The Blanding Bugle

Most people don't know their auto mechanic like we do, but we have a very special relationship now. Over the past 12 months we have seen Jim way too often, at least that is what our bank account thinks. The Escape has been in for a new engine, transmission and its latest trouble is a fuel line trouble. (Note to self: never again buy a car off craiglist from someone we don't know.)

The Beast (our 15 passenger van) finally had to have its transmission replaced. Now this one wasn't so unexpected, after all, the van is as old as Chris and we have only ever replaced batteries, brakes, windsheilds, wipers (like every 6 months in the northwet) and tires. Not bad for a 1998 van with almost 150,000 miles on it. But the timing could have been better--like maybe next year! Our bank account is much slimmer but our cars are good for another few years--at least if we cross our fingers and toes. Engines and transmissions are not cheap!

We had taken our van to Steve's parent's home for the holiday and driven it on the bumpy roads layered with ice and snow. So when I drove it the next couple of weeks I noticed the car kind of shimmying but didn't think much of it because of the disrepair of the roads. I made a mental note to myself that I needed to talk to Steve about it, but I thought since he just drove it to Portland and back it must not be that big of a deal.

I don't drive the van every day and just kept forgetting about it. Then one day, Jason, Mike and I were running and errand. As we drove to the store we notice the shimmy and a lack of guts when I stepped on the gas. I chalked it up to rotten roads and a cold engine.

Then on the way home, it started doing it again. We happened to stop at a light that was on a hill. We were going up the hill and as soon as the light turned green I stepped on the gas only we went backwards. Talk about frightening. I immediately knew that I had to call Steve and let him know the transmission was shot. Why I knew it was the transmission is beyond me. I just know the inside of the car (barely), where to put the gas in and where the nearest Ford service lot is. As we continued on our way, and while on the phone with Steve, I made the decision that we had to take it in then and there. No dropping the boys off and then going to Ford. I had to do it then!

I had quite a few more turns and lights to go through as well as a couple of hills to climb--with traffic light on them no less. I told Jason and Mike to start praying and praying fast! Every single light we came to was red, everyone of them! But as soon as we were just about to have to stop the light turned green, every single one! I have since counted the lights between when I told Jason and Mike to start praying and the Ford place and there are seven lights and four of those are on hills--going up the hill.

But the clincher is that to turn into Ford you have to cross traffic and it is a very, very busy road. I have never had a "free" left turn and have always had to stop before entering their lot. Not this time--even during the busy lunch hour. I turned right into the lot, drove up their driveway and was able to stop right in front of my mechanic's desk! That never happens! I never once came to a complete stop.

Jim and I greeted like old buddies. I told Jim that I thought it was the transmission. A phone call later that afternoon from him confirmed it.

I still am in awe that I knew it was the transmission--I shouldn't know that stuff, I barely know the word and I think I know what it does in a car. And I wish I could say I'm in awe that our prayers were answered, but I know better. The Lord answers prayers and that day He knew our little trip needed some help with seven green lights.

I just hope that those two young men in my car will remember the day they prayed the van through seven lights and right into the garage.

WHEW! the power of prayer!

The Happiest Place on Earth

Jim: our buddy