DICKINSON, Texas -- A local family was safe at home Wednesday after getting caught in a snow drift on the way to a ski vacation in New Mexico.
“It’s awesome, wonderful and a relief to get home,” say David and Yvonne Higgins from their living room in Dickinson.
Their scary experience happened just before Christmas as David, Yvonne and their 5-year old daughter, Hannah, got stranded on U.S. Highway 412 just outside Clayton, New Mexico.
For nearly two days, their vehicle was buried under 4 feet of snow.
“We had our food, our water and you have ski clothes,” said David Higgins. “We used every bit of that stuff for survival.”
They made at least eight 911 calls, but it would take time for rescuers to find them.
“The last call we made to rescue services was, ‘Please don’t forget us,’” recalled Yvonne Higgins. “You will not be able to see us and we can’t breathe.”
David Higgins said as time marched on, every breath felt like they were running a marathon.
“There were times when we looked at each other and knew we were in dire straits, but all that would come out of your mouth was, ‘I love you,’” said David Higgins.
Rescue crews finally found the desperate family after two freezing nights.
“We thank God every day for guiding those rescuers to us,” he said.
You might think the Higgins would want to steer clear of snow after their ordeal, but they don’t.
They plan to head back for the slopes in the spring.
