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July 6, 2002 — Dependence Day
Ladd had been a police officer for almost 11 years. He still loved his work. He continued to comment frequently that he just could not believe that God had given him that job, and that people actually paid him to do it! He could talk to people and have them thanking him for the speeding ticket by the time he handed it to them. Police work is dangerous, but we knew through our faith that God was with him every minute of every day. People still commented to me, "How can you be married to a policeman? Don't you worry all the time?" My response remained that I knew that God had that part handled for me. Ladd was following his calling, and God was in control........Just about halfway home, I got the call from our pastor's wife. Tami relayed to me that Ladd had been in an accident and was at the hospital. She told me that he had a broken leg and that Pastor Paul was with him. She didn't have a lot of details, but would let me know if she found out more information. We were still ½ hour to 45 minutes away from home. Adam, who was 6 years old, was asleep in the back of the vehicle. Katie (now 10 years old), my nephew, mom (who had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's) and dad were with me. After I hung up the phone, we prayed for Ladd and for our safety as I continued to drive home. Katie began to cry and pray with her cousin in the back seat. I gripped my dad's hand next to me and prayed silently as thoughts raced through my mind. I knew that things must be much more serious than Tami indicated. I thought, "Why would Pastor Paul be waiting on reports from doctors for just a broken leg?" Billings has two hospitals. Our insurance and doctors were through the other one. I knew that Ladd would have requested to be taken to the other hospital if he were able to respond and express a preference.... on and on the thoughts raced between prayers.........Ladd had been struck broadside by a pickup that was traveling at approximately 50-60 mph. After the initial impact, the pickup slammed head-on into a light pole and sent Ladd flying through a parking lot. Officer Harper did not know the extent of his injuries, but it was clear that he was in extremely critical condition. ........Life can, and often does, change in an instant. The best laid plans often cannot prepare us for what lies ahead. One plan never fails and will always prepare each one who follows it for whatever lies ahead. Are you prepared for whatever lies around the corner?