The Semi Wanted Our Lane

Yes, this is our pretty new van all banged up. On our way home from California in March we were 20 miles south of Baker when a semi belonging to the u.s. postal service merged into our lane while we were still in it.

Eric tried to brake but there was a long line of cars behind us. He swerved onto the shoulder instead. The shoulder was mostly dirt and we slid, hitting a 4x6 construction signpost which blew out the window right above Caleb, popped a tire, and ruined our sliding door. Luckily, aunt Kate had covered Caleb's seat with a blanket to block the sun not too long before and NO glass fell on him. It was such a blessed miracle.

We were towed to the lovely town of Baker by a manipulative tow truck driver who sold us a new tire for twelve million dollars and sent us on our way. We then paid twelve million more dollars to purchase the lovely duck tape in the picture above. I feel my widow closure was very artistic and also had the benefit of lasting duration of our trip. I am Todd Elkins' daughter. We were on our way again when we realized just south of Las Vegas that the van was pulling to the right. We stopped to examine the tires and found that our alignment was so far off that our front two tires were bald in some places. It was then 9:00p.m. and South Point Hotel and Casino became our home for the night while we waited for a tire store to open in the morning.

Big O fixed our front alignment (they couldn't fix the rear) and we made it home later on that second day. We all made it through physically unharmed and insurance took care of repairs to the van. I marvel at Heavenly Father's protective care of me and my family. I feel truly blessed.

Things I learned from this experience:

1. Stray dogs will pee on your unattended luggage.
2. People who don't know how to fix a tire should not stop and ask if you need help.
3. Duck tape is an amazing invention.
4. The city of Baker, CA has no working vacuums available to travelers.
5. Neither does Primm, NV.
6. It can take up to 30 hours to get from Perris, CA to Orem, UT
7. The CHP does not appreciate looky-loos.
8. Tow truck drivers have an obscene taste in music.
9. I hate when people try to manipulate me.
10. The Lord loves our little family and constantly blesses and protects us from danger.