Today started at 6am. Physical therapy, then pick up hog feed, then replace the fuel pump on our suburban. Under 3 hours, easy enough. Then we went to the grocery store, then to Walmart. When we got to Walmart the suburban was losing oil, a lot. Through several friends, we thought it was just a blown oil filter ring, it wasn't, its the rear main seal.
We bought oil, a lot then headed home. Once on the highway, I felt a severe vibration, and pulled over, saw nothing, continued on. Less than a mile down the road the rear driver's wheel fell off, as I was going about 30 mph down an off ramp. The wheel went past the suburban, down a ditch and into Casey's parking lot fence, with enough force to hurt someone.
Then we called our insurance company for a tow since we have towing, they said sorry, everywhere closes at 7 and you don't live in a covered area. I asked to talk to a supervisor, telling them we had been customers for many years and they will find us someone or I will cancel the policy. Guess what, they found someone and covered the $200 tow bill.
During my time of irateness, I also contacted the dealer where I have bought several vehicles, told them what happened and requested help with the engine, or to find me something else. After several messages, we have gotten the engine arranged to be fixed, the tow to the shop fixed, and the rear wheel problem fixed as well, (if I can not fix it tomorrow).
So with $400 worth of groceries in coolers, 4 kids in the car for 10 hours, and my wife dealing with me we must look at the day in it's entireties.
1. No one was severely injured in the vehicle or a passer by when the wheel flew off.
2. No out of pocket expenses came of this, other than some new studs for the rear end. (Possibly)
3. Our insurance company took me for my word and went through the proper channel to find what we needed.
4. We got to spend the entire day together.
5. It's midnight, so the kids will sleep in.
6. The day could have been much, much worse.
Now, as I wrote last night, life isn't always easy, nor is it always fair. But take the good with the bad, and always stand your ground, especially when you know what needs to be done to get it fixed.
I am NOT, the most level headed person, I lose my temper easily and yell at the ones who really don't deserve it, however, it gets done what needs done.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting our family farm.