Looking For The Positive

My hubby and son are fine.  The truck, not so much.

Six months ago my husband told me he had been invited on a pheasant hunting excursion in South Dakota, and wanted to bring our older son.  The trip would last seven days, and he was excited to share this experience with C.

I was less than thrilled for many reasons, all of them due to the fact that I'm a huge worry wart.  There was the general anxiety about having my hubby gone, with me left in charge of our business.  

Mostly I was worried about the drive - 24 hours each way.  Big trucks, fast speed limits, and long stretches of rural areas with lots of wildlife.  I wasn't happy as they drove away last week, but I waved goodbye with a big smile on my face because I wanted them to have a good time.

Which they obviously did!

I practiced my anti-anxiety techniques and tried to put the worry out of my mind, and when they arrived at their destination, I breathed a sigh of relief.  Yesterday morning as they prepared to leave South Dakota, I said a little prayer and got ready for another worrisome 24 hours.

When they pulled into the driveway on Sunday, I was shocked to see my husband's truck - because it didn't look like that when they left seven days earlier.  An hour into their trip home, at 75 miles an hour, they hit a deer.  Neither of them were hurt, although the deer wasn't so fortunate.  My son said it was equal parts luck and good driving by my hubby. The accident was reported to the proper authorities, and soon they were on their way again. Hubby decided not to tell me until they got home.  Probably a good idea.

My initial reaction was anger.  THIS is why you shouldn't drive long distances to have fun! What if the deer had come through the windshield?  What if they had veered off the road? But then I realized that I was slipping into old habits - playing the ridiculous "what if" game and focusing on the negative.  

I pulled myself together and looked for the positive.  Maybe the thing I feared HAD happened - but they were okay.  The truck is a mess, but it can be fixed.  My guys are back home safe and sound.  For that I am very thankful.

C had such a good time, and hopes they'll be invited back next year.  I told him I don't know if I'll let them go.  But I will.

  

Life needs to be lived, and I refuse to hold my family back because of my fears.

But I'm buying my husband a bumper guard before they leave.