It’s been nine days since that fateful day in October when I had, what I can only describe as, my Near Death Experience.
The day started out like any normal day. A day packed with the expectation of any other day as I prepared to head to Dublin to do a live TV3 program for Goatsbridge Trout on The 7 O’Clock Show.
The last conversation I remember having in my home town was with my local grocer’s daughters as I collected some dry cleaning. We discussed the funeral of a friend James McHale, an American who facing death, did not want a traditional ceremony but something meaningful to his life, times and beliefs. It was the loveliest funeral at Woodbrook Natural Burial Ground in County Wexford. James received a glorious send-off with no priestly palaver – just a harmonica, a bodhrán and the soughing of the wind in the trees.
He was a writer and wrote the following which I will never forget:
I love my friends neither with my heart nor with my mind.
Just in case…
Heart might stop.
Mind can forget.
I love them with my soul….
As I left the shop I told the girls that if I died I would like to be remembered just as James was remembered; they were to have a big party, quote poetry and laugh.
Little did I think two hours later as I drove up the M7 motorway, my life almost changed forever. I hit a car from behind that had experienced engine failure and had slowed down suddenly. I had cruise control on and for some reason I did not react fast enough. The car went hurdling into the air, tumbled three times before coming to a standstill.
What did I think about? How did I feel?
I remember telling myself to go with the flow, not to fight it. I felt an inner peace, calmness. Once the car stopped I knew I was still alive but I waited for something to crash into my car as I thought I had landed on the opposite side of the motorway.
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and we will call it fate. I was fated to live.
Beyond that time that innate fear of death we all seem to be born with just vanished. I really believe fear doesn’t stop death but it will stop life. Perhaps all of life is a near death experience.
As I was stretchered away I hurriedly passed the bag of trout goodies I was briging to the TV station for tastings to the lovely young nurse who was by my side as the paramedics removed me from the car. I then made her promise to use trout on her wedding menu early next year in Wexford .
I smiled to myself and thought of an expression I once heard … “Only the good die young”
I guess my job is not done.
Eat Trout
Photo credit: Aquarium I via photopin (license)
Glad to hear you are ok..Only just read your blog now..1/11/2015.
Thanks a million Enda for taking the time to write a comment . People are so good . All well now so getting on with the business in hand with renewed energy .Chat soon
So happy to hear you’re ok, Mag. As my father always said about driving, “you can’t improve the other man”, and in our life on the road for the seafood business, you meet many “other men”. It’s the split second suddenness of your world literally turning upside down that is most memorable. It’s many years since I had a bad smash but I can remember that immediate feeling of calmness and lack of panic too.
Take it easy out there and keep those around you close for a little while – I’d say they are more shocked than you!
I’m sure however that the medical and ambulance staff weren’t prepared for the real shock – meeting the best saleswoman in Ireland!
Hi Richie
Thanks a million for your encouragement and support . You are one of the good guys in this industry so much appreciated .