Another Saturday night was passing by in typical fashion for teenagers.

A ballgame was ending in Holly Pond and everyone was heading to one place or another. A snack with friends. Going to someone’s house for a get-together. Or simply go home.

Madison Cothren, 14, a cheerleader for Holly Pond and a softball player in the spring, went with a friend to watch a movie. After a while she texted her mom, Fay Cothren, that she would be on the way home. The journey was typically no more than six or seven minutes from her friend’s house.

But the minutes ticked away and Madison had not arrived. Her mom, unable to make contact with her, jumped in the car and went looking for her and, like some friends, came upon the scene of a wreck. Madison and her friend were injured and emergency responders were on the way. Drawing on her inner strength, Fay was immediately by her daughter’s side offering what comfort she could. Madison was cut over her face and complained of intense pain in her left leg.

Today, the night of Dec. 3 is more like a bad dream as Madison is enjoying the one gift she wanted most after spending more than a week in Children’s Hospital where doctors repaired a broken femur and tended to numerous cuts.

“We asked her what she wanted for Christmas and the only thing she would say is she wanted to be home with her family and friends,” Fay said. “We didn’t decorate a lot with all that was going on, but we did get a tree decorated. Her friends have been great through all this.”

Madison, whose leg was repaired with screws and a rod, said she is looking forward to returning to school after the Christmas holiday.

“I feel really good now,” Madison said. “My friends have been by almost every day. I love the candy they bring.”

The single-vehicle accident occurred on County Road 1714. Her friend was left with a broken arm and contusions, but Madison, under the circumstances, could have been injured worse or possibly not survived. She was not wearing a seatbelt and the car had slammed into a tree.

“What happened is Madison went partly through the windshield and probable would have been ejected, except the impact of the wreck caused the dash to push in against her. That’s what broke her femur, but that’s what also prevented her from being ejected,” Fay said. “That would have been blunt-force trauma. The only explanation I have is God was riding with them.”

Madison’s lifelong friend, Alliyah McGriff, was one of the first to arrive at the scene with her mother. She’s grateful Madison is home, recovering and ready to return to school.

“We’ve know each other since kindergarten and we have just about every class together. We kept her going with chocolate milk and candy while she was in the hospital. That was her go-to,” Alliyah said. “I do remember when we arrived and ran over to see her at the wreck and I just passed out. I was so upset when I saw how hurt she was. It was heartbreaking to me.”

As a fellow cheerleader with Madison, Alliyah said everyone on the squad now constantly remind each other to put on their seatbelts whether driving or riding as a passenger.

“We talk about that a lot. To each other and all of our friends,” Alliyah said. “I’ve been with her just about everyday. I’m so glad she’s home for Christmas and getting stronger. When she gets back to school there will be a lot of catching up to do. I know I will be there to help her and a lot of other people, too.”