Thursday, December 9, 2010

Riding Off Into the Sunset

I got the call today.  And was given an answer I was pretty much expecting.
My cute little beetle that I loved so much was deemed a "total loss".
It was really no shock.  While I waited this week to get the final word, I had mixed emotions.  People told me that even if they repaired the damages, my car might never really be the same again.  So, in a way, I thought it would be best if it were totaled.  But then I just hated to lose it and have to try to find another car that even comes close to suiting me as well as my beetle did.

I remember so fondly the day I got my car.  It was the week of Thanksgiving in 2004.  My sister was in town from Seattle, and we were all over at Mom and Dad's house.  Fermin asked me to grab him a drink out of the outside fridge.  I told him to get it himself.  ;)  But then Mom said, "Kerri!!  Go and get him his beer!"  And I knew for sure, something was going on.  Fermin never bosses me around, Mom wouldn't have liked it if he did, and he normally would've been drinking wine with her, not beer.  But I looked at Mom and said, "Oh...okay." And I knew right then, there must be something great waiting for me in the garage.

The whole family followed right behind me as I opened the door to the garage.  And I just kept saying, "Oh. My. God."  I said it an embarrassing number of times.

My husband completely surprised me and picked this car out just for me.  I loved everything about it.

The night I had my wreck just about a week ago, that car really took all of the brunt, and I barely suffered any injuries at all!  And that made me love my beetle even more.

So today, when the insurance man told me my beetle was "a total loss" I thought that was the worst and most inaccurate phrasing ever. 

I know that a car is just a car.  That things are just things.  And that what's most important is that I'm okay.  Believe me, I have been counting my lucky stars all week long.  But this is the time of year for me that emotions run high and deep.  I miss my mom.  I want my mom here when I've gone through something scary.  I want my mom here when it's the holidays.  I want my mom here when I get my next car.  I know that Mom would be so grateful to that little Beetle that I am okay after that crazy mishap on the highway.

I drove out to see my car one last time today.  I took some pictures, took a little farewell video, and said my goodbyes.  Tomorrow, the insurance company will pick it up and take it to...I don't know?  Beetle heaven?  I sure hope so.

16 comments:

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

oh i just relate to you so much, kerri! i don't ever care what car i drive as long as it runs good and gets me where i want to go......buuut...i am very partial to vw bugs and buses. we are in our 60's...only 61 ha! so we've owned quite a few in our days...i always had actual fun driving them. :) i am so sorry you lost yours, it was a beauty and what a GREAT family story.
also, ya' made me laugh again as to your last retort today on my blog!

Laurie said...

OMgosh...I'm so glad you are okay (glad your guitar is okay, too)!! Whiplash is nothing to play with. Ten years ago, I was stopped at a traffic light and got smacked from behind by a car going about 45mph. It was practically right in front of a fire station, and the EMTs had me strapped to a backboard almost before I knew what happened. It took a couple years of physical therapy, chiropractic treatment and traction to get as close to normal as I am now. Sorry about your beloved bug...but it took good care of you when you needed it to.

Marie a la Mode said...

Aww Kerri I’m sorry to hear you have to part with your Beetle that you loved so much. I’d be sad, too. I’d probably cry in fact. But your little buddy will be in good hands in Beetle heaven. R.I.P. Beetle Bug. I hope you have a better weekend!

patty said...

Kerri, you do tell a great story, but I am so sorry for your loss! I get wanting to tell your Mom stuff. I have that feeling a lot with both of my parents, whether it's something good or bad, I always want to call and tell them. But life changes and we move on. I'll bet there is something just great (car-wise) in store for your future!! So glad you are OK!!

Allie said...

That's to bad...Poor beetle! But, if it makes you feel better..... "Punch-buggy!!"

Suzi said...

I am so sorry about you car. We spend so much time in our vehicles they become a part of us, glad it kept you safe. I am sure you will grow to love your new one!

Roberta said...

Ahh...I know how you feel...my first "new" car was a VW Rabbit and you just couldn't stop that car from running...even in the cold ass NH winters. Now we have a Chevy Impala that we feel the same way about. That sense of security should not be taken for granted and hope that you can find it again in your next car.
Fondly, Roberta

soraya nulliah said...

Oh-so sorry to hear this Kerrie-I know how easy it is to get attached to our vehicles. I am glad you are okay...sending you lots of hugs xxx

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

Oh kerri, much love going your way my friend. I think things help us to mark our journey and with a loss of the thing I think mourning HAS TO BE A PART OF IT. It brings value to your life and all that you go through... xo

Unknown said...

I am so, so sorry, and I totally get it. Totally. Prayers that you are okay though, that is a blessing!

jacqueline said...

Dearest sweet Kerri, im so so sorry you have to part with your adorable beetle! Im sending you lots of hugs and love your way!! I know it's not easy to part when you are attached to it. I hope you will get thru this smoothly! Have a lovely merry happy week and love to yoU!

Anonymous said...

I don't believe things are just things...when i buy something is because I have passion (or need) for that certain item, so it's not jus a thing anymore. I'm sure your beetle is going to beetle heaven. Still, the most important thing is that you are okay. You can get another beetle.

p.s.
I name all my cars. And I cry when we say goodbye.

and flowers pick themselves said...

sorry, kerri. this sucks, especially when there was such an adorable story attacher to the car. :(

xo Alison

Anonymous said...

Oh that just sucks! If my car died I would be as upset as you. Stupid uninsured idiot man who killed your car!!

Jadyn @ Dutch.British.Love said...

I am a little late with this, not sure how I missed this post. But I can sure see why you were so attached to that cutie. It certainly did a good job protecting you! Sorry that you had to let it go...xoxo

Lisa said...

I can relate to wanting to have your mom there. Glad you are okay and so sorry to hear about your car being "totaled" but it probably would never be the same again. Plus, you might be scared driving it.
Thinking of you during the holidays.