On a dark, cold, January morning,
our wee family leaves Dundrod
to travel along country roads
to school, university and work.
A very ordinary, dull, routine Friday
stretches out before us.

As we journey through the darkness
the dreariness of our Friday
is shattered
when a car suddenly appears around a corner,
travelling at speed,
headlights coming straight for us.
The car swerves sharply in front of us.
I hear a crash
as we collide.

A moment later
I sit stunned,
watching an air bag deflate slowly
before my eyes.
All is silent and still in the car.
until my husband calls out,
“Is everyone okay?”
and we all suddenly spring to life.

Both cars are written off
and yet all of us manage
to walk away from the crash.
Miraculously
the only apparent injuries
are my husband’s two broken fingers.

For the rest of the day
I find myself
in a state of constant prayer,
giving thanks to friends in high places
for keeping our wee family
safe and sound.

On Monday morning
I return to work
grinning from ear to ear,
delighted simply to be here
and convinced now,
more than ever,
that I have friends in high places
and that I am truly blessed.

© Claire Murray, 9th January 2015