On Monday, September 3rd, we learned that our baby no longer had a heartbeat. We learned the news while Karen was visiting her parents in Washington.
After consulting with her doctors, Karen decided to drive to Boise, spend the night, and drive the rest of the way home Tuesday to handle the loss of our infant here with family. Around 11:pm Monday night she rounded a curve on I-84 near La Grande, Oregon and struck two elk. She didn't have time to brake - she hit them at freeway speed. She was in the drivers seat (of course) and Megan was in the back behind the passenger seat. One animal hit the car straight on dead center and went through the windshield between the passenger and drivers seat. The other glanced off the front corner of the car.
Miraculously, Karen and Megan both escaped virtually without harm - a couple of small cuts that barely needed band-aids (although Megs got a couple of really cute ones). We could have easily lost either one of them (or both) had the elk hit the car another way, or had they not been wearing their carseats/seatbelts. As it happened, Karen was able to steer the car to the side of the road out of traffic, get out, check Meg, and flag down help. I've attached a couple of pictures of the car . . . it was no small miracle that they survived, much less literally walked away.
Karen did suffer a serious allergic reaction to the elk and she and Megan were both transported to the La Grande hospital where she was treated with epinephrine and monitored for a couple of hours. Her eyes swelled completely shut and her throat began to close as she waited for the ambulance. We're grateful for the kindness of strangers who were willing and prepared to help her. They were released at 4:00 am. I flew to Boise after securing care for our other kids, rented a car and drove to La Grande. We emptied the car and began the drive back, arriving home late Tuesday night (September 4th).
We've been overwhelmed by your love and support. We feel the effects of your prayers. Doubtless, our Father in Heaven has blessed us mightily. So many little things happened to work in our favor - before, during and after the accident. We thank Him and wonder in amazement at His mercy and kindness in allowing us to remain together as a family. While we are deeply saddened that our new little girl will not be with us here, we trust God and His purposes. Thank you for your kindness and love.
We love you all.
The Rips
