18 February, 2008

Deer Crossing

In a flash I saw him. Out of the corner of my left eye I detected the movement; he bounded down the steep bank, descending fast, and landed right on the centerline in front of my car. I hit the brakes at the same time that he leaped again, to the opposite shoulder of the rural road, where he dropped downhill and out of sight. I had almost come to a complete stop; as I slowly accelerated around the next curve I came upon the herd. There were eight, maybe ten, deer standing there in a string completely across the entire road; motionless. They raised their heads in my direction and slowly stepped out of my way before vanishing into the dense tree cover along the side. I was still shaking from the close encounter with the leaping buck, but I couldn't believe my luck when I realized that I had rounded that blind curve at less than 20 miles per hour on a stretch that's posted at 45. Maybe luck had nothing to do with it.

Life is Good!

19 comments:

quiltkeemosabe said...

I know how these "encounters" upset you. But just keep going slow around those curves and enjoy the beauty of those creatures.

Mama Spark said...

Seems like maybe he was sent to warn you so you didn't hurt yourself!

Nane said...

I have had a similar experience where something startled me into slowing down...just before something really bad could happen. God uses all kinds of things as gaurdian angels I think!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Oooh that sends chills up the spine. Don't question it, but I think you must have a guardian angel..or guardian deer! Glad you're safe!

SuBee said...

That is so scary - it just makes your heart race for the next 15 minutes. I wish more people would slow down in those kinds of areas. I'm glad everyone is OK!

Shelina said...

I'm glad you and the deer survived unscathed.

MJMR said...

You were so lucky to have your "Deer angel". Enjoy the beautiful of Gods four legged creatures. They are truely beauty animals when in motion. (Glad you & the car are OK. Good seeing you yesterday.)

Ancestor Collector said...

The same thing happened to me just before Christmas coming home at night after a meeting at church, driving Hubby's car, around a bend, just a few hundred yards from home. I slammed on the brakes, thanked God that the road was dry and I wasn't going any faster, and then watched as four big deer pranced across the road. Oh my....I know how long it took your heart to slow back down! God is an amazing co-pilot, isn't He?

Salem Stitcher said...

Thank God you are okay. If that's not proof of His presence, I don't know what is!

Jeanne said...

How scary that must have been to see the herd of deer! Glad you are okay.

Unknown said...

This happened to me going 65 miles an hour in the inside lane full of traffic. I caught him coming out of the corner of my eye but couldn't do a thing. Thankfully he hit the bumper and side fender, I couldn't stop, He went a running. This was close to DC at dusk when I was going to quilt guild. Luckly the car still ran OK and I was able to get down there and home. Probably did about $3,000. worth of damage but insurance paid. It happens so often around here. So glad that you are safe.

Lisa Boyer said...

Whew! That made my heart pound! Glad you're okay!!

MARCIE said...

I love the way you write. Let's call your experience "The Gift of the Deer". Did you ever read that book? I am so glad you didn't hit the herd!

Quilting Memories said...

What an amazing encounter, glad you and the deer are all ok, you take care on those roads. We never know what will be next in our lives, do we?God looks after all his creatures great and small.Take care, hope to see everyone briefly around Easter. Should be home maybe 3-4 days, but at least will get to see our kids and Grand kids. I already miss them!!

meggie said...

A salutory tale! What a magnificent photo!

Quiltdivajulie said...

As I was driving home last night,the setting sun caught the white steeple of a church near our house and literally set it aglow. I'd been in a horrible mood moat of the day but those feelings vanished quickly as the overwhelming sense of gratitude and peace generated by that beautiful sight swept over me. God and His amazing grace work in unexpected and wonderful ways.

Glad you're okay!

julieQ said...

Lovely creature... We have met first hand, jumping in front of our truck! The truck had several hundred dollars of damage, but I felt so bad for the deer. Even though he got up and ran right off...poor baby! We are in their element, not they in ours!

*karendianne. said...

Whew. I'm so thankful all Gods creatures walked away. Goodness.

On the wings of angels Love, *karendianne.

Tanya said...

That is one of the truest sentences one can utter in our everyday life. I wish more people realized it. We see miracles everyday and cross them off as coincidence.