Archives

Links to previous Turning Points articles
can be found here
Turning Points
Life is a journey. It has a beginning and it has an end. All along its path are events, places
and people who are turning points. Here, I relate some of these turning points in my own
journey. Hopefully, the stories will illuminate and maybe entertain some of those who care
enough to read.
The Accident

October 20, 2006
One day while driving to school in heavy traffic
along Eastern Parkway, I shifted from the middle
lane over to the right and suddenly found myself
upon a Ford Falcon parked in the driving lane.
Unable to brake soon enough, I rear ended the
Falcon, totally destroying my car, and the rear end of theirs. The passengers of the other car had
been standing outside on the sidewalk. Apparently the car had stalled and they were waiting for
help to arrive so fortunately no one was hurt.

It was my first car, my first accident, and I was completely out of sorts. I managed with Hugh Louis’
help to get the car towed home where it sat for several weeks before I realized I wasn’t going to be
able to fix it and I sold it for junk. I had no insurance. At that time it was not mandatory in Kentucky,
although failure to demonstrate financial ability to cover liability meant your license would be
suspended for a year. Trying to save money every possible way was pushed a little too far by me
and as a result, I lost my car and my license too.

The worst part was the worry. You see, I just knew the people in the other car were going to sue
me. I was too naive to realize that their own insurance company would take care of their expenses
and that not having anything, there was no point in anyone suing me anyway. So I worried and
worried. Every phone call was going to be a lawyer telling me I was being sued. Even the
schoolmate who was carpooling with me that day was hounding me to pay for his glasses that
were broken in the accident.

My dad evidently had no idea how badly depressed and anxious I was or he surely would have
told me to quit worrying; just a few comments could have relieved my deep concern. So it was
months before my anxiety subsided and I could hear the phone ring without jumping out of my
shoes.

Having no car meant that I was back to the city busses for transportation to and from school. This
was terribly inconvenient, what with the transfers, hauling books, bad weather and the irregular
schedules, etc.

Finally, after the year elapsed, I was able to get my license renewed and dip into my sacred
college funds to buy another car. It was a 1955 Chevrolet and how sweet it was to be back on
wheels again.
___________________________________________________
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who
are the called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28 KJV)
Copyright © 2005
leoshoemaker.com
leoshoemaker.com
Albums, commentary, inspiration and information
How I found a new life
by Leo Shoemaker