Sometimes it's not days or weeks, but split seconds that can change our lives forever.
"It's a miracle that he was able to pull me out in time," said Becky Crawford. "He risked his own life. The car was engulfed in flames. If he hadn't been there seconds before, I just don't know what would have happened. I wouldn't be here today."
That split-second decision — made by Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper Jim Thuss — is the reason Becky Crawford is alive today.
"Divine intervention, the stars aligning. Everything worked out perfectly," said Thuss.
BACKGROUND: Husband credits 'divine intervention' for wife's survival in fiery crash
Back in February, Crawford got in an accident. Her car was engulfed in flames. She was trapped. Within a few moments, her car would explode. She survived because Thuss pulled her battered body from the fiery wreckage.
"I gave him a big hug and I said, 'thank you so much for saving my daughter,'" said Crawford's father, Don Hudson.
Now the family is thanking him and his entire department for his bravery, quick thinking and selflessness with a plaque so he never forgets the ripple effect of his bravery.
Here's what it says:
In gratitude and honor of Trooper James Thuss for his heroic rescue of Becky Crawford on February 2, 2016. His quick action and conspicuous courage, pulling her to safety seconds before her car was engulfed in flames, are a credit to his character, his training, and the uniform of Troop A of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. John 15:13
According to the New International Version of the Bible, John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
"It's a very humbling experience for me. I am grateful," said Thuss.
In addition to the plaque, the family also made a $500 donation to a fund that helps the families of fallen troopers.
-----
Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
You can also follow her on Twitter.
