Teen Takes Ten Years Off Mother’s Life

Sep
27


Whenever my kids are out in the car, I watch the phone, paying attention. I’ll pick up the phone even if it’s a strange number because one time, 48 hours after he got his drivers license, Ross wrecked my car and he called from a house down the road.

Yesterday morning, at I-don’t-know-o’clock, I got another one of those phone calls you never want to get. Weston had been in a car accident. With Morgan in the car, too.

She was perfectly okay. That’s Morgan, in the blue shirt, standing in front of the ambulance.

That’s Weston, in the ambulance, not perfectly okay.

And yes, I have the presence of mind to grab a camera as I frantically rush out the door because I’m (unfortunately) an experienced mother of multiple teen car accidents. In this case, the owner of the vehicle is Weston’s father, and photographs of the scene is what I would want if I were a thousand miles away. I took a number of photographs of the scene that I won’t show here. Weston, in particular, was interested in what he looked like, but I promised him I wouldn’t post those. He just wanted to see, so I took pictures of him at various points and showed them to him on the LCD screen on my camera.

He looked pretty bad.

He was meeting his girlfriend about 7 miles from our house. Morgan was going to a friend’s house. Weston’s girlfriend’s mother was dropping off her daughter to meet Weston and she was going to take Morgan on back to town with her for Morgan’s planned day with friends she would meet up with there. Weston was late, and they saw an ambulance go by, and they got concerned and followed it. Meanwhile, Morgan had climbed out of the wrecked car, followed by Weston (who was able to get out of the car on his own, climbing out on Morgan’s side). Weston was bleeding from multiple lacerations on his hands, arms, and face from the shattered driver’s side window. (Later, he even found glass in his shoes.) Morgan ran down the road till she found a house where she could call 911 and call me. She was wonderful.

Weston hit gravel on the road and lost control of the car. He tried, but he couldn’t get control of it again and ended up hitting a tree.

At the hospital, he asked me if his beautiful face was ruined. I was glad he was able to keep his sense of humor. (Of course, his face is beautiful, but he was just kidding.) His beautiful face is just fine. He looked a lot better after they washed off the horror movie blood that made things look much worse than they were. He had cuts all over, but the only cut that required stitches was above his eye. His girlfriend held his hand while he had it stitched. His girlfriend’s mother and two of the other mothers from their group of friends came to the hospital. I love small towns and good kids and their mothers.

His beautiful face and his beautiful body are okay. He and Morgan walked away, and that is the only good car accident there is. I still have three kids.

Weston’s car….. Not so much. It’s totalled.

As I told the girlfriend’s mother….. “We’re dating again!”





Comments

  1. Nancy in Iowa says:

    OMG, that kind of phone call is heart-stopping. You’ve got great kids and I know they kept their cool. I’m so happy Morgan is still perfect and Weston has just a very few character scrapes. Your instinct was right to grab the camera.

  2. lizzie says:

    So glad that Morgan and Weston were not badly hurt! Kid’s do take ten years off your life, I know mine have, but we would not trade them for anything. So very glad everyone is OK!

    GMA2two lizzie

  3. joanne says:

    What a relief! I lost a few years just reading about it…thank God they are both o.k. You, that’s a different story heh? take care.

  4. cricketjett says:

    Been there, done that. If you are a parent with driving teenagers and haven’t consider yourself very, very lucky. Thank goodness Morgan and Weston are fine, excluding sitches of course. Gives you gray hairs, doesn’t it Suzanne? Take care of yourself and your family.

  5. Courtney says:

    I was lucky, the only time I crashed the car as a teenager my parents were both in it. Just went into the ditch, no trees, no head-on crash when we drifted into the other lane (it was icy), no going over the side of the cliffs all along that road. Dad drove the rest of the trip.

  6. Vicki says:

    Glad they weren’t hurt worse. Driving is one of the hardest parts of being the mother of a teenager. All my kids have wrecked cars; one daughter totalled 2 cars in 8 months, one on the way to her grandmother’s funeral. Definitely an adventure.

  7. bonita says:

    Thank goodness they’re both okay. Weston’s GF’s mom sure has some instincts, tho. And kudos to Morgan doing what needed to be done. {{gentle hugs}} to Weston.

  8. Blessings says:

    Suzanne~~Sending Prayers and Hugs to You the Momma!
    “He and Morgan walked away, and that is the only good car accident there is. I still have three kids” AMEN
    ~~HUGS~~
    from Michigan

  9. Snapper says:

    Oh dear…I’m so glad that everyone is okay, aside from some soreness and stiching.

  10. Rose H says:

    Sorry about the accident but relieved to here that the precious ones are OKAY. I’m sure your heart must have missed a beat or two – hope you’re ALL feeling a little less shook-up.
    Hugs for all!
    :hug: Rose

  11. glenda says:

    Somehow we get them raised but it isn’t easy! I can’t tell you how many times I walked the floor looking out the windows for headlights before creeping back to bed so our son wouldn’t know I was waiting up for him! His only wreck was on loose gravel too and he slid into a neighbor’s rock fence….he wasn’t hurt but the car was.

    I am so glad it was just the car and that he wasn’t badly hurt. That girl of yours is pretty special….she didn’t loose her cool.

  12. Sue Nugent says:

    :snuggle: Thank God they were not hurt worse.Sorry about Weston’s car. I hit black ice about 2004 or 05, and thankfully my car was still drivable. I duct taped the bumper back together and drove it for 6 more months before I found my present truck. I,too, was one of the lucky ones.It could have been really bad.

  13. stefinity says:

    I have a 17 year old son who is a senior in high school, and that is the nightmare of nightmares. Every time I hear a siren I panic thinking he has wrecked. I’m so glad that Weston and Morgan are ok… guardian angels are watching over the McMinn kids!

  14. Karen Patrick says:

    I only got that phone call once when my son was a teenager. Thank God I saw him before I saw the car! My brand new car (hadn’t had it long enough to even get plates for it) was totaled. But he walked away without a scratch. That was the last small car I bought. After that they were tanks!

  15. lauren says:

    Oh my gosh, how scarey!! Thank God everyone was ok. Yep so not ready for my kids to drive!!!!!

  16. greensborodailyphoto says:

    What an emotional roller coaster. So glad they knew to call you so that you could hear their voices and hear things firsthand. Yes, small towns are beautiful. Yes, you are lucky. Teen driving is inevitable; however, heart stopping at times. Love the fact that all are OK.

    Loved the comment, “We’re dating again.” So true……………

    Loved the convoluted way Morgan was going to get from point a to point b.

    love, love, love!

  17. Jill Garofano says:

    OMG, you gave me heartache too!! at first I didnt think it was going to be one of your kids, but wow….so glad they are ok. That is my biggest fear also….getting the dreaded phone call about your kid. My son is almost 18 so a teenage driver so I know your pain.

    Jill in NY

  18. Diane says:

    So glad they are ok. I have a 16 year old dd who is learning how to drive. I cring every time her and her dad go out for a lesson. On one hand I am excited for her on the other I am scared to death. Cars can be replaced kids cant be replaced. So all is well that they were not hurt very badly.

  19. Heidi says:

    Oh my!! I’m so glad they are OK.

  20. Johanna says:

    Scary. I expect they’ll both be sore today. Take good care of them!

  21. Becky says:

    Sorry about the car.
    But I’m glad they both walked away!

  22. SandyCWV says:

    Very glad that the kids are okay and that you survived the drama. Looks to me like that tree was left to grow in a good place. Might have been an abrupt stop, but… Life is good!

  23. Carmen C. says:

    Thank God they were both OK!!!! Cars can be replaced:)

  24. Mary Kellogg says:

    I can truly relate to this post.

    My son had SO MANY small accidents, he started dealing directly with the insurance adjusters himself, keeping me out of the loop. Until one day, the adjuster called me at work and needed more information about a minor accident. I almost fell over.

    All my son’s accidents were minor, until the day he hit the GAS instead of the brake when we were driving into our garage. Needless to say, he took out some metal shelves, which were holding half full paint cans (landed on hood of car) and the wall with the door going into the laundry room. Dryer survived, drywall and door frame did not.

    Insurance folks politely asked me to find another insurance carrier after that.

    Son became an over-the-road trucker! Yikes!

  25. Kim Gibson says:

    So so glad they are both okay. How very scary…. I would have started shaking when no one could see me and not sure when I would stop. Cars can be replaced, but not kids, so glad it is all okay. You too? Deep breath, good. Life goes on, I guess. Parenting is not for the faint of heart!

  26. twiggityNDgoats says:

    What a horrible phone call to get. I’m so happy they’re both okay.

  27. northcountrygirl says:

    Thank you, God, they are both okay!!!! Oh my, I saw the ambulance picture and right away I thought, “Oh no!” Are you okay, Mom? I can only imagine what must have went through your mind when you got the call. I’m so very glad both Weston and Morgan are okay.

  28. Carol Langille says:

    Thank God, thank God and thank God again. So glad your babies are okay….bad about the car but it’s just metal and rubber, not flesh and blood.

  29. CindyP says:

    :hug: Thank goodness they’re both OK! A little heart-stopping reminder…accidents happen.

    But poor Morgan..being the youngest and coming into driving after the 2 brothers and their driving records..will she ever get her driver’s license?!?!?!

    This is why I was always relegated to “beater cars”…I totalled my mom’s car just practicing driving, before driver’s ed was over.

  30. Connie says:

    Thank God they’re OK! Cars can be replaced, kids can’t! They’re both very lucky and even if you did age 10 years, you’re still young Suzanne 🙂

  31. ellen mcbryde says:

    Scary Moment Number 23985749?
    I am glad that your kids are well and wish them a speedy recovery!

  32. hershiesgirl says:

    Glad your kids are ok. That’s **all** that matters. 🙂

  33. nikki says:

    Nothing is more terrifying than a situation like this one. I am so glad that the kiddos are okay!

  34. joycee says:

    Thank God the kids weren’t hurt seriously. Always on pins and needles when you have teenagers. Our girls are grown, but here we go again with Grandsons! Take your vitamins Suzanne…

  35. wvhomecanner says:

    Those calls are definitely among the worst we have to answer. Had them with both of my kids. I was never lucky enough to have one of THEM making the call. I am glad that they were in a big hulking vehicle – more protection in an accident. The one good thing after being IN an accident like this is that it usually sticks in the subconscious – once you know what CAN happen, you don’t forget.

    And for all of us who will be experiencing Fall and falling leaves – wet leaves carpeting the road is pretty much the same as black ice! :bugeyed:

  36. Robyn says:

    Scary, scary!! Glad your kids are ok.

  37. prayingpup says:

    I’m so glad to hear the kids are okay. What a scare! I raised 4 (3 of them teenagers at the same time) and I always held my breath when the phone rang.
    We can only love them, and then love them some more, and then pray for them!

  38. Charlene says:

    So glad they are both okay, Suzanne. Now, you know you missed dating. 🙂

  39. Angela P says:

    :heart: So glad they are o.k! Gosh Suzanne you seem so calm. Id still be shaking, maybe you are. Our roads are like that too. The lip of the pavement to the gravel doesnt seem like much but clearly it is. Our friends daughter, with her sister in the car, had an accident just like that, she flipped the car three times. Both girls walked away from the accident. Our main roads have huge ruts from rain wash out, due to state cut backs, they wont be filled. Scary situation for teen drivers and All drivers. So does this mean your back to chauffering???
    The more I hear about your town, the more I want to move there. Can I please be adopted????? :fairy:

  40. KentuckyFarmGirl says:

    So glad they are okay! Mine are still 4 and 6 but they’ll be driving before I know and it already scares me!

  41. DragonLady says:

    Thank goodness they are both okay and I do hope that he SLOWS DOWN!!!

  42. Tina says:

    My goodness what a day for all of you! You are truly blessed, Suzanne. When the dust settles after an incident like this, sometimes it occurs to us–it could have been much worse, but it wasn’t. Therein lies the grace of God.
    Two of three of my kids have wrecked cars and scooters, hit deer and lost control on wet roads….and have walked away with minor or no injuries at all. Whew!
    Needless to say, some days I can FEEL the grey hair sprouting.

  43. IowaCowgirl says:

    I’ve been there with Glenda and Cricketjett, and now you too Suzanne! The teenage-driving thing drives me crazy too…

    Thank God all are OK.

  44. Gayle says:

    I’m so glad to read that they will both be fine! :hug: To you and your family. Hope Weston heals quickly! The Lord definitely had them both in his hands.

  45. Beth says:

    HAppy to hear that Morgan and Weston are fine. And you Mom…how many years did that take from you? :hug:

  46. Leanna says:

    More and more I’m surprised our parents ever let us drive as teenagers! Glad your kiddos are all fine, with humor intact!

  47. Melissa Marsh says:

    Oh Suzanne, my heart stopped while I was reading this. So, so thankful your children are ok.

  48. Melinda says:

    I am so glad neither of them were hurt badly. The car can be replaced at some point.
    I think that is every mother’s nightmare. I know it is mine. But the happy ending is they are both safe and his lacerations will heal.

  49. ulli says:

    How terrifying for you, Suzanne! I’m so glad the kids are okay. Praise God!

  50. Merlin says:

    So glad your kids are ok!!!! :hug:

    This is one thing that I am going to worry a lot when my oldest turns 16 in less than two years and learns to drive. I already have numerous white strands in my very very dark blond hair (ok, ok, ok… it “looks” brown), and I wonder if I’ll turn white haired by then???? :hissyfit:

    Have I mentioned I am so glad your kids are ok???? :hug:

  51. Helen says:

    Jeez…I’m glad they’re ok, Suzanne!

  52. Miss Mae says:

    Oh Suzanne, how scary! I’ve been there and done that (minus the camera). So glad everyone walked away in one piece!

  53. pdelainey says:

    What a relief that he is ok.

  54. hilljackgirl says:

    So glad that they are both ok! But I had to laugh at your last sentence, just when you thought you were done dating!

  55. Jane says:

    I am so relieved that both Weston and Morgan are okay, and that Weston’s injuries were not more serious! I feel for you.. that must have been an awful jolt you got there!

    I am not trying to imply anything, just leaving this here. Do with it what you will! https://www.smartdrivingschool.org/

  56. Drucillajoy says:

    I’m glad they’re both OK…it’s a tough job being a parent ~ prayer helps (:

  57. Ruth C says:

    I’m so glad they’re okay! That gravel is bad stuff. When I was 16 I lived on a dirt road and hit some gravel. I couldn’t control it either, and ended up jumping the foot-tall embankment on the side of the road. I had my 5-year-old brother with me, too, yikes! Thank God we were both fine–the worst thing was that we couldn’t get the car off the bank and had to walk 1.5 miles home…

  58. Susan M. says:

    Those teenager car accidents are a mom’s worse nightmare! I’ve had my share of those and just hope that my sons and daughters never do that to me again !
    I am soooo glad that Weston and Morgan are okay !!!! Looks like they got some Heavenly help ! like others on here have said… Cars can be replaced. Kids cannot .

  59. Jill Shalvis says:

    Oh my God, my stomach is in my shoes for you. I’m so thankful he was okay enough to joke!!!!! Hugs to you, this mother gig is not for the faint of heart…

  60. Susan at Charm of the Carolines says:

    OMG! You held up well. I would have been mortified! Weston must have a guardian angel. How else would you explain his amazing lack of serious, serious injury?

    You, my dear, are very blessed!

    Susan

  61. Christine says:

    OMG! Thank goodness they’re okay. That looks like it was very, very scary. Hugs all around.

  62. Darlene Meader Riggs says:

    Wow. It’s a rite of passage for mamas everywhere, I guess. My son totalled TWO red vehicles in the space of two weeks by hitting TWO pine trees. We were lucky too. Thank God he’s 28 and has his own insurance now. 🙂 Grateful your beautiful boy and girl are fine.

  63. Linda Goble says:

    So glad Morgan and Weston are okay. I know how it is my son and daughter have had there share of accidents. I get scared every time I hear the fire whistle go off down town. I always end up calling my son to make sure he is alright. My son has a drinking problem so that makes me extra nervous. Angels were looking over your children that day. I hope they will always have a lookout.

  64. Grammie Earth says:

    So glad they are both fine.

  65. Gayle says:

    Happy to hear that they are basically OK. Glad the mom survived the ordeal. Mom’s jobs are never easy!
    {{{}}}

  66. lavenderblue says:

    What a scary picture of the car. So glad that they both were okay. I’ll bet you can’t quit shaking though. Maybe these back country roads that I long for are not the best things for teen drivers. My son is 17 but hasn’t gotten his permit yet. I cringe at the thought.

  67. Estella says:

    Glad your kids are ok!!!

  68. cyndi says:

    That’s it – my 11 year old son is not going to be allowed to turn 16 and if that sneaks by me, he’s not going to be able to get his license, and if that sneaks by me, then he’s not going to own a car and if that sneaks by me – well I don’t know, but i hope it doesn’t sneak by me…

    I am so glad your kids are okay. I guess it was kind of fun to date the first time around and this time you don’t have the getting to know you awkwardness – right!

  69. whaledancer says:

    Holy Moly, I can’t begin to imagine how heart-stopping that must have been. How moms get gray hair! Thank goodness Morgan called you so that you heard directly from her that they escaped without major injury. I hope they are prepared to put up with some extra hugs and kisses from mom for a few days. And I think you should pamper yourself a bit after your ordeal.

  70. Marion says:

    I am so glad they are all okay. My heart was in my throat when I saw that first photo. My Mom had an accident similar to this one a few years a go and ended up with a month long hospital stay! The car is minor compared to what it could have been. I am go glad you still have 3 beautiful children!

  71. Miss Judy says:

    We never know do we? Hug them tight.

  72. Jim in Colorado says:

    So, so glad that they are OK. He will have more respect for the road, and what can happen. It will also make him a better driver on them country roads.
    I did the same thing, except it was on a snow covered mountain road. I ended up walking 3 miles to town to get a tow. I shook so bad that I did not know if it was from the cold, or from going off the road and hitting the trees. They for sure had some one looking out for them.

  73. marymac says:

    My momma always said ” where ther’s bad luck there’s good luck” This definately is true in this case. So glad they are both ok. I’m sure it shook them up though.

  74. wkf says:

    I just threw up a little. Glad they are ok. . Hugs to all.

  75. Madeline says:

    My mother’s heart absolutely goes out to you.I KNOW how many years this has removed from your Life.So now, the kids owe you big time.I mean,More than even before!!

    You’re blessed they are okay–and that pic of the Three of them:AWESOME KIDS SUZANNE!!!!

    NOTHING even comes close to what MOTHERS ENDURE.

    BLESSINGS AND HUGS,
    MADELINE

  76. Amber says:

    :hug: So glad everyone is OK!!

  77. Bev says:

    sorry about the kidlets accident. Looks like a road that one would not want to drive very fast upon….
    Hopefully your son will remember this accident and take it into account every time he drives.
    I had a really bad accident many years ago and everytime I am confronted with :dancingmonster: a similar situation I still have “visions” of that night…..

  78. Carol says:

    Sorry to hear of the accident, but glad to know the kids are okay. Motherhood isn’t easy but well worth the effort. When I had teens their driving/accidents took the sap right out of my tree. Sometimes I wondered if I’d survive it. Hang in their Suzanne. You have really good kids. The only way the young drivers can gain on-the-road experience is by driving.

  79. Lynne says:

    That totally made my heart drop! I’m so glad everyone is okay!

  80. Barbara says:

    Glad they are ok.

  81. Sandra in SC says:

    I’m so very thankful your children are alright! I’m not looking forward to the day my son starts driving…he, of course, can’t wait.

  82. Vicki in So. CA says:

    Ohmygosh. When I saw that first picture, my heart jumped. I’m so glad to hear both Morgan and Weston are ok.

  83. LisaAJB says:

    So glad your kids are okay!!!

  84. Catherine says:

    That car is not merely wrecked, it’s really most sincerely wrecked! Thank God and all His angels Morgan and Weston made it through! And I’ve just raised my boys’ (11 and 14) driving age from 25 to 30. My brother totalled three new (parents’) cars in a row and his worst injury was a broken collarbone. So happy for you, Suzanne, that it was just the car!

  85. Luann says:

    I am so grateful it was not worse…give your children a great big hug for me…also give yourself one Suzanne, it is so hard to be a Momma!

  86. Darlene in North Ga says:

    I’ve gotten two of those “Mom, I’m ok, but….” calls. First one I was at work and she had set the house on fire. (grease fire) She was able to get it out before the VERY close fire dept was able to respond. Later that day, they responded to another fire where the house burned down. Same cause. SO I was VERY thankful!

    Second time was a car accident down in Atlanta. She was 17, it was her own car, so she wasn’t being careless. But she had only had her license for 6 weeks. Pulled out in front of a JAG! :bugeyed: Totaled both cars!

    She’s now 21 and pregnant. She and her husband came over after work to show me the ultrasound pics of the baby. 5 minutes after she left I heard sirens and worried for about an hour. After that, I figured it wasn’t them and everything was ok. l :yes:

  87. Chic says:

    OH MY Gosh! Thank heavens Weston and Morgan were ok but how scary for them and YOU. I’ve only had one of my 5 kids get into an accident and thank heavens he only got scalped a bit and was stiff and sore for a week or so. His car showed the seriousness of the accident though…had there been a passenger they probably wouldn’t have survived. Deer in the road…on a mountain highway. I still have 5 kids. I hope you’re able to sleep again….
    Maura 🙂

  88. ML says:

    So glad they are both okay. What a scare that must have been, oh my!! What a smart daughter you have. She even called you, awesome!!

  89. Liz in Wis says:

    Tears of joy, because your children are o.k.

  90. Dee Winter says:

    I can sympathize with the stitches in the eye. I saw the picture but when I went back to comment, couldn’t find it. Oh well. My son has had stitches in the right eye 3 times. twice when he was 18 mons and 5 years, then when he was 20. He leads with that eye. The last ones were in the eyelid, the others in the eyebrow. This too shall pass, no injuries that were really serious is always good.

  91. farmershae says:

    Oh Suzanne! Thank God they are both okay. :hug: It’s stories like this that make me think I will lose my mind if I have kids. I would bee in the looney bin having a breakdown just seeing that car!!! So glad they walked away. :hug:

  92. Ruthmarie says:

    Just ten years? ONLY TEN?? Kee-rikey, I felt gray hairs ka-ping on my head while reading your post … near heart seizure with the picture of the wrecked car. Nothing like children to give your feet wings and make you mildly insane opposite those precious moments of sheer delight. Thank goodness for the precious moments to strike a balance. Thank goodness they’re both in one piece with the presence of mind to check in with Mom first!

  93. Deborah R says:

    I have to admit that since I moved to WV three years ago, I’ve been a little afraid of our car going off the road and partway into a ditch, just like Weston’s accident.

    I’m very happy both your children are ok.

  94. Runningtrails says:

    I am so glad they were both ok! Sometimes I don’t know how mothers survive their kids teen years!

  95. Connie Sadowinski says:

    I’m so happy to hear that your kids are okay! We just never know what tomorrow will bring; so tell eachother you love them everyday. Things can be replaced, but people can’t.

  96. rain swazey says:

    Every mother’s fear-thoughts and prayers to you! :sheep:

  97. Melissa says:

    I’m so glad that Weston is OK. It is so much like a wreck my brother had when we were kids. His injuries sound almost identical to my brother’s injuries – there was a pesky tree involved, too. Reassure Weston he will heal up just fine – I don’t think my brother has any significant scars.

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