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R E B E C C A's memories ( she was 8 years old)
It still surprises me how much of that day is still in my brain from all those years ago. I was only 8 when the bus accident took place. The moments before the accident were a blur of getting chips from mom and laughing with the guys on the bus. I remember seeing snow fly up the side as we skidded onto the shoulder of the road.
I remember waking up surrounded by merchandise. I tried to crawl out only to realize that I couldn't move my head. I remember waving my hand out and calling to anyone around me. Since my knees were pinned to my chest I had nowhere to go.
Rawle came to my rescue.
He crawled back through the narrow space to get to me. In his haste to get me out, he didn't realize we were in a bus that was upside down. He began to throw his shoulder into what he thought was the roof of the bus trying to lift it off me. He was unsuccessful, My 2 friends, Del (who did his lifting with a fractured shoulder) and Rawle with a fractured rib could not seem to gain any clearance to free my body. |
Rawle told me that he was going to get Dad.
I hung there upside down there for what seemed like an eternity. When my dad crawled down to me, I remember pleading, “Daddy, please don't cut my hair! Daddy, mommy just fixed it so nice, please don't cut my long hair."
As we lay there next to each other, he laughed with the guys as they realized they were not pushing up on the roof, but the floor of the bus with over 16 tons of drive train, chassis and 2 tons of PA equipment.
In spite of the cold and needs all around, Daddy was conscious of my desire to not have my hair cut. He took the time to,work my hair out, strand by strand, section by section. from where it was pinned between the top of the seat, the ceiling (which was now the floor). He tried not to hurt me as he pulled on each strand, first a few and then more and more to free me from the maze of boxes of retail sales-cassettes, and Tee shirts. |
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We prayed and he reminded me that everything was going to be ok and he would get me out so I could go to mommy. As soon as I was free, my dad passed me to one of the choir members that was outside of the bus.They took me to the triage truck for examination and then moved me to a police car to get warm
To this day, my Dad reminds me how he found me in an "angel-sized hole" in the back of the bus, where God preserved me so I would be able to breathe. He is convinced that ministering angels surrounded me in the midst of all of the wreckage.
I was little then, but now I truly realize that God had placed angels all around that bus to protect not only me but all of us. God had a plan for each of our lives.
His plan for me has brought me to Florida to be a fourth grade teacher. I have married an amazing man of God, Michael, and we have the pleasure of serving in the worship arts ministry at our church. What many may call a disaster; only served as a reminder to me of God's power and faithfulness at work in my life. |
| POP THOUGHTS-- You know, when you are in a "tight spot," like Becky was, it is important to remember that God always has an "angel-sized hole" for all of us. Everyone involved in Becky's rescue marveled at her calm. She was in a helpless if not hopeless position upside down being crushed on every side, but she never panicked or seemed to despair. When you are feeling crushed, or abandoned don't panic. Trust God, He will send someone to get you free. Becky was an amazing little girl and now, an even more amazing woman . . . that is the promise of God for all of us, for all of our children. |
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