This past Saturday marked an interesting anniversary for me. No, not mine and Joyce’s wedding anniversary, that was back on the 16th-31 beautiful years, I might add. No, this was a different kind of anniversary.
As many of you know, I was severely injured in a horrific car wreck my junior year of college. Here’s the short version: Jeff gets run off the road on his way home one Saturday night. Jeff gets out of car to crawl for help. Jeff gets run over and drug by a pickup truck. Jeff is in hospital over 1 month. Jeff survives and learns to walk again. Cue the credits. Beautiful ending.
Like many things and situations in our lives, it’s just not that simple. Not that clean. You see, after that wreck a transformation took place. I changed. God changed me. He used other people to help change my heart. My outlook on life. HE saved me. I gave my life to Him. Again, cue the credits? Nope.
Life doesn’t work like that. We are a work in progress. I celebrate-quietly-the anniversary of my car wreck. Not to say ‘look at me and what I’ve done.” No, but, rather, to say, “look what Jesus has done for me.”
I am no one special. I have been blessed. been given the gift of life. Twice. I firmly believe that. So, I want to make the most of life by giving. By helping others, which can be done in numerous ways. Be compassionate. I have said before that I would happily go out into the road and get down on all fours(recreating my accident) and get run over again, if it would have the same positive affect on my life as it did then. No doubt.
So, there you have it. A little more insight to your friend, here. October 19, 1985. One of my favorite days of the year.
Be well,
Jeff
Moving Through Life with Jeff 
One response to “39 years…and counting”
Wow, Jeff, reading this touched me deeply. It’s amazing to see how you’ve taken something so painful and life-altering and turned it into a testament of grace and transformation.
Your journey is a powerful reminder that life’s hardest moments often bring out the strongest parts of us.
The way you talk about God’s role in your recovery, your heart, and your outlook on life is truly inspiring. It’s clear you’ve not only survived, but thrived, and you’re using
the gift of life to give back to others in such meaningful ways. The humility and compassion shine through your message are rare and beautiful.
I feel honored to know someone like you who can reflect on such a difficult time with gratitude and perspective.
Your words are a reminder to all of us about what truly matters—faith, resilience, and the power of grace.
Thank you for sharing this part of your story, and for being such a light to everyone around you.
Wishing you continued blessings and strength, my friend.
Be well,
Raymond
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