When the road is closed .

Yesterday , on my way to Atlanta , I was traveling through Chattanooga when suddenly a big yellow truck with a sign was flashing , "crash ahead take next exit ." I had no idea where this next exit led to ; however , I had no choice but to take it . The traffic was backed up for miles . I had been making great time , no slow traffic or mishaps up until this point . As I was waiting and wondering how on earth I would get back unto to I24 , I found a Chattanooga radio station and tuned in for information . After a few songs , someone called in and stated they saw the wreck and the SUV was on fire . He said people were standing around crying . When I first saw the sign flashing , my immediate response to myself was , why did I not leave earlier ? Suddenly , I felt grateful I had left a few minutes later . As I sat there wondering where I was and where this highway 27 was carrying me , I was overcome with gratitude . I had no idea how long it was going to take me to get to Atlanta now but at least I was still able to breathe , hear , see , think , and be alive . I have passed by this Rossville exit many times as I drove through Chattanooga , but today and from now on , this exit would always have meaning to me when I drive past it . I had the priviledge to wait for 45 minutes in back to back traffic . I had the priviledge to wonder where the heck I was going . I had the priviledge to be inconvienced and lose time . I had the priviledge to run late and see roads I had never driven on before . As I looked around at the other cars , I wondered how they felt . Some had children who were restless in carseats . Others were talking to themselves about something . Some were shaking their heads at the waiting . When the flow picked up I called my father in law to make sure I was going right . He gave me exact directions and before I knew it I was back on the interstate . I had to take a detour yesterday . I had to find another way back to my familiar road . I learned to appreciate taking an unfamiliar exit in life . The exit of gratefulness , hope , patience and life . I am alive .