OVIEDO, FLA. – Home for the holidays. It’s time together the Spitulski family doesn’t take for granted.

“In the blink of an eye,” Carla Spitulski says, “They’re in college and out of the house. Enjoy the time together.”

For Carla and husband, UCF football legend and former Seattle Seahawk linebacker, Bob Spitulski, being with their three kids; Bobby, Nick and Mia is all they could ask for this Thanksgiving.

“You learn not to take things for granted,” Bob said. “Your kids, your family, your friends. It just makes you appreciate things a little bit more.”

God first, family second is what Bob and Carla have preached over the years.

“I mean it really is everything because things can change in a minute,” Carla says.

On January 2, 2018, everything did change upon returning home from a family vacation in North Carolina. The Spitulski’s nearly lost their lives in a gruesome car accident outside of Columbia, South Carolina.

“Icy conditions. Weather wasn’t great,” Bob, who was driving the truck, said. “Van came out of nowhere in front of me. Truck rolled up on the guardrail. We got hit from the side. I think there were three or four collisions that we had. It ended up being a 12 care pileup.”

All five family members suffered major injuries including a partially torn carotid artery, multiple brain bleeds and a dislocated hip.

“It all happened so fast,” Carla said. ”I woke up to having my son Nick kind of on my lap because he came from the backseat.”

“I just remember waking up and looking over seeing my daughter on the front dash,“ Bob said.

The worst fate came for Bobby.

“The only thing I remember is my dad holding my hand telling me everything is going to be okay,” Bobby said.

The first-born was ejected out of the back of the truck and onto the highway. His head was split wide open. He immediately was rushed to a nearby hospital. With severe head trauma, Bobby faced a critical 72-hour fight for survival.

“I was in shock,” Mia said. “We still don’t know if he’s going to make it.”

“I couldn’t recognize him from all the swelling in his head,” Nick said. “I knew he was going to be all right.”

With Bob, Carla, Nick and Mia recovering relatively quickly, Bobby’s fight took the longest. He persevered.

“I knew God had a plan for me. I know he wouldn’t put me in that situation if I couldn’t handle it,” Bobby said. “My motivation was baseball and to get back.”

After months of recovery and physical therapy, Bobby fully recovered. His journey wasn’t finished. His mission was to return to the baseball diamond for his sophomore season at Troy University.

Bobby completed his mission recently finishing up his fall season with the Trojans.

“The whole thing is amazing,” Carla said. “Just his will, his determination and his outlook on everything inspired us.”

The Spitulski’s wearing their “#SpitStrong” mantra proudly have bounced back stronger than ever. Carla has fully recovered while Mia prepares for her freshman softball season at Bishop Moore. Nick wrapped up his senior football season with the Hornets with Bob serving as his position coach.

“Everyday that I see them, regardless of what the situation is,” Bob said, “I just say to myself thank you Lord for blessing us.”

For the family that prayed, stayed and fought together, a family meal together means a little bit more than usual. 

“I can’t wait to sit down at the table and thank God that we’re all here,” Bobby said. “Blessed to have food on the table and we’re all together.”