Nana-Van Go is now Nana Van Gone!!

BYE-BYE VAN BROKEN! It was hard to watch the ol' green van hauled away this morning from our driveway with twelve years of memories along with it. . .beach times, Spaghetti Factory and Honolulu Xmas lights, many, many airport runs, drivers' tests and first licenses, visiting company caravans, band practices, mom and dad's morning jogs/Meg's seminary drop offs, Daddy-drop offs at BYUH, years of orthodontist visits, and so on. Many happy family times with you all. Yup, it was like seeing a family member taken away. . . our scrapbook on wheels :D It had been towed here yesterday after the collision [see Lindsey's blog for photo] and after placing a protective tarp on it for the night the insurance towing came promptly this morning to get it to be inspected. Will it be able to be resurrected? No, this van will be laid to rest/sold to auction. It would take $6400 to repair it. [And that doesn't count the other deterioration it had been showing...leaking, rusting, hard water lines on the roof, middle seats that wouldn't go down, no A/C, etc. ] Of course it is good to know we got our money's worth out of this over the course of the years, and mom always LOVED to drive a car that's paid for.
Now we will move on. For our family, an era has passed. How fitting it is when Megan is graduating...interesting, huh?

THE LAST RIDE in Nana-van was precious, and it will remain in my mind a long time. The last ride Megan and I had in it we had such a happy time laughing our hearts out as we drove to KHS band practice accompanied by Trevor and Devin in the middle child restraint seats of the van. First, Devin and Trevor played the carrying-on verbal battle game "No it isn't" / "Yes it is" and they'd reverse their own phrase at no notice. We thought that was cute. Then Trevor claims, "I like my middle brother, he's so fun." We asked if he liked his little brother, Kyle, too and of course he said yes. He was quick to add, though, that there would be just ONE more kid to love, ". . .and then my mom's DONE!" We about lost it, it was SOOO funny, especially the way he emphatically said "done." :D :D :D :D

The hardest part for me was having the little ones with me for that trauma. How I wish I could have spared them that. Whoever would guess the open gate wouldn't be secured. I had no idea what I'd hit. It appeared to be open when I came through at first and I was pleased both were open [but soon learned the one was not secured] and not the usual one-lane traffic for a non-school day as sometimes occurs. But it happened, and we can't go back, only forward. I'm grateful the boys weren't injured physically [so far?], and that I'd dropped Megan off from that passenger position just 30 seconds earlier. The bits of glass that did come in would have been aimed right at her. Fortunately little ones are resilient, but can learn and grow from their experiences. I do feel the Lord's hand in everyday events...this was no exception.

I'm also grateful my speed was minimal, maybe 10 mph. ?? as I was approaching the stop light. what IF I'd been going even a bit faster ?? well. . . I'm also grateful we weren't ON the highway, and quite off of it, in a relatively uncongested place. No other cars or pedestrians were involved. We were in a heavier vehicle. There were no fuels exploding/igniting. And Kahuku is now very knowledgeable that its entry gate IS sturdy. Not a dent on it. Wow.

Even though traumatic, I'm glad the boys could see the police officers in a helpful role, assisting in the report taking and phone calling for towing. More drama for the boys to imitate. Many helpful KHS employess, admin. and staff, and parents of students came by, offering assitance if needed. I was more fine than I could have been, I guess. [My typical shift into numb and non-emoting] It, like other situations, is doable. And I'm so grateful to all for their offers to help. Daily prayer is a boon, and helps so much in ways we don't even know. Now at night when I check in, I'll be adding, "Thanks for the prayers I didn't even know You answered and the protection and looking after I didn't even notice."

MEMORIES IN THE VAN: Does anyone remember a special time in the van that I left out? I'd love to have you comment on those. I've philosophized enough in this...no thoughts for the day this time.




First, I'm glad Megan wasn't in the car since the passenger side front was the severely damaged part from the unsecured security gate that was in our path and that Devin and Trevor have shown no physical damage.