George Carlin had a line about how “other folks stuff was shit and your shit was stuff.” Here I am pairing down my life to a minimum. The ’stuff’ I have ain’t shit and except for the car it is all paid for! The car, by far, is the most expensive possession I have at this time.
During the trip to Grammy’s last week my step-sister was over before work on Thursday morning and in a rush to not be late backing out of Grammy’s driveway forgot my car was there. Crash. She hit the driver side rear quarter panel, bumper and cracked the rear light lens assembly of my 2008 Toyota Scion.
Now do not mistake me, I am very proud of this car and there is very little about it not to like, most of which I have fixed one way or another. Yet it is only a car and dispite being a little over a year old has 25,000 miles on the odometer. While being careful with it this 2 door coupe has been used it to tote wood, furniture, ladders, boxes, taken to job sites, over curbs slowly so the thought that it has been ‘babied’ just is not true. Regardless, it has been kept in good running and looking condition.
My poor step-sister was all a-fritter with with regret and apologies. I laughed and hugged her saying, “I ya didn’t want me to visit, just SAY so! Ya did not need to bang up my car!” She laughed and then cried. In response the only reasonable thing to do was tell the truth, “Sister, it is only a car! Are you okay?” She was amazed! “I HAVE INSURANCE!” to which the only reasonable response was, “Oh, I trust you! I know where your Momma lives!” Still feeling badly but not quite so shaken she went on to work.
Having insurance she filed a claim that day and today the car went into the shop for repairs. The repairs will cost around $1,500 and of course her insurance will pay. When the Scion is returned it will be in good shape ready for the next 25,000 miles!
It is amazing how when you have things you take care of yet keep in perspective the important things such as life, limb and mental stability, the stuff does not weigh you down.
