So Thankful to Still Be Here

We're still in Virginia. The plan was to continue onto my parent's house in Georgia today and be there this evening. That all changed yesterday afternoon on a trip to the Science Museum. We took off in our car and part way there, our car had a problem. A few months ago, the spring in my suspension the front passenger side broke leaving a 3" gash in my tire in the process, and this breakdown had all the same symptoms: the left front side of my car was very low and there was a metallic crunching sound when I drove the car - I hadn't hit a bump or pothole, either.

Looking back over the sequence of events, I do know that the Lord was watching over us. First, we broke down right at a volunteer fire department where I was able to get a ride back to VickiW's house and I was able to leave the car there. Second, this problem did not occur on the freeway while traveling at 70 mph or faster.

Today, I called around for options of getting the car repaired, as in the current state it is not drivable. I was happy to find a Ford dealership that was able to look at the car today and provided the number for a towing company. Less than an hour later, my car was off to the Ford dealership.

This afternoon I spoke with the service department about the state of my car. The man told me the labor alone would be about $500 and the parts about the same or more. At which point I had to ask why as the right side's repair cost us about a quarter of the left side's and that included a new tire! The man rattled off a list a parts and then I asked why he had to replace all those. The answer was simple: the axle broke. Well, that's a lot different that just breaking the large spring in the suspension, like the right side had done. I am now really thankful I wasn't on the freeway.

Here's the great extra: unbeknown to me, the car had an extended warranty. The Ford dealership was able to figure this out and lo and behold, I only have to pay the deductible for this entire experience, a mere $50. While this is pretty amazing, this isn't the best part.

The best part is that VickiW has been extremely gracious in allowing us to continue to staying at her place and has gone above and beyond in helping me make arrangements for the car, loaning us her car when it is available and finding things for the children to do. Isn't that great? There are some really great people out there and I'd never met her except through blogging. I do hope that I have a chance to repay her properly for her kindness and can pay it forward to others.

Parting Shot: Simplicity 4329. This is another vintage gem I picked up here in Richmond. This dress has cut away armholes on the front and back bodice which give a halter-like effect without baring the back. I also love the cute little bolero too! Notice the little white gloves on both models.