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7/29/09

I almost died... the longest minutes of my life

“Every soul shall have taste of death; In the end to Us shall ye be brought back" [Surah Al-'Ankabut, 29:57]


I've never been a statistic. Never had any major injuries,broken bones or stitches. So far, one can say that I've had an uneventful life without emergency scares or life threatening issues. All that was going to change 2 days ago on Monday July 27th 2009. It was supposed to be a normal day, I woke up, prayed, got dressed and my husband left while I was in the bathroom putting my hijab on. He walked in, gave me a kiss and said :" have a good day, I love you, I will call you later", which was our morning routine. I had an appointment at 9:00am and it was 8h30am. I took my purse, put on my heels and ran off to the parking lot. I looked at the clock on the dashboard and it read 8H35. I put the address on the GPS and it couldn't find the street, I then thought I was going to be late for sure, I kept spelling the street differently and realized I needed to put a hyphen on it and the GPS finally found it. At that point,my husband called me to tell me that there was traffic on Bethesda avenue & Bradley Boulevard, apparently a van was found in the middle of the road burnt with the driver inside and the cops and firefighters blocked the street. He wanted to let me know beforehand so I could take an alternate route if needed. I hung up and looked at the clock again, it was 8H40am and the GPS indicated an arrival time of 8H53am, I was happy, I was not going to be late to my appointment. I said "Bismillah Al Malik" ( In the name of God, the King), turned the car on and drove off. At 8h45 am, my cellphone rang again, I thought of ignoring it but looked at the caller id and saw it was my husband calling again, but the phone was on the passenger's eat and I couldn't reach it. For a quick second, I debated whether to pick up or just call him back later but I had spoke to him 5 minutes earlier and assumed that he was calling back to tell me something pertaining to my appointment. So, I decided to pick up, leaned down but couldn't reach it, so I leaned further and in that quick second, in that insignificant detail,the course of my day was changed. The car swerved to the right, hit the curb and flipped over. All I remember is seeing a brown light surrounding the car,then I heard screeching, felt the car in the air and next thing I know, it was upside down, on the roof. The 2 front airbags instantly popped and I could smell gasoline, smoke and heat mixed in the air. I knew I had to think fast, I unbuckled my seat belt and tried opening the door but was not able to. I tried again, and again, but the door was blocked. At that moment, I looked for my phone to call for help but the phone was nowhere to be seen since everything was upside down and smashed in the car. Smoke filled the air and I couldn't see or know what was going to happen. At that point, I felt helpless and gave up. I realized that I was going to die and all the thoughts that were running in my head were: I am 7 months pregnant and I am going to die on a random road, in my car, in my 20's. Did I pray this morning? Yes I prayed, did I know it was my last prayer? No, but I can't change it now, so I will just sit and wait for the angel of death to take my soul. I started looking at the window, terrified, thinking that the angel would appear at that window at any second to take my soul. I don't know why or how I came to that thought, but I really thought the angel would show up at the window and I laid there staring at the window waiting in fear. I wondered how they were going to break the news of my death to my family, husband and friends. I saw their faces, I wondered what they would think. I wondered what would happen to me.... I laid there and I wondered, I wondered......I heard people running and screaming towards my car. Couldn't hear all they were saying, but I heard them say: " we need to get her out, she needs to get out before the car explodes". They tried opening the doors, but couldn't, I could see them panic from where I was, I could see fear in their eyes and that made me even more scared. They were trying to save me but couldn't open the doors, some of them jumped on the car. I felt like I was gonna die right there as the car was going to explode and the Samaritans outside were helpless. I don't know how or when, but they managed to push me out from the roof, they were about 4 and did not give up, they pushed me out to safety, and Ifell on the road. They were strangers, and they saved my life. I don't know their names, couldn't recognize their faces, but they were at the right place at the right time and they did what they thought was right, they risked their lives and were not scared to get me out of a smoking car. Some of them were Hispanic, some of them were Black, some of them were White, they were all wearing a blue uniform of the gas station they were working at. They were strangers, and they saved me. They put me on the other side of the road and a white young man asked me to get in his car to wait for the EMS people, he did not know me, but he offered me his car and cellphone to call my husband. As I sat there and wept, several people slowed down their cars to see what happened, some even parked and came out to satisfy their curiosity. Some were pointing their finger at me, I guess explaining that I was the one driving the car.In less than 5 minutes, the EMS, firefighters and cops arrived at the scene. I was put on a stretcher and transported in the ambulance. They started taking my vitals and I told them I was pregnant. I could see one of the cops taking pictures of the car on the other side. The paramedics called Suburban Hospital and asked them if they could bring me there, but Suburban declined to take me coz I was pregnant and they did not have an Obstetrics unit. They decided to take me to Sibley Hospital then, which was kinda ironic coz I'm supposed to deliver at Sibley. When we arrived at Sibley,I was admitted and checked by 2 ER doctors. then transferred to the Labor and Delivery unit where they monitored the baby on the fetal monitor for 4 hours. I was then transferred to the Sonogram department where an ultrasound was performed and the baby was jumping and moving as if this was the happiest day of her life. They measured my amniotic fluid and transferred me back to L&D for more monitoring. I was later on cleared and discharged with minor injuries on my knee, bruises all over but overall in great shape. I got home, did my wudu and prayed to the God who saved my life. I couldn't believe I was home and praying. I am still sored and my neck and back are hurting but I can't believe I survived this accident. I keep playing it over and over in my head, and it feels like a movie, it doesn't feel real.... People keep telling me that I was lucky, but I know that it wasn't luck,I wasn't supposed to die on July 27th, it wasn't written. Allah gave me a second chance that day. He could've taken my life on that day but He chose not to. He chose to spare me. Maybe He was giving me a warning.I lived the longest minutes of my life, momentarily, my world came to a stand still. It made me realize how fragile this life is and how it could end in a quick second. It made me realize how I needed to prepare for the hereafter. What, if it was my time to die on that day? Was I ready to die? Are you ready to die today? It's never too late, we still have time to repent and return to Him before the Angel of death takes our soul coz then, it will be too late....


And this life of the world is only amusement and play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter, that is the life indeed (the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew. [Surah al-'Ankabut, 29: 64].


O Lord, arouse me to be thankful for Your bounty which You have bestowed on me and my parents, and to do good that shall please You, and admit me by Your mercy, among Your righteous servants.
Surah Naml, v.19


49 comments:

.::Tuttie::. said...

subhanAllah. I am speechless.

Hijabi Apprentice said...

Subhanallah! I'm so glad you and your little one are okay.

Skye said...

Subhanallah sis what a eye opener. Im so happy u and ur baby ok alhamdulillah.tc care sis salaamz

HF said...

Subhana'allah!!!!! Girl, I think u know now WHY its unsafe to use the cell while driving! People should atleast park their cars somewhere and talk. Or use a bluetooth. I was in shock when i read the part "it flipped over" Just be careful next time and Alhamdulilah a million times that you and ur baby are safe. If u wish u should ask ur hubby to drop you places until you are well outta this shock and feel more confident to take on the road again.~Hugs~

Fatou Thioune said...

assalamu alaykum oh my God you are safe now. what an eye opener. alhamdoulilah you are safe. alhamdoulilah

Ange said...

OMG. thats all i can say. OMG.

Queen said...

Oh sis thank Allah you are okay, you made me cry, you are so right we dont know when our time is gonna be up, death scares me so much. I pray that we will all learn something from your terrible ordeal. It is a lesson for me as well, when i drive like a maniac after battles with the inlaws, so many times ive driven like a mad woman,but inshallah i will take this lesson from you and remember.

ohyestheydid! said...

assalamualaikum..thank god you're ok.

Ms.Unique said...

Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah that U and ur baby r safe .... no matter how much we thank Allah for his favors on us it's just nothing .... May Allah protect U and cure ur pains asap Ameen ....

Amatullaah said...

SubhanAllah,Alhmdulliah you and your baby survived, You guys are in my dua.

Candice said...

Thank God you're OK... Wow, al7amdulilah...

Jamaican Hijabi said...

Wow, Alhamdullilah you and your baby are ok, Allah is Most merciful, Alhamdullilah.

Diali said...

Subhanallah!! I am so glad you and the baby are fine!! Alhamdoulilah for that and all praise to Allah.
I'll call you later inchallah

Maryam said...

wow...
Alhamdulillah and SubhanAllah.
I so speechless right now.

Mina said...

Subahallah sis, Alhamdulilah you and baby are ok, wow that was a colse one...and your car looks so messed up, im juz glad your ok walahi and you werent hurt too badly, your always in my duaa sis:)


Stay safe.

Mina said...

And don't ever pick up the phone while your driving its too dangerous.

Yasemin said...

SubhanAllah and thank God you are okay! I was crying, this was such a beautiful reminder. I know it must have been agonizing during those 4 hours hooked up, I had a fender bender 2 weeks before Youssef was born....

The great thing was mom and Belal bringing me food, but I can't imagine after a major accident like this. You will be in my thoughts sweetie, and alhamdulillah, To Allah we come from and To Him We Return. Lots of love~

Sweet Escape said...

Alhamdulillah you and your baby are ok. This brought tears to my eyes. Picturing you waiting for death and trying to remember if you prayed before you left and thinking of your family and unborn baby. Be careful with that phone sister. Take care.

nida said...

Alhamdolillah you and your baby - both are safe!!! All thanks to Allah subhanu wa ta'ala.

It must have been extremely scary - I can imagine. I have never had an accident that severe, but even the little ones frightened me so much. InshaAllah it made us reflect, and realize how little time we have, and how constantly we should be preparing for death - because it CAN come any time!

malizea said...

Soubhanallah alhamdoulillah you are safe AL HAMDOULILAH!!

ModestJustice said...

Subhan'Allah sister!
But alhamdulillah you and your baby are safe!
Now I know why it really isn't safe to talk while driving but it wasn't your fault. Alhamdulillah you're safe! May Allah swt protect all of us
Ameen

muslimahh said...

Alhamdulilah you and the baby are safe!!

Umm Omar said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us and for reminding us of death. Alhamdullillah you and the baby are safe. Alhamdullillah.

Lazeena Umm Yusuf said...

SubhanAllah, walhamdulillah, wAllahu akbar! Thankfully you're okay and your baby too! May this be a lesson to all of us, it sure was one to me! And may Allah guide those kind-hearted people who helped you to the deen of Islam and accept the good from them, ameen!

Ranya said...

Alhamdulilah 3ala salamtek, that must've been sooo scary :(

Anonymous said...

Assalamu Aliakum. Thank God that you and the baby are ok. May Allah keep you safe.

NoR said...

Alhamdulillah ! tis is miracle..glad and baby are OK.

Qamar said...

Subhanallah

Noblese said...

Thanks God all is ok with you and the baby. You had an angel watching over you.

gazelledusahara said...

Alhamdulilah! I am so happy that you and the baby are ok.

It's an amazing story you will have to tell her. Truly nothing happens that God does not will. I'A the soreness will go away soon.

Moon said...

Assalaamu-Alaikum dear Sis,
Subhanallah, alhamdolillah For another day to live, sometimes Allah Taala just sends us strong reminders in strange ways!
Glad to hear you and your baby are well
Ma'Salaam

Anonymous said...

WHAT?Alhamdulilah,Alhamdulilah,Alhamdulilah!Oh,I thought to myself this will be a post in style of Hijabee about how life is precious.But this,no way would have never ever expected.And your bay girl,no way,I don't want to think about it.Please take some good,good rest,you and your baby need it!
I'm so,so,so glad you're ok.I love you so much.Really!

Unknown said...

Truly a wake-up call though. I am so glad that you and your precious little one are okay. Perhaps, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala wanted you to advise us about how to be safe. May God bless you and protect you and all of us from trials and tribulations in ourselves, in our wealth, and our families. Ameen.

Sarah said...

Salam,

I hope you will never do anything stupid as trying to reach for a phone (that you can't reach in the first place), let alone talking over it while driving. Imagine if you already have grown kids in the backseat, they probably wouldn't have survived the brunt as easily as you did. And it was a good thing you didn't hit any other vehicle or passerby amidst it all. It's not just you who nearly died.

Sacrifice4Allah said...

As Salaamu 'alaikum dear sister,

SubhanaAllah that was scary to read, i can't imagine how it must have been for you! Alhamdulilah you and your baby are just fine. May Allah protect you and your family from harm.Ameen! Please be careful!!!!!!!

Ayanna said...

Alhumdulillah, you and the baby are safe.

Hijabee said...

Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. May Allah protect you and your families.

Happy Muslim Mama said...

Subhan'Allah, that's all that comes to mind. Thank Allah that both you and the little one are okay

Yasmin (Umm Zayd) said...

Alhamdulillah you are okay. I was just thinking about you a few days ago before I got back wondering if you were okay and then read this. SubhanAllah. Im just glad you and the baby are okay. Talk to you soon.

Anonymous said...

Salaams,

Glad to know you and your baby are OK.

Allah(SWT)'s Protection + Nissan Engineering= Alhamdulliah

-Doctor Saab

Hijabee said...

Um Salihah,indeed. Thank you!

Yasmin, How are you? Hope everything is fine with you& the little one. Talk to you later.

Yasmeen said...

Subhanallah Sister! Indeed Allah has given you a second chance.I'm so glad the baby is ok,Alhamdulillah.Take care.hugs.

Hijabee said...

Yasmeen,
Yes indeed. Thank you for your comment :) Alhamdulilah, everything is fine now.

*claychick* said...

subhana allah.
Very emotional and alhamdulilah you and your baby is fine.

This is a great reminder!!!

ramadan mubarak
be carefull xxx

Anonymous said...

ASA, Sister this my first time reading your blog subhannallah, I have tears in my eyes as I read each word I'm feeling your eye opening intense words. Alhumduililah you and your baby are doing well, and yes we never know when it our time, so we all need to be prepared. Ramadan Mubarak!

Fatoush

UmmHadiqah said...

As-salaamu 'Alaikum wa-Rahmatu Allahi wa Barakatuh ukhti,

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. Subhana'Allah, the tears welled up in my eyes. Al7Amdulillah, may you be rewarded and be kept in the best of health and imaan.

Sis...I hope this comes out right: you handled that like a Muslimah Champion.

Rub the belly for me.

Hijabee said...

Thank you again for your duas and thoughts. May Allah protect you all. Ramadan Mubarak :)

Garage sale said...

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. Alhamdulillah you and your baby are fine. I can't even begin to imagine what that experience was like. What a poignant reminder for us all.

Thank you so much for sharing. I was sitting her feeling lazy and about to pray just before the prayer time expired. Your words really made it hit home that the next 5 minutes or day is not promised to any of us.

I have to go make up for my laziness.

Anonymous said...

Hello. Great job. I did not expect this on a Wednesday. This is a great story. Thanks!