I don't have to worry about selling my Highlander!

Well, Chelsea and I left Utah yesterday around 1:00 pm. after my friend Norma's funeral. It was a nice funeral and a real celebration of her life. The roads were much better than expected so we made it to Missoula, MT where we spent the night.

This morning we got up at 8:30 (Mike called from the SLC airport and woke me up!). We got up, got gas and then went to Starbucks for a latte and a mocha. The roads were pretty good, but I called my parents to see how the two passes were. We didn't have to wait to find out. As we were approaching the 10,000 Silver Dollar Bar/Restaurant/ Gas Station we hit a slick spot, skidded, hit the ditch and rolled the Highlander. We ended back up on our tires!

The driver's side window was gone, the rear drivers side window was gone, the windshield was cracked in two places, the right and left front quarter panels were dented, both front doors were messed up, the left rear door was damaged. Both side mirrors were gone. Two tires were flat, and the rear end was messed up. Oh, and the roof near the drivers side is messed up too. But Chelsea, Scruffy and I were unharmed. That is the most important part of this story!

I am pretty sure my Highlander is totaled, but that is the only loss, and I have great full coverage insurance so I am not worried about that. Plus I bought a new Camry about a month ago, so I am not even without a car. My insurance will pay for a rental for us to get back to Utah, and then, God willing, our Highlander will be totaled out and I can put some of that money away to pay for the rise in my insurance. I didn't get a ticket so hopefully that will help.

We were so blessed because the tow truck driver was such a nice guy. He had his daughter come out to the accident and she sat with Chelsea and I in her truck for two hours before the highway patrol was able to get there. Since our accident did not have any injuries (Praise God!) we were low on the list. We went to the tow driver's house with his daughter. Her and the rest of the large family fed us and got us warm and even let Scruffy in the house. Then the driver and his girl friend drove us 100 miles to Coeur d' Alene. They were coming this way anyway to see his girlfriend's new grandnephew. They were our angels! We are fine and are now at my sister, Karin's house, making sugar cookies for Santa! I am having a much deserved glass of wine and trying to relax.

If you are the praying type, please thank God that we made it through the accident unharmed. The Highway Patrolman was shocked when he saw the vehicle and asked me twice if I was sure we actually rolled over. There were two witnesses who saw it roll, so I am sure. I LOVE Toyota's! Also pray that my Highlander is totaled because I don't know if I will be able to sell it with so much damage, even after repairs! I could not lie to someone if they asked me if it'd been in an accident. And I certainly wouldn't blame them if they didn't want to buy it.

Well, I have much to be thankful for this Christmas and so do you. Give everyone you love a kiss and hug, and make sure you communicate just how much they mean to you, because you never know, you might not have another chance. Mary