The pine cone incident
This week, I had an experience that reminded me that life can alter in the blink of an eye, and each day brings things to feel grateful for.
My client, Charlie, has a house on a property with several pine trees measuring as high as 50 feet. After finishing our training session, I was walking toward my car in his driveway, thinking about my next appointment, when I heard a loud BANG right behind me. Nearly jumping out of my skin, I whirled and saw an object on the ground. A pine cone had dropped from one of the trees and missed hitting me by inches.
This was no mere pine cone, however. It resembled a hand grenade, weighed at least a pound, and was about six inches long. Coupled with its density and four-story drop, it became a mini-missile. Had it hit my head, it would have, at the very least, caused a significant scalp laceration requiring stitches along with a concussion and could have easily cracked the top of my skull. I learned later this was a “pinus lambertiana,” or sugar pine cone that can grow as long as an adult’s arm.
Staring at the cone, I pondered this near-miss, the potential bone and brain injuries I’d escaped, and the hospital visit that would have followed. Feeling protected and grateful, I took a photo of the would-be weapon as a reminder to live mindfully and thoughtfully and that many things, seen and unseen, continuously work in my favor.
I’ve previously pledged to take stock of and feel grateful for my many blessings. This pine cone incident has boosted my appreciation for my safety and well-being and has breathed new life into that pledge.
Have you had a near-miss incident or similar experience that pulled you out of your head, thanking your lucky stars? I’d love to hear about it.
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Serenity Township
That’s quite a weapon. It sure could have caused you considerable injury. It’s these inexplicable instances that point to the fact there is more to life than we can ever imagine.
I had a similar experience a few years ago while taking a walk, when a large metal object fell with a loud boom on the sidewalk inches away from me.
I looked up and there was a telephone lineman up at the top of the pole. “OMG I’m so sorry, a tool fell out of my hand.” He was very distressed, came down the pole and continued to apologize. “Yes, it probably would have severely injured me, but here I am, it’s OK.”
Your story brings back this memory, and also feelings of gratitude which is a wonderful way to start the new year.
Evangel
Even a wrench landing on your head would have been disastrous so I don't blame him for being distressed. These events do remind us to be grateful for our lives!
Well Street
If I had to choose, I'd take a smack from the pine cone over a lineman's tool any day. I'm glad your experience turned out the way it did.
Evangel
It is a wonderful message to us all, so thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that so much happens unseen that is working in our favor.
Next let me suggest wearing a construction hat next time you step foot on that property. If it happened once, it can happen again.
I had a similar event when driving home from Pollo Loco once. I heard a loud thud behind me and saw a huge tree branch still crashing to the street via my rear view mirror. I couldn't believe it. Had I left just 2 seconds earlier, the tree would have crushed the roof of my car. How grateful I felt for the love and protection. This also taught me to be very patient with every kind of delay. Now, when things don't happen in my time, I trust divine timing is at work in my favor.
I'm grateful such timing and invisible support was present for you, too.
Well Street
It must have been surreal to see the tree limb crashing behind you.
The pine cone was an effective demonstration of divine timing and it gives me a new appreciation for it.
Present Valley
A near miss, a close call or a Godwink. It doesn't matter what I call it someone surely reached through the veil between earth and beyond to save me from serious injury that day.
Here's what happened. A few months after my husband died needing to be close to him I decided to spend some time in his favorite place...the garage. Looking around at the disarray, I began to formulate a plan to do some organizing. Needing a brief distraction from grief seemed healthy and important for my well being.
I was going to use "Lily" my trusty three step ladder to climb up on a counter so I could place some items on a shelf at the top of the garage. Looking over my handiwork I was feeling quite proud of myself for completing this task so successfully.
I still don't know how it happened but in a matter of seconds stepping down from the counter to the step ladder I lost my balance and was tipping backwards towards the concrete floor. Try as I might, there was nothing to grab to stop my fall, just air. In the midst of my flailing about, I felt warm pressure in the middle of my back...like a hand... my body was being firmly held and steadied which allowed me to be able to place my feet on the step ladder and regain my balance.
I quickly looked around expecting someone to be there. No one was in sight. Feeling shaken I took some deep breaths to calm myself until I could get off the step ladder. I started taking an inventory of my body and was relieved to only see a few scratches and some bruises forming on my arms. Looking down at the garage floor my heart filled with gratitude---I had been rescued from what could have been a very serious fall. Present, cautious and careful is now my motto the moment I raise the garage door.
I knew it was Mike who helped me that day. I had the warmth of his hand on my back for another hour which became a comforting reminder he was watching over me.
Well Street
What an experience!
I can only imagine the feelings that came from feeling Mike's presence, both in preventing your fall and spending time with you afterward. Such moments must be of innumerable value.
Present Valley
Thank you.
And how fortuitous for you no scalp lacerations!
I really like your reminder about a renewed pledge of safety and well being. Experiences like these bring a whole new meaning to those simple words.
Slipstream
You were so fortunate to be just one step ahead of that falling "grenade." Our unseen blessings are innumerable, and I thank my angels for them every day.