The Art of Commiseration

It was a split second, just like they say. The jolt, an instant reaction, the sound of metal on metal. No one was hurt – and for that I am grateful – but the moment left me shaking, a bunch of ‘what if’ energy flying around the car. Looking for the nerve to nudge my fear out of the way, I slowly inhaled. They say if you take three long breaths in a row it completely changes the way you see the moment you are in. I paused for a few more deep ones. Then, I got out of the car to find out what needed to happen next.

As I told my friends what happened, and that the damage was probably cosmetic, things slowly slid back into place. Everyone could relate and had a similar story to share. My nerves eventually balanced themselves out and I realized that stuff just happens sometimes. It’s how you deal with it that matters. And having friends who will listen, feel for you, and convince you that life will go on, is pure gold. Especially if they like to drink wine.

That evening, Krista appeared on my doorstep with a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio, a handful of ripe peaches and some amazing jam. A few rounds of conversation over fancy fruity drinks on the deck made that $3,800 scrape down the side of my car look a little less raw. Not great, but doable. Something I could handle and eventually look back on as just another life experience. It’s so much easier to walk through the rough spots with friends by your side – especially the ones who bring you treats!

Get Crafty!

Check out the homemade tag. All it took was some scissors, some twine, a Sharpie and a plain paper tag. If you don’t feel like drawing, ‘Sorry That Dude Hit Your Car’ is all that needs to be said.