Blessings from the Lord

Thirteen months ago, nearly to the day, a trucker on the highway nearly left me a widow when he decided to slam into the passenger's side of the truck that The Rev. was driving. As he was spinning across the interstate, The Rev. was sure he would meet Jesus at any moment, but his guardian angels kept him and our dog safe until they landed in a ditch next to a service road. Much to the amazement of the highway patrol and the local fire department, The Rev. and our dog walked away from the accident. The truck, on which we had made two car payments, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Because of our tight finances (don't say one word about how many bottles of wine we have in our closet, Mom and Dad), we couldn't afford to purchase another vehicle. With gas prices and insurance being so expensive, we decided to drive one car for awhile. Raise your hand if you are married and share a car. Yeah, didn't think so. It STINKS. I think only having one car had a big influence on my path to crazy town. If one more misfortune (i.e. termites, leaky roof, stupid HOA giving us 30 days to paint our house) happens, I will be a full time resident there.

Our car situation improved greatly about a month ago. The Rev.'s secretary asked him if he wanted a car. She had one that she wanted to give away. It had belonged to her mother and then it was driven by her aunt. Her aunt had a new car and did not need this one anymore. The Rev. and I were thrilled about this, but we wouldn't just take it, we wanted to pay her something for it. "You don't understand," she said, "you haven't seen this car, I want to give it to you." We appreciated the gesture, but we had to pay her something. We agreed on five dollars. Yes, people, you did not read that wrong. FIVE DOLLARS. Or the amount she paid for the cute Hawaiian blue steering wheel cover.

For five dollars, we received a 1986 Nissan Pulsar. I think that the fact the thing still runs after 20 years is a testament to Japanese automobile engineering. She's not pretty to look at, but she runs, and she actually smells good. And she will get The Rev. to and from church, to shut-in visits, and to destinations around town. The Rev. got the title transferred and then called our insurance agent to get liability insurance:

"Hello, yes, I want to add a car to my policy."

"Sure, let me get some information from you. What kind of car is it?"

"A 1986 Nissan Pulsar."

"How much did you pay for the car?"

"Five dollars."

"Five dollars!"

"Yes, and if you saw it, you would understand why."

"Does it have any audio equipment valuable for post sale?"

"It doesn't even have a radio."

"Does it have any safety features?"

"Um, no."

After a rather hilarious conversation, the insurance company discovered it owed us money. I must also tell you that besides not having a radio, the car also lacks hubcaps, a/c, and windshield wipers. She is also a little cantankerous to start, but once the engine catches, you know her heart is pumping like a champion. She would not fulfill any man's shallow expectations for beauty, but she has great personality.

Today is the first day The Rev. drove her to work. He got her started (it took a few moments) and asked me if the brake lights and the directionals were working. They were and off he went. I said a little prayer thanking the Dear Lord and pastorsecretary for that blessing, because any kind of car is a blessing fit for a bathtub, not a Dixie cup.

Now I just have to get MTV to pimp his ride.