Monday, January 12, 2009

She's Out To Get Me. Seriously.

You may recall this post. You know, the one where I was weepy cuz my little girl got her drivers license? Yea. Well, weepy has ended cuz said little girl is determined to ruin my vehicle! Seriously!

Sam, on most days, is an excellent driver. She is careful, watches her speed, doesn't talk on her cell while driving, and seems to have a good grasp of the responsibility that goes along with owning a drivers license. Until................she gets in or around my vehicle.

On Christmas Eve, I decided to drive to my moms so we could bring all of the gifts at one time. My folks only live right behind us, but there was a lot of snow on the ground and a lot of packages. Driving seemed the best option. As I was getting stuff together, Sam asked if she could back my vehicle out of the driveway. I said 'Sure'.

The side of my house runs along an alley that runs between 4 houses. My driveway runs off the alley and is a little tricky getting into sometimes as it is very narrow. Since the alley is a public street, I have to make sure my vehicle is not sticking out too far as to keep other vehicles from coming through. However, on the other side of the vehicle is a drop off into our backyard. There are railroad ties stacked upon each other that serve as a make-shift retaining wall.

I was running around the house trying to get everything together to go to my folks when I heard Sam come in and say she was stuck. Since there was a lot of snow, I assumed she was stuck in the driveway and couldn't get the vehicle backed out. However, as the story progressed, it was becoming more clear. She wasn't stuck in the snow, the vehicle was stuck on the railroad ties. Well, to be more accurate, the railroad tie was under the axle and the tire was 'free floating'. Let me just say that the words tire and free floating shouldn't be used in the same sentence. Ever. Of course I handled this dilemma in the most loving, Christian way...."Sam! How could you do this? Weren't you watching what you were doing?, etc." Yea. Cuz she didn't feel bad enough. I had to do some serious apologizing later!

So, I began calling every place I could think of that might have the capabilities of towing a vehicle. Surprise! Everything is closed at 7pm on Christmas Eve. So, I left a message on the cell phone of a guy who owns a local gas station (thank God for small towns). He called back and said he would be at my house at 9am to get it 'unstuck'. I shuddered as I hung up the phone and began to calculate how much this little 'tow' was going to cost me on Christmas Day. Thankfully, God has blessed me with amazing friends! A good friend of the family came by, with his tractor, on Christmas Day, and within a few minutes had me completely unstuck!

Yesterday, Sam and I drove to church separately because my youngest daughter and I were attending Girls for God after Sunday School. Sam came in the room to let me know she was going to pick up some lunch and then go to Worship Team practice. I was thirsty, so I asked her to bring me back a pop. When she came back into the room to give me my drink, she looked a little pale. I asked her what she was doing and she said "Preparing for my funeral." Of course, I asked why..... to which she replied "I would rather not tell you here." UH-OH!

Seems that as she was backing out of the parking space at church she 'grazed' my vehicle! Is it just me or are you sensing a pattern here between backing out and my vehicle? I went and inspected it and it's a little more than a graze, but I did handle it in a loving, Christian way this time. I am thankful for these minor fender benders and pray they are the worst accidents she ever has. However, if she could give my vehicle a break.......that would be great;)

7 comments:

rk said...

Biting nails... drivers ed on horizon. Oh my. And I thought toddlerhood was hard. Now teen life. Can't believe it's here!

You're doing great mom!

R

Susan said...

I just love that Sam. You must have a bulls eye on your van.

Tanya said...

Oh my, what is up? But I have to tell you it is funny. You give the best post. It is not you, it is her. She is just being careless and not thinking. I do that sometimes, I take driving for granite. She will get out of it fast. Love ya.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Get her a horse like Amos, He backs up real well.

Sherry said...

Heather,
I know you don't think this is a very funny post but I just shared it with Drue and we think it was so funny and we also feel very blessed that we haven't experienced anything like this with Ethan yet! You are such a great mother!

Carol said...

Poor Sam. Good thing she has a gracious, loving, and forgiving Mom!!

Anonymous said...

My Trina just got her license..and I hold my breath and pray..please please Lord protect her and my car..or I may be back praying for funds to fix it.. ahhhhh they do grow up and have their own cars..eventually..LOL

I thought you handled things well! 8-)