Snap Judgment: The Don't Look Back! Special - Snap Classic
Hosted by Snap Judgment and PRX
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Introduction
In this special edition of Snap Judgment's "Don't Look Back!" series, listeners are treated to a collection of gripping supernatural stories curated from the show's sister program, Spooked. This episode delves deep into human experiences intertwined with the inexplicable, blending raw storytelling with captivating beats to create an immersive auditory journey.
Story 1: A Near-Death Experience and an Unseen Savior
Opening Joy and Sudden Crisis [00:02 – 02:54]
The episode begins with a heartfelt narration of overwhelming joy upon the birth of a child:
"Hold my brand new baby boy. You couldn't tell me nothing. Joy, joy, joy, joy." ([00:02])
However, this bliss is abruptly shattered when complications arise, leading the narrator to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The tension escalates as the narrator grapples with uncertainty and fear for the baby's life.
Encounter with the Father and Reawakening Faith [02:54 – 05:11]
Amidst the turmoil, the narrator's father visits, despite their differing beliefs:
"Son, I know we don't share the same beliefs, but I want you to know that I'm praying Jesus." ([02:58])
This interaction rekindles a spark of hope and faith in the narrator, highlighting a pivotal moment where desperation meets spiritual solace.
Bill’s Harrowing Car Crash in the Appalachian Mountains [05:11 – 28:52]
The story transitions to Bill, a college student returning home for the holidays. Driving through treacherous Appalachian mountain roads, Bill describes the harrowing experience of losing control and crashing his car:
"I slid off the road into the gully... the car was right side up, down the bottom of that hill, sitting in a little creek bed." ([05:11])
Severely injured and stranded, Bill faces the bleak reality of his isolation. In a miraculous turn, a mysterious man in a fedora appears, offering assistance:
"Hey buddy, if you can get up this hill, I'll take you in town to the hospital." ([13:35])
Driven by a newfound strength, Bill climbs to safety and follows the stranger to the hospital. Despite the stranger's sudden disappearance and the peculiar circumstances surrounding the car’s condition days later, Bill survives, leaving him to ponder the mysterious savior's true identity.
Supernatural Elements and Unanswered Questions [28:52 – 30:59]
The narrative deepens with reflections on possible supernatural intervention:
"I remember looking into his eyes and wondering, where did he come from? And then I remembered that boy and he had the same kind of eyes." ([43:10])
This revelation suggests a spectral presence connecting Bill's past experiences with his miraculous escape, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.
Story 2: A New Year's Eve Miracle in Rural Montana
The EMT's Dilemma and Tragic Loss [30:59 – 43:10]
Valerie, an emergency medical technician in Dillon, Montana, recounts a New Year's Eve call where she attends to a 14-year-old boy suffering from seizures caused by cocaine-laced drugs. The gravity of the situation is palpable as Valerie reflects on the boy's silent acceptance of his fate:
"He knew he wasn't going to be okay. He knew." ([30:59])
Compounding her distress is the realization that her boyfriend, Hank, might be responsible for the boy's condition through the drugs, leading to sleepless nights filled with guilt and anger.
The Desperate Drive and Supernatural Encounter [35:00 – 43:10]
In an attempt to find solace, Valerie drives into a blinding blizzard towards Yellowstone Park. Lost and battling the elements, she experiences a terrifying ordeal as her car becomes engulfed in snow:
"I realized I was lost probably about an hour up the road... my car will be completely covered." ([35:00])
Just as hope seems lost, a mysterious trucker appears, initially confrontational but ultimately guiding her to safety:
"What in the hell are you doing out here?" ([38:00])
Despite his aggressive start, the trucker's timely intervention mirrors the earlier story's theme of supernatural guardianship. Valerie's realization that the trucker may be the spirit of the young boy she saved adds a poignant twist:
"It was the spirit of that boy. And I know that's who came." ([43:10])
This encounter not only saves her life but also provides a profound connection between her actions and the ethereal assistance she received, reinforcing the episode's exploration of unseen forces and karmic reciprocity.
Conclusion and Reflections
The "Don't Look Back!" special masterfully intertwines tales of human vulnerability with supernatural guardianship, leaving listeners contemplating the delicate balance between fate, faith, and the unseen protections that guide us. Through Bill and Valerie's harrowing experiences, the episode underscores the enduring human spirit and the mysterious ways in which help can manifest when least expected.
Notable Closing Quote:
"Always take extra care when rounding those tight curves. You never know who's going to be nearby watching over you." ([28:52])
Production Credits
- Original Score: Leon Morimoto
- Produced by: Annie Nguyen, Eliza Smith
- Edited by: Annie Wilder (for "Trucker Ghost Stories")
- Narrator: Dylan Washington
- Company: Snap Judgment and PRX
This episode of Snap Judgment's "Don't Look Back!" is a testament to the power of storytelling, seamlessly blending personal narratives with supernatural elements to create an unforgettable listening experience. Whether it's a near-fatal car crash or a life-threatening blizzard, the stories remind us that sometimes, help comes from the most unexpected places.