I had tenderness around the spinal area of my neck. Next thing I know I was in a neck brace and strapped to a board so I couldn’t move. Precautionary, of course.
I had called Hubby Dearest who was at home with the kids, and contacted Pops, who hared over to me, as fast as he could, considering I had caused a huge traffic jam.
My basic luggage (and Lil Princess’s lunchbox, strangely enough!) was rescued, at my request, and I had my handbag, but the rest of my stuff is still sitting in Bebe, in a garage somewhere…
As I was being strapped down, the Policeman turned the radio up and said “Here, listen, you’ve made the news!”, as the details of my accident and the hold up were announced on the traffic alerts.
Pops arrived as I was being prepared to be driven to the hospital. He was so worried and nearly ran across the road, after parking the wrong place! The Paramedic joked “Is your dad in a blue car? He nearly got himself in a pickle there! Your BP seems fine, but his may now be sky high! Tell him we don’t do 2 for 1 on the ambulance!”
The Policeman said Pops needed to turn around and come back. He was hoping to get some stuff from the car. By the time he arrived back, the car had been towed, and the ambulance had also gone!
I was taken to Accident and Emergency, where the staff were so great. X-rayed quickly, by which time Pops arrived. The result came in, no bone injury, thankfully, and the doctor checked me out. I was ok, nothing broken, but I was to expect soreness, and tenderness, and shock.
I was then released and sent home, so Pops and I left.
I spoke to Hubby Dearest and the kids, who were all very worried. Lil Man was concerned about the stuff left in the car, especially the chewing gum! As I explained that we probably wouldn’t see the car again, he said, “Rest In Peace Bebe!” Hubby Dearest was distraught being so far away, and unable to be there for me, but someone had to be there with the kids, and I had my Pops, after all.
Speaking to a cousin of mine after, she recalled when something similar happened to her, but her mum was in the car with her. She prayed that the car get hit on her side, not her mum’s and as they spun across the road, and went up the embankment, she continued to pray. The car came to a stop as if it had been parked up ready to go again, and she realised that miracles do happen. No injuries… and a good thing too, as she was getting married the following week!
She said to me, ” I realised then that angels were with me, protecting us. Ritu, you had your angel by your side too.”
And she couldn’t have said a truer word.
Someone was looking down on me, protecting me from something that could have been so much worse… Maybe it was my cousin…
And now… I am sat here waiting until 10 am when I can call the insurance and the garage up. Hopefully, I will be able to go home today. Hubby Dearest will get me.
But, you know what Peeps? I am so grateful to be here, able to write this post. And I will never take being alive, and able to do so much, for granted again.
Thank God I was in that car alone. The children weren’t in the car with me.
Thank God no one else was involved.
Thank God for the wonderful, compassionate souls who stopped to make sure this idiotic Indian woman was ok and reassured her.
And thank God for The Paramedics, the Doctors, the Police, the Air Ambulance, the Fire Service. They were so amazing, working so fast and efficiently, to help me and make the road safe again for the rest of the drivers.
So here’s to a less eventful Sunday… ❤
simonroma
Mar 05, 2018 @ 10:19:30
Well I hope that you guys now check your tyre condition and pressures frequently, cos this is the main factor. I always check mine before a motorway trip. Best of luck!!
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Ritu
Mar 05, 2018 @ 12:51:36
We do indeed… but they were new tyres!
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simonroma
Mar 01, 2018 @ 18:57:11
Crikey……
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Ritu
Mar 01, 2018 @ 19:02:06
It was a bit of a “Crikey!” Moment…. maybe even a “Oh F***!” One!!! (Sorry for the bad language!)
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hotmessmemoir
Feb 25, 2018 @ 12:13:50
I’m so glad you were ok. Wanted to read this first before reading your post for Sunday blog share (2.25.18). OMG! This is like my worst nightmare. I drive like a grandma, so worried about something like this happening.
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Ritu
Feb 25, 2018 @ 13:25:33
I’m careful too… but when a tyre decides to blow out… you can’t do anything! Thank you x
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kritsayvonne
Dec 29, 2017 @ 21:04:37
OMG! Just shows how much I let my blog reading slip. I’d not have seen this if it were not for your end of year round up. How scary, thank goodness you survived – a car is only a metal box, you are irreplaceable. Much love. x
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Ritu
Dec 29, 2017 @ 22:54:28
Aw Yvonne ! Thank you for the concern! I was very lucky 🌟
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rachaelstray
Dec 28, 2017 @ 09:49:51
Thank goodness you are ok! I think you were being watched over by an angel for sure.
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Ritu
Dec 28, 2017 @ 10:19:48
Thank Rachel! I think so too!
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Ajinkya Goyal
May 03, 2017 @ 17:11:42
I’m going to explore this aspect and how driverless cars will affect it. It’s going to be part of the series. The first post is up already – http://wp.me/p8s5sd-a2.
If you could check it out, like, follow (if you do, use this link – http://eepurl.com/cIfciX. It’s also in the sidebar so you can find it there) maybe, that would be great.
Thanking you in advance,
See you around,
Ajinkya AKA: airborneorange.wordpress.com
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pranabaxom
Mar 20, 2017 @ 01:43:57
So sorry to read this Ritu. Thank God you are OK.
Now I am scared. We are flying from London to Inverness and renting a car there and driving to Glasgow via Edinburgh.
Hope you are all recovered by now.
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Ritu
Mar 20, 2017 @ 07:53:52
Thank you! Don’t be scared. I think it was just one of those things…
But I am ok now!
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Ann GrubbsnCritters
Mar 15, 2017 @ 11:22:47
Oh my god! How did I miss your precious post on this one? I can barely “like” the post because it seems so wrong to like a story of an accident. (you know what I mean).
That was so scary but I’m glad you are fine Ritu! You must have had an angel nearby and so fortunate nothing else major happened. Cool that you made the headlines, though! :p Hope you are feeling better by now (Saw from our recen tpost that you went back to work already)
x.
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Ritu
Mar 15, 2017 @ 13:04:24
Thanks Ann. It was a scary experience but I’ve come out of it stronger xxx
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Ann GrubbsnCritters
Mar 20, 2017 @ 21:31:33
And that’s all you need! x.
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The Canadian Cats
Mar 11, 2017 @ 21:27:07
My good gravy woman, you are a lucky devil. Your angel was sitting on your shoulder and guiding that car to a good finish. I too had an accident about 7 years ago and I never forgot it. I was driving my sis-in-law to the dump to look for unique items to use as pots in the garden, I was leaving the dump and had to creep out slowly as the road was very wide and went around a corner. As I was creeping out this car came from out of no where and slammed on his brakes at the last minute. He hit our car and totalled his car. If, he was paying attention he would have seen me but alas I got a ticket for impeding traffic. My sis-in-law was fine as was I but it scared the crap out of us. I won’t go back to that dump. haha Big loss!
Jean
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Ritu
Mar 11, 2017 @ 21:42:48
I know… my angel was definitely there!
I can imagine it’ll spook me the next time I have to pass that spot….
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hbsuefred
Mar 11, 2017 @ 20:04:47
I think your Bebe was protecting you! She died making this valiant effort and will be fondly remembered and missed. Similar to experience I had with my first car and first accident. Rest in Peace, Vincent Valiant.
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Ritu
Mar 11, 2017 @ 20:29:32
I think she was indeed… RIP Bebe indeed 🚗💜
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Shilpa Arya
Mar 10, 2017 @ 13:45:06
Missed this post ! Thank god you are fine. Take care Ritu😊
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Ritu
Mar 10, 2017 @ 13:56:41
Thank you Shilpa 🙂 I am doing much better, thank goodness, and hope to be back to work Monday 🙂
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tjt072
Mar 06, 2017 @ 19:23:38
Glad to hear you are okay. Hope you are feeling better now.
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Ritu
Mar 06, 2017 @ 19:32:07
Thank you – it’s a slow and steady recovery but I’m getting there 🙂
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Book Club Mom
Mar 05, 2017 @ 02:34:09
How scary for you – I missed this post – glad you are okay!
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Ritu
Mar 05, 2017 @ 10:00:38
Thank you. Slow and steady… stiff and sore… but I’m in one piece xxx
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NJ
Mar 03, 2017 @ 05:38:52
Hi Ritu 🙂 I am so glad to hear that you are all good 🙂 Nothing major happened and you are recovering fast 🙂 Take care dear 🙂 lots of blessings, hugs and love to you ❤
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Ritu
Mar 03, 2017 @ 09:00:11
Thank you NIA 💛
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Jim
Mar 02, 2017 @ 22:36:35
I missed this post all together since I was so busy last weekend. I’m glad you were not seriously hurt. I know you’re shaken but just try to remember they are called “accidents” and not “on-purposes” for a reason. get better soon. I can’t have my most favorite Indian lady having turmoil for long.
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Ritu
Mar 02, 2017 @ 22:49:32
Aw you’re so sweet Jim. I’m taking each day as it comes. I may be a little achy now but I’m made of strong stuff. Your Indian lady will be back on form asap 🙂
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J.J Sylvester
Mar 02, 2017 @ 03:46:47
OMG! I don’t know you but I am so glad you are ok. Seeing the pictures and reading this post has made me thank God for those narrow moments when he is with someone. It was close but you are here and I am happy about that. Take care
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Ritu
Mar 02, 2017 @ 08:30:50
Thank you dear. It was indeed a moment when my belief was cemented. He was devini6looking out for me 😇
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http://theenglishprofessoratlarge.com
Mar 02, 2017 @ 00:29:49
So sorry to hear this, but am happy you are in one piece and alive. That was too close for comfort. Prayers for a rapid healing of the aches and pains.
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Ritu
Mar 02, 2017 @ 08:29:35
Thank.you so much. I still feel very achy and sore but so lucky to be here x
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Shivangi
Mar 01, 2017 @ 01:11:51
OMG… had missed reading this post. I am so glad you are fit and fine. Take care!
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Ritu
Mar 01, 2017 @ 08:31:13
Thank you Shivangi. It was a scary event but I’m here to tell the tale, thank God xx
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vanbytheriver
Feb 28, 2017 @ 23:21:28
Oh, my, not sure how I missed this one, Ritu, but I did. So glad you are okay, that could have been so much worse. You do, indeed, have angels in your life. Take care of yourself. Heal slowly and continue to appreciate your life and all of its blessings. ❤️
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Ritu
Feb 28, 2017 @ 23:28:46
Thank you Van. It was a miracle really, when I think back, how I came out relatively unscathed, considering what happened. X
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amommasview
Feb 28, 2017 @ 10:14:24
Ritu, I’m so glad nothing happened to you!!! That was a close call… yes, someone was looking over you. I wish you a speedy recovery. Hugs and kisses from my side of the world… xoxoxo
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Ritu
Feb 28, 2017 @ 10:18:57
Gratefully received Sandra. Thank you xxx
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Hugh's Views and News
Feb 27, 2017 @ 17:28:09
I’m so glad you’re back home and resting. Take care my lovely, Ritu. There will be extra Maltesers and hugs for you when we meet at the Bloggers Bash.
Sending you lots of virtual hugs.
xx
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 20:22:36
Aw thank you Huggable Hugh 😍
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Tikeetha T
Feb 27, 2017 @ 15:43:15
Thank God you are okay Ritu. Cars can be replaced, but not your life. Praying for a healing for you.
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 20:19:26
Thank you 💜
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Don Massenzio
Feb 27, 2017 @ 14:47:21
Glad you’re okay. Looks like a very scary event.
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 15:15:07
Oh Don it was so awful. Looking back I realise how lucky I was…
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Fourth Generation Farmgirl
Feb 27, 2017 @ 14:30:40
So glad you’re okay, Ritu! Take care!
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 15:14:01
Thank you Tonya. It was so scary but I am grateful to be here… answering your comments xx
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Fourth Generation Farmgirl
Feb 28, 2017 @ 02:06:30
We’re all grateful you are here, too!! 🙂 xo
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Ritu
Feb 28, 2017 @ 09:00:08
💛💛💛
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suzie81speaks
Feb 27, 2017 @ 13:03:21
It’s belated but I’m so glad you’re ok my lovely! Xx
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 13:12:25
Thanks Susie. Thanks for keeping checks on me too 💜
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Em Linthorpe
Feb 27, 2017 @ 12:06:15
I’m not sure how I missed this post, I am so sorry. What a frightening experience for you and I am just so relieved that you managed to walk away from this awful accident. ❤ you take it easy and rest as much as possible xx
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 12:07:28
Thank you Em. I’m at home for a good couple of days. Seeing the Dr today too to get more pain relief… but I’m here and in one piece. The most important thing x
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Aditya Andiappan
Feb 27, 2017 @ 11:26:32
get well soon!!! please check out my blog too
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 11:30:19
Thank you
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Miriam
Feb 27, 2017 @ 11:24:52
Ritu I’m so glad that you’re okay. What a frightening experience. Someone up high was definitely looking out for you. Warmest wishes and hugs to you xo
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 11:30:10
Thank you Miriam. My angels were out in full force 💜
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Miriam
Feb 27, 2017 @ 12:41:05
Thank God they were ❤️
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Bikramjit
Feb 27, 2017 @ 08:25:36
Oh damn it was you .. I was in tht traffic build up. Did not know you were involved..
Get well soon.. and thank God…
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 09:04:29
Thank you Bikram….and sorry for causing you delay 🙂
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Bikramjit
Feb 27, 2017 @ 09:14:18
Ha ha ha… any number of delays are welcome as long as you are safe and well… 😁.
You still in Birmingham
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 09:16:01
No my hubby picked me up yesterday so i’m back home 🙂
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Jools
Feb 27, 2017 @ 06:37:39
Warmest wishes to you, Ritu. I too, for entirely different reasons, was in a hospital yesterday, and have cause to praise and be extremely grateful for the professionalism, care and kindness of paramedics, doctors and nurses. It’s so good to know people like that are there when you need them, isn’t it? Be well soon, and I’m very glad you have come to no lasting harm. x
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 09:03:07
Thank you Jools. We are so lucky with the care we receive. It takes these situations to really appreciate. I’m very sore but that’s to be expected I guess xxx
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shanjeniah
Feb 27, 2017 @ 03:18:04
SO happy you’re OK, Ritu! A few years back, we lost our car in a collision, and Lise commented, “It was the part of our family that lived in the driveway.”
She was about 1 when we got that car, and couldn’t remember not having it.
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 09:00:06
Aw! My kids are sad that Bebe is gone but glad that mummy is in one piece! Thank you 💜
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LucciaGray
Feb 27, 2017 @ 00:44:22
Sounds like a terrible experience. Glad nothing’s broken. Take care💗
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 00:56:25
Thank you x
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Ralph
Feb 27, 2017 @ 00:26:25
Ouch ! ❤
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 00:40:04
Yes… ouch Indeed!
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Ralph
Feb 27, 2017 @ 00:48:18
🤕 I hope you are now okay Ritu 😷
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 00:56:47
Sore but in one piece Ralph xx
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Ralph
Feb 27, 2017 @ 01:02:14
That’s sort of good news Ritu. I hope you are back to normal ASAP. xox ❤
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Ritu
Feb 27, 2017 @ 08:58:23
Thank you x
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Lucy Mitchell
Feb 26, 2017 @ 22:10:04
I have only just seen this. I travel a lot on motorways and I do worry about this sort of thing. You are so brave and I am sending you lots of healing vibes. Someone was looking down on you Ritu. I am so glad you are ok..
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Ritu
Feb 26, 2017 @ 22:18:38
Thanks Lucy. It was terrifying. Something I’ve imagined but never thought I’d experience. Just so glad my children weren’t in the car. 💜
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Lucy Mitchell
Feb 26, 2017 @ 22:20:50
Many virtual hugs & put your feet up!
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Ritu
Feb 26, 2017 @ 22:53:16
💜😙💜
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crumpledpapercranes
Feb 26, 2017 @ 21:29:55
Wishing you a full recovery. That’s so much to deal with. So glad to hear that you are okay.
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Ritu
Feb 26, 2017 @ 21:50:25
Thank you 💜
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