May 3, 2009-9 Iyar 5769: This is a date I will always remember and give thanks to Hashem. I was crossing 14th Avenue at 1 p.m. on a rainy day when I was suddenly struck by a car. The Almighty zokef kefufim straightens the bowed.
Not realizing yet what had occurred, I managed to stand up and asked the bystanders what had happened. I saw my shopping cart with groceries sprawled across the street. A lady approached me apologetically, saying that she hit me with her car and asked if I was okay. When I said I want to go home she helped me into her car.
Within minutes a Hatzolah ambulance arrived, escorted me inside, and took me to the emergency room. Two of my daughters arrived and helped me walk. When I requested to go home, I was discharged and my husband came to drive me home.
` For months I was treated by doctors for cellulites, a fractured bone, and side effects from antibiotics. Throughout those long weeks, I constantly davened to Hashem and I knew that He was by my side all along. The hardest part was being restricted physically and feeling shut in, when I had always been active, Baruch Hashem.
On my mother’s yahrzeit, 19 Kislev, I was able to participate in her yahrzeit seudah in my daughter’s home and publicly thanked Hashem for his miracle by reciting birchas hagomel. I truly felt reborn by being allowed to walk around freely.
Now, Baruch Hashem, with my health restored, while passing the street corner where I was hit, I say, “Baruch she’asah li nes bamakom hazeh” (praised is Hashem Who performed a miracle for me in this place). My son says, “Baruch she’asah nes le’mi” (to my mother) when passing there. One son-in-law told me, “Hashem loves you.”
I still fear crossing the streets, but I try to remember that Hashem is with me. I want to publicly express my hakoras hatov (appreciation) to Him, the ultimate healer.
