​Mom's Favorite Song

​By Courtney Sedwick

​
            I sat there, stuck, scared, and helpless. My breaths were shorter and I kept getting colder.
I could not feel my fingers or my toes; they went numb awhile ago. At this point, the only way I
know I am breathing is from the cloud that forms when I exhale. The snow keeps falling and it
keeps piling on me. I don’t remember what happened. The last thing I remember was my mom ’s
favorite song coming on and singing along. Then came the darkness and cold.

            My mom and brother went to Granny’s early this morning for Christmas. We always stay
a couple weeks and go back home when the “New Year” comes. Since I was not feeling well;
Daddy and I stayed behind ‘til I felt better. My dad and I spent the whole day together. He made
me soup, but it came back up. Dad called Mommy and said we would be there around seven.
Mommy already took our bags to Granny’s, but I had to make sure I had Ms. Snuggles; Ms.
Snuggles was the fluffiest, most cuddliest bear. Ms. Snuggles is light brown with big green eyes,
pink ears, and a pink nose.

          “Hey, sweetie. How are you feeling?” greeted dad. “Are you ready to leave? We have to
go soon.”

           “I am feeling a little better. Are we leaving now?” I replied. “Don’t forget Ms.Snuggles!”

            “Okay, I won’t forget. Come on, Ms.Snuggles,” my dad said as he picked us up.
My dad put my shoes on, my coat, then wrapped me and Ms.Snuggles in a small blanket,
and started to warm the truck. My dad came back complaining about how cold it was and how
the snow was bad, but he wasn’t worried because his truck was super awesome. Once the truck
was warmed my dad put me and Ms.Snuggles in the back and buckled us in. He got in and
started driving.

          My daddy had me call mommy on the phone.

         “Hey, Sweetie!” mommy says.

         “Hi, Mommy!” I tell her.

          “How are you feeling, honey? Any better?”
         

          “Not really Mommy.”

          “Once you get here I will take care of you. I can’t wait for you to get here so I can give
you a big hug and a kiss. It will be a long drive. Granny lives about two and a half hours away.”
Mommy says.

           “We just left the house and we will be there around seven. I love you, hun. I will see you
soon.” Daddy told Mommy.

            “I love you both so much. Please, drive safely! I will see you both soon.” Mommy said.

            We got off the phone with Mommy. Dad put on the radio for awhile and kept driving;
while I slowly drifted off to sleep. Next thing I knew I wake up and dad is singing to the radio. It
was Mom’s favorite song. Dad told me I sing like Mommy and that he loves it when we sing. I
was feeling a lot better and started singing with Dad.

          Then came the really bright lights and a huge thud like a thunderclap. I woke up freezing
and I couldn’t move; I was stuck under a pile of snow and I was scared. I had been through this
before.

           When I finally moved my hand, I could see how bad I was bleeding. I was on my way
back home from college for Christmas break and I heard Mom’s favorite song. I remember
singing it all the time with Dad. Then came the lights and the noise. Ms.Snuggles was right next
to me and I grabbed her. I wanted to show my family I still had her after all this time.

          “Ellie! Ellie! Baby can you hear me! Ellie where are you, sweetie! Oh, God. Please, be
okay. Ellie!” screamed my dad.

          “Dad,” I said faintly. I couldn’t move. I was still wrapped in the blanket with
Ms.Snuggles. I was stuck in a pile of snow and I was so tired. I saw a flashlight and I tried so
hard to move or to say something, anything, but I just couldn’t.

            This time no one was here for me. The guy that hit me ran from the scene. He didn’t even
call the police. Why didn’t he help me?! He did this!

           “Ellie! Thank God! Oh my, I’m so sorry, baby girl.” My dad cried as he held me. We sat
in the ambulance and they checked to make sure I was okay. They flashed a light in my eye and
that was the last thing I remember.

            I sat there, stuck, scared, and helpless. My breaths got shorter and I keep getting colder. I
could not feel my fingers or my toes; they went numb awhile ago. At this point, the only way I
know I am breathing is from the cloud that forms when I exhale. The snow keeps falling and it
keeps piling on me. I don’t remember what happened. The last thing I remember was my mom’s
favorite song coming on and we sang along. Then came more darkness and it grew colder.