In the shadow of the Rockies

This week, rather unexpectedly, I happen to be in Denver. My parents were in a car accident, and so I flew out here to be with my family. I think I set a personal record, with less than three hours elapsing between the time I purchased my ticket and when I boarded the airplane. My Mom is still in critical condition, but she seems to be doing better than she was on Sunday evening when I got here.

As bad as this picture looks, it is an example of the wonders of modern engineering. The safety glass broke into thousands of tiny bits rather than huge jagged shards. The frame of the car took the impact and spread it out, rather than breaking off and impaling the passengers. Even though the vehicle is most likely totaled, it kept my parents alive.