Part II - Curse You, Ohio Winter!

The fun continues!

So...Bryan was driving the van to work the other day...wait, let me back up a bit...

Bryan was driving home from work in the Escort last week, when he hit a GIANT pothole. Ya know, the ones that could almost swallow your car whole - Cleveland roads are famous for them! He wasn't able to swerve because of the cars on either side of him, so he hit it hard and knocked the wheels out of alignment, or something. Now it makes a lovely knocking sound when you drive.

SO...not wanting to drive the injured car until we could get it fixed, Bryan drove the van to work (the day after the whole gutter incident, by the way). On the way down the hill on our street, he hit a slippery spot and tried to brake, but van didn't slow at all (Did I mention that the van is in desperate need of new tires? We've been putting it off and putting it off for a couple months now)! He hit head-on at full speed into a large snow bank, and smashed the front bumper (that's not gonna be cheap)! He was also hopelessly stuck in the snow.

While trying to dig the van out, a truck pulled up and the man inside asked Bryan if he could use a hand. He gratefully accepted, and the man helped tow the van out of the snow bank with his truck. Bryan surveyed the damage on the fron of the van and then thanked the man for his help.

Man: "You're welcome. Do you have anything to tip me with?" (what?!)

Bryan, a little surprised: "Um...I'm sorry, I don't have any cash with me."

Man: "I'll take a check." (WHAT?!)

Bryan: "I don't have a checkbook with me either."

Man: "Well, you said you lived close by, right? You could go home and get me some money." (Are. You. Kidding. Me?!)

Bryan, being the sweet guy he is, came home, found our last $10 bill (the one we were going to buy toilet paper with), and gave it to the man. When Bryan told me the story, I was floored! I know times are tough right now; maybe the guy really needed it. If so, I'm glad we could help. But whatever happened to helping out your neighbor and random acts of kindness? I don't know. Maybe I've got it all wrong.

P.S. Now, nobody go out and buy us toilet paper! We just got our tax refund and Bryan's paycheck comes this week, so we are fine!

Thanks, Mom!

Dear Mom,
How can we ever thank you for everything you did for us these past few weeks? That first week, when Hannah was in the hospital, was so difficult for us! It would have been unbearable if I was also worrying about who was caring for Andrew and Logan all day (and night!), or if Bryan had to stay home with them and leave me to face the hopital alone. I really needed him there with me, and you made that possible. I missed the boys and wished I could be home with them, but I always knew that they were in good hands! THANK YOU!

Thanks for letting us sleep in when Hannah had been up during the night! Thanks for taking Andrew to school every morning and enduring Logan's diaper battles ("I NEED the motorcycle diaper!") The boys say, "Thanks for the chocolate milk, Nana!" Thanks for doing my cooking and cleaning and laundry for three weeks. Thanks for giving Bryan and me a much needed date night! Thanks for supporting me through all my breastfeeding issues and helping me to feel like a good Mom! My entire life, you have been the definition of selfless service to me! I just hope I can follow your example and be as great a Mom as you!

I miss you already!
Love, Summer