Friday I didn’t paint.  Instead I handled a bunch of errands and worked on music for a wedding.  It was hot.  I was worn out from the week.  We went to the YMCA where Ashley wrote the last blog post from my phone.  We swung by the library and finally up Broadway towards our house.

.2 miles from my house is a stoplight at Broadway and Gill.  I pass it all the time.  While off in space and in the zone,  .2 mile from one’s house can feel like the autopilot kicks in.  If I’m honest, I looked away at my phone for a second too.

The light was red this time.  I hit the brakes, too late, and knocked a Mercedes Benz out of her lane and into a Toyota Tundra sitting at the light.  The Benz came to rest by the park bench at the bus stop.  I got out and ran across Broadway about seven times like a maniac.  No airbags, nobody hurt.  Addair was still asleep.

It could have been really bad.  The lady in the car was gracious, the man in the truck was sorry.  Doing so much damage and having Ashley and Addair with me had me pretty shaken up.  Things are replaceable and just things, the lady I hit said that.  I keep saying that to myself.  I still feel guilt for what could have and almost did happen.

It’s a sweet thing when a child learns to grab a shoulder or a collar when you hold them.  It’s almost like a hug, the best a baby can do.  I walked Addair around the house and was glad he didn’t know I’d been a dumb dad.  He held my shoulder and fussed that I squeezed him too tight.  I took it as forgiveness.  Listening very closely to a quiet child is a peaceful place.

Tomorrow I’ve got to make some last strides on my paint job two doors down.  We always walk, and my truck doesn’t turn left.  Then I’ll call my insurance agent when he opens.  I had my last wreck (at fault) in 1999 so I hope they don’t take it too hard.  In addition to wrecking three vehicles, I got a ticket for disregarding a red light.  My first ticket since 2005.  See, I’m not a bad driver.  But this is bad.  Yet not very bad at all.