Early Saturday morning I got a phone call from my hubby telling me his car had died. I went to rescue him and towed his car to our mechanic's shop. It sat there until Jake had a chance to look at it today. The verdict...the engine is dead and needs to be replaced at the cost of $2,300-$2,500. OUCH! I looked up the Blue Book value on the car and it is not worth replacing the engine. We will sell the tires and wheels and scrap the rest. My hubby is upset but I pointed out that the car had served us well for many years and if it was going to break down, doing so when we were close to our mechanic's shop and not while we were far away from home on a trip was actually a huge blessing. We still have my car and since I do not work outside the home, we can share that one. He went back to bed to get more sleep and I called and cancelled the insurance on that car, effective the day it died. I stayed very calm and was able to put this into perspective.
Last week, one of my friends got some horrible news that her daughter had been in a serious auto accident and was fighting for her life. Despite all the prayers and the heroic efforts of the EMTs and the doctors and nurses at the hospital, Breanna lost her battle for life. :( My friend Edwina is now left with the the task that no parent should ever have to face, preparing for her daughter's funeral and trying to go on with her own life without her precious girl in it. My heart breaks for my friend and her other children and the rest of her family. Edwina has a very strong support system around her and I know that she will get through this in her own time and in her own way, but that loss will always be there and the questions of "what if" will come to mind for the rest of my friend's life.
My husband and I had a car break down while my friend lost her daughter. There is no comparison. We can replace a vehicle, but my friend will never get to hold her daughter, watch her get married and have children and enjoy her company ever again. This was a horrible reminder of what is really important in life and how we all need to keep things in perspective. Be blessed and go hug those you love tight...you never know when it will be the last time you will ever have that chance.
It certainly does put things in perspective. I feel for your friend and her family. My prayers tonight will include them.
ReplyDeleteThank you...I appreciate that and you.
DeleteOh My, Debbie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragic loss. I will keep Edwina and her family in prayer.
Too bad about hubby's auto. Although a one car household is sometimes inconvenient, we should all remember it was the norm 40+ years ago. Also our family was a one car household until 7 years ago. It is sometimes an inconvenience but it is not as awful as many folks imagine it being.
Blessings,
Mrs.B
Thank you Mrs. B...Edwina is at the auto wrecker right now picking up her daughter's things. :(
DeleteI'm so sorry! How tragic! We lived with just one car for quite a few years. Did a lot of walking back then and was a lot thinner. I often tell my husband that I'm going to get rid of the car and just use the public transit. Just think of the money we'd save. Deepest sympathy to Edwina.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Jane
Thank you Jane. I appreciate your thoughts for Edwina and I know she feels all the love, prayers and support for her and her family.
DeleteMy husband works the graveyard shift so the car is mine during the day. If I need to be somewhere and he is delayed, I can always borrow my friend's extra car if I need to go somewhere out of town. Luckily I can walk anywhere I need to in our small town. :)
Such sadness for your friend. Yes, it does put the car's death in perspective.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara. I wish I could be there in person for her.
DeletePerspective is an important thing. After almost 13 years of remission I found out today that my mom once again has breast cancer. All the struggles of this year pale in comparison to this. I agree, hug the ones you love, you never know what tomorrow may bring. Prayers for your friend and her family.
ReplyDeleteOh Wendi, I am so sorry. Praying for your precious mom. (((((HUGS)))))
DeleteI am so sorry for your friend. Yes, I think that would be the hardest thing to have to go through.
ReplyDeleteI think so too Rhonda. :(
DeletePrayers for your friend and her family. I can't imagine a greater loss :(
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI am so sorry for what your friend is going through. A parent losing a child is supposed to be one of the toughest.
ReplyDeleteAnd, you're right, it does put things into perspective. Losing people is a whole different spectrum of loss. Sending prayers, SJ in Vancouver BC
Thanks SJ.
DeleteMy condolences for your friend, how awful. That does put things in perspective about what's really important in life. You can always replace things with monetary value, but you can't replace a human life. That being said, my husband's work car (the car he drives to work and back in) is on its last legs. I'm dreading the day the engine goes.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend Debbie!
HI Jessica. Thank you and I do hope your husband's car lasts awhile longer for you.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about your friend's loss. My deepest sympathies to her. Yes, it sure does put things into perspective. What a blessing that your husband wasn't in an accident due to car engine, and that there is another car he can use, and the shared car will be available for your use during the day.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely weekend.
Thanks Bless. :) I was thinking the same thing about his car...I was just glad he was safe and able to reach me.
DeleteOh Debbie! I am SO sorry to hear of your friend's loss, and your car distress. Such heartache, I can't even imagine it! As a parent, the worst nightmare imaginable. Was she a believer? I will be in prayer for your dear friend and all she is going through! And I will pray that the Lord will make a way for you and your husband through your car issues! You are right about perspective, it most certainly does help you see how thankful we can choose to be in our circumstances. Blessings and hugs to you dear Debbie!
ReplyDeleteThank you and yes, she is a very strong believer. Her faith and her church family, along with the rest of her family and friends are helping her through all of this.
Delete