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Truck driver glad to be alive after Saturday night accident
Published Monday, May 12, 2008
NATCHEZ — Ras Godbold just didn’t see the tree until it was too late.
Driving down Lower Woodville Road, he had just taken his wife, Sarah, to Ruby Tuesday for Mother’s Day, and he was planning to drop her off and get a present for his mother.
He topped a hill, and then — seemingly out of nowhere — a collapsed tree was stretched across the middle of the road.
“By the time I saw it, that was it,” Godbold said.
When the truck hit the tree, the truck lodged under the trunk, collapsing the cab and trapping the Godbolds inside.
From there, the memories get a little hazy, but Godbold said he later found out in the split second before the crash he reached across the truck and shoved his wife down, saving her life.
“I grabbed her by the shirt and I tried to push her down into the truck so she wouldn’t get hurt,” he said. “They told me later that if I hadn’t done that, the way the tree hit the truck it would have taken off her head.”
The accident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. The Natchez Fire Department, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and ambulance personnel worked on the scene for approximately an hour to remove Sarah Godbold. Chop’s Wrecker Service was called to the scene to lift the tree off the truck.
Rescuers had to use the Jaws of Life to extract the Godbolds from the vehicle, and Sarah was transported to the hospital by ambulance, but when it was all over they had very few injuries other than cuts and bruises.
“We’re extremely sore,” Godbold said. “I don’t know how we came out of it with nothing broken. Sarah has a tiny fracture in one finger, and that’s it.”
And Godbold said he knows how fortunate he is.
“Every time I look at the pictures of the accident, I don’t know how we are here,” he said.
The accident occurred near the intersection of Lower Woodville with White Apple Road.
Comments
Posted by eaglebe (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know you, but I am glad you both are safe. But could it have been the Grace and Mercy of God that brought you through? Oh yes, I forgot, He is only given credit for "bad things" by most people.
In my eyes, you were blessed.
Posted by meluvcookies (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen! Their lives were spared for a purpose. The rest is up to them. I'm glad they're okay! Blessed folks indeed!!
Posted by MARIE (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE DONE HAD A BAD ACCIDENT AND THEY SAY I DONT KNOW. HOW WE GOT OUT.YOU KNOW IT WAS GOD.
Posted by Demise (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why spare a man who has not been saved? Who does not attend church every sunday? I know that god is the reason for all the good in life. It is my mistake for not praising him sooner.
Posted by MSviaTN (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW - people that have that attitude that you guys seem to have is EXACTLY why God is not given credit for the good that happens in life - this was a very short article - it can't express every feeling they have - geeze - lighten up!
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God bless God! I am so glad Mr. and Mrs. Godbold lived to see the sun shine so beautifully this morning! Ain't it grand?
Posted by Hardcorps (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad things are ok with you two. Thumbs up.
Posted by MamaC (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm glad you are both okay. God's hand of protection was over you. I pray you recognize that and give Him the praise and honor He deserves. We all have a purpose, we just have to figure out what it is and how we can be used to glorify our Lord ~ If not, we're a waste of time. It is a beautiful day and I'm thankful to be here. Y'all have a GREAT day!!!!
Posted by Demise (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My name is ras godbold. My user name is demise. I would like to change it to something else now. Because we are alive right now my out look on life has been greatly changed for the better.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
God bless you Mr. Godbold!!!!!! I am so glad you and your wife are alive right now and I don't even know yall! You are hereforareason!
Posted by virginia (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
PLEASE GIVE THE LORD ALL THE GLORY FOR KEEPING YOU SAFE AND GIVE HIM ALL THE PRAISE.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TO GOD BE THE GLORY !!!!!!!!!
Posted by mslugirl (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God you and your wife are fine. I am sure when your Mother heard of the accident, just knowing that the two of you were ok was the best present she could have recieved.
Posted by kingstown (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God and the Natchez Firemen he trained for extracation.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God always has a reason, and God is always to be praised!
Maybe you should change your user name to "delivered".
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 12, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is just good news! I am very happy that everyone is okay! God be with you both, Mr. and Mrs. Godbold. There is God's reason for everything that happens! Any updates from anyone?
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on May 13, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
<<<RAS>>> At first I felt confused by your first post. The question you asked, "Why would God save a man who was not saved." HE saved you and kept you and your wife safe so that you would have the chance to open your heart to Him, to know Him and understand He is life and light to you. He is the one to carry you through all the burdens of your life. HE wants you to know His love is unconditional that when you are ready to accept Him He is there for you. I could sit here all day and write about the love of God but believe me, His love is immeasurable. If the sky was made of parchment it could not contain words to describe the love of God. I do not, in any way, want to sound like a 'Jesus Freak' but if I can help in anyway, with you finding peace with God, accepting His wisdom and love, please contact me via the quick search medium. There is no one I like talking about better than our God.
I am happy you and your dear wife are safe. Do you realize you two fit very comfortably in the palms of His hands?
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