Dave excelled in the communication department earlier today, delivering a concise yet informative message: “Hi. I want you to know we’ve been rear-ended, and we’re ok.” Just like a steadfast air traffic controller, he relayed the crucial details: “undriveable,” “tow truck coming,” “pick us up.”
So, I sprang into action. Heading up the hill, I found a backup of cars, red and blue lights, and sandwiched between cop cars was our cute Chevy Volt with its back left foot broken at the ankle – in other words, the tire had popped off. All within a handful of minutes from our driveway.
While waiting for the tow truck, the police officer asked Dave, “So, is it totaled?” Dave, not being an auto insurer, admitted he didn’t have a clue. “Well, if it was, I could use my push bar to move your car to the side and get traffic moving, but that would certainly scratch up your car more.” So, we waited, unsure whether our vehicle was salvageable or not. It’s hard to believe that a mere tire dislocation could push it into the “totaled” category.
I’m actually a bit excited about it. Having my 1996 Ford Escort totaled when I was 21 was kind of badass because I got more money for the car than it was worth. I used that money as a down payment on my almost favorite vehicle of all time, my Chevy S-10 pickup truck. As for my absolute favorite car, you ask? Well, I had a soft spot for my sporty, stick-shift Scion TC. That car had some serious vroom vroom!
Minutes after dealing with the police report and discovering that the driver’s mom, an undercover cop, had arrived on the scene to support her son, a rather intriguing turn of events unfolded. A call on the radio came in, and the responding officer leaped into his car, sirens wailing, executed a U-turn, and sped down the hill, leaving us alone with the Mom cop of the 18-year-old boy.
“There’s a string of robberies involving a stolen car down at the YMCA, and they have a shotgun.” Suddenly, Mom was the lead cop, and our situation was relegated to “nothing to see here.”
But honestly, who cares about a damaged car when everyone’s safe and sound, right?
Once home and over Facetime, my dad, who has been through his share of car accidents, provided some expert advice: “Call your insurance company in the morning; they should set you up with a rental car for 30 days.” The police officer also mentioned that we should contact our car seat manufacturer, as car seats that have been in a collision can be replaced for free. It’s funny because I just noticed fabric wear on the harness part yesterday.
Even with the accident, I’ve had a fantastic day today. Work went well, and the warm sunshine was delightful. I performed a body scan just, and it felt like my body had settled, like all the stress had drained away through a tiny hole of an hourglass, leaving me in a state of relaxation. It’s a sensation I’d love to experience more often.
In less than an hour, we’re going to embark on our first D&D session in several months. Our Dungeon Master, the mastermind behind helping the story unfold, has relocated his family to Germany, so instead of in-person meetings at our house, we’re gathering virtually. As far as I can recall, it’ll be 6 AM his time.
With a bit of time to spare before our D&D session, I’m going to treat myself to some dessert and slip into my PJs. I hope your Wednesday was a fantastic one.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 