Friday, April 17, 2009

Taking a trip with no destination

Yesterday morning Liam and I headed up to Idaho for a long weekend. We didn't make it even half way. The car decided to poop out on us. It just shuddered and died on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

Since the battery light came on I thought all I needed was a jump. So I jumped out of the car and flagged the first minivan I saw. They stopped! Two seconds of trying and someone stopped? What a blessing.

The folks that owned the minivan were named Jon and Colleen. The names of angels. They tried to jump me, but we couldn't get the cars close enough together. Jon asked me to try to start the car anyway. I did and it worked... for about 15 seconds. Then it shuddered and died again.

They called their dad in Layton and he apparently called dispatch to get me a tow. The tow was to show up in 15 minutes. So I told them that was great and to get on their way with their three little ones. We went to our respective vehicles. They went a couple inches then stopped the car. Jon got out and walked towards me. I rolled down the window and he gave me a wad of cash. I pushed it away and said that wasn't necessary. He said Colleen said I had to take it. I was humbled. They gave me $60. I immediately thought of the gas costs overall to get this all taken care of.

I called Ian to tell him the car situation. He made arrangements to leave work and head my way.

Instead of a tow truck, a state trooper showed up 30 minutes later. I had Liam in the front seat with me and had a DVD going for him to pass the time. I opened the passenger door for the policeman. He was so nice to Liam and asked him what he was watching. Liam replied, "The car is broken."

He offered to take us down the road 30 miles to the closest town. He was confident I could leave my car for the tow and they wouldn't have problems without having the car keys. I relayed that he was supposed to be a tow guy and now I had to make arrangements for that. So he told me that he'd wait in his car until plans were made. My insurance gave me the information I needed and assured me that towing was covered on my plan. I talked to the tow guy, Reggie, and he said I shouldn't leave my car. He'd have a much harder time loading it without the keys. He'd be there within 30 minutes.

I told the officer my plan to stay and wait. He didn't like leaving me there. He told me to call 911 if I needed anything and then advised me to put Liam in his car seat. Both of us should have seat belts on if a car were to ram into us while we sat there. After getting Liam strapped in, I waved good-bye to the officer.

Reggie arrived about 25 minutes later. Liam was beyond impressed with the rig that we got to ride in. Reggie was so great with Liam and very nice all around about our predicament. We arrived at a mechanic's and Ian arrived not 5 minutes later. I was glad he got to meet Reggie. We were well taken care of and Liam had made a new friend. As we were all talking outside, Reggie lifted him up to the driver's seat so he could blow the horn. He scared himself to death, but was so impressed at the same time! We said good-bye and went inside to wait for the diagnosis of the car.

The fuel pump needs replaced. Grand total cost: $995.

YIKES.

The car would be fixed in 24 hours. So we decided to hop in Ian's car and head home. We stopped to get some dinner and then Liam and I zonked out for the rest of the drive. It was such a long day for all of us though. Liam had woken Ian at 5am that morning.

Today we head back north to pick up the car and pay the hearty bill. What a way to start off the weekend.

14 comments:

Ashley said...

Oh no! That mountain pass is so scary. We are always prepared with water, blankets, etc. You could sit here for a while with out anyone stopping to help. You were blessed such wonderful people came your way. That stinks it cost so much, but you all were safe. We are moving to Utah. In two weeks I leave to go see my Mom in MO for two months. Then the girls and I will join Jeremy in Utah. To start over once again. We should try to meet up then. :O)

Klin said...

Eeeeeeeee Gads! That is a costly repair.

Quite an adventure, too.

RCRambling said...

So sorry to hear about the cost, but am glad you had so many wonderful people to take care of both of you!

the quirky one said...

Yikes! I am sorry about your car troubles... I hate large mechanical things, when they break, they break big.

Sharon said...

YIKES that doesn't sound fun! Poor Liam... but it sounds like he takes it all in stride. :-) What a trooper to sit there that whole time. :-) and way to go mom for having a DVD handy. :-) <3's

Anonymous said...

What a crazy story. So nice of the couple to give you $60, though! My father-in-law just replaced his fuel pump this week, too, because it was leaking gas. They said they were amazed that our house didn't blow up because the leak was so bad. Lots of blessings for all of us! :)

sumthinghappened said...

Wow, quite the day! Glad you guys were safe!

Heidi said...

Car repairs are the worst!! I am impressed with how well you handled the whole situation. I think I might have had a major breakdown. You get mom of the year award!!!

Gina said...

Trust me, Heidi. There were tears involved. Ian and Liam were helping me keep it together.

Suzanne said...

Gina, I'm sorry your trip didn't work out. It must have been so frustrating! I'm glad that you ended up being safe though. Hopefully you will have a chance to get up to Idaho again soon! ***hugs***

www.stepherz.com said...

Oh my goodness, Gina! What a wild adventure that was... I'm so sorry you have that expense for the vehicle. If that fell in my lap right now I just wouldn't be able to pay it. I don't even have a savings account or 401K anymore (So much for retirement, I'm happy to just buy groceries)!

We live in a strapping time anyways... Who needs $1000 car repair bills too? I'm praying for you, Love...

Melynie said...

What a wild adventure! I'm so sorry, Gina. And car repairs are HARD to swallow. But, I'm glad that you all are together, and safe, and healthy!

adamrodkey said...

Wow Gina, what a story! And a total bummer! I'm glad everything worked out (well, for the most part anyway [$995, ouch]).

Anissa said...

I'm just now reading this full version of the event. Talk about blessings! You were so right. Things could have been so different, but you had someone or someones watching over you the whole time.