Letter to the Editor: A miracle in Diego

The Editor: My early Sunday (September 6) morning routine completed, I was on my way home enjoying the peace and beauty of the morning when, on approaching the intersection of the Diego Martin Highway and Sierra Leone Road, my car was suddenly slammed from behind in the most violent manner. I lost control as the vehicle was airborne and slammed into the large concrete dividers and  overturned five times according to eyewitness accounts. During this ordeal, I was screaming out to God; not sure of what I was saying but I believe it was “God is great” repeatedly.

The vehicle then stopped and I was dazed, confused, bewildered and in absolute shock, not really comprehending what was happening.

With the aid of several persons, I exited the vehicle, sat on the ground, and just stared at my totally crumpled vehicle in disbelief. The ambulance was quickly on the scene, and several persons were expressing surprise that there were no fatalities, given the extent of damage to the vehicle.

As I was still in shock and shaking uncontrollably, the ambulance attendant insisted that I go to St James Medical Complex immediately due to the nature of the accident and potential for serious internal injuries. I was confused and decided to call Deacon Derek Walcott, who got to the site in no time. He took charge, convincing me to go to St James Medical Complex and he dealt with wrecking the vehicle, removing important items, and informing my wife of the situation. He even played an important role in assisting the tow truck driver. Deacon Derek was simply fantastic!

Then I was on a gurney with a neck brace, in pain, physical and emotional, with a battery of tests done. I must admit the treatment I received was very good and I came out with a broken finger, whiplash, and pains here and there which I would monitor.

Words cannot express my gratitude to the Deacon; Allyson Lynch, who responded immediately when I called for a drop home from St James; Ján, Anna and Cherille were giving me all types of advice and to Ken for the special medication.

Fr Chris (Fr Christopher Lumsden) reached out to me almost from the time it happened. In fact, on his way back from morning Mass, Cherille and himself would have passed the mangled wreck.

Fr Chris, on a daily basis, has been in touch with me, offering consolation in his calm, reassuring way and proposing that I receive trauma therapy. When Ján was telling me the license plate number which had, by the way, fled the scene (hit and run), I blurted out, “Give that to Gabby and she would deal with matters.”

Thanks also to Fr Ricardo Escalante for his frequent calls and concern and indeed so many others from our amazing parish who have reached out to me with words of comfort. Our parish has a good heart.

Look at the crumpled car. It was a miracle that someone could get away without massive injuries or indeed alive. The police, ambulance attendants, and others familiar with fatal crashes were unanimous that I was lucky to be alive.

Was it luck? Luck has nothing to do with it. I know my God will never give me more than I can bear, never. I am one of His children and nothing bad will happen.

Paula gave me a medal of the Blessed Virgin on a piece of old string some time ago and I have it on a dresser without ever really wearing it. That morning for some unknown reason, I placed the Blessed Virgin around my neck. She flipped with me five times as the car flipped and I have no doubt was embracing me as one of her children, keeping me safe.

One of my sons who lives in Maryland, USA, and Ronda, one of our Eucharistic ministers, both made the same observation that the car was crumpled except where the driver was sitting. My son’s explanation was that the car design allowed for greater strength in that area.

Ronda’s explanation was simple: your Guardian Angel was there protecting you through those horrifying moments. What do you think?

I just want to say tremendous thanks to an amazing parish community for your prayers and support. May God bless our parish!

—Robert Salandy, Sacristan, Church of the Nativity, Crystal Stream, Diego Martin