On the night of Sept. 27, I was in a relatively serious car accident. As I drove home from a meeting in Beaufort, I was hit at the intersection of Squire Pope Road and William Hilton Parkway.

I would like to take just a moment to thank a few people who made this horrible event a bit less traumatic.

To the wonderful lady who consoled me as I waited for EMS and help to arrive, thank you. I do not know your name, but your soft, kind words put me at ease while I hung upside down in my car. To the Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue Division and other emergency workers, I thank you for the professional and quick attention. I also did not get your names, but I want to give you big thanks as well. I would like to thank my high school buddy and friend, Kevin Ashdown, who is the emergency room king, for the excellent care he and his staff provided.

I would like to thank all of my Point Comfort neighbors for their cards, concerns and flowers. To my family of Rotarians, bless all of you for the wonderful words of encouragement and love. To my Beaufort County School District friends and my Seahawk family and staff, thank you very much for all of your kind words of support. To my countless girlfriends who provided reassurances, love and support, I thank you so much.

And especially, to my husband, daughter and my wonderful mother, Mary Ellen Crouch: Thanks for everything. I'm very fortunate to have all of you in my life.

Julie C. Bell Hilton Head Island