This past week has been a little bit busy for Mike and I... and a little bit stressful.
My faithful and reliable 2007 Subaru Outback with 202,000 miles on it, began overheating a while ago. It would only happen occasionally. Once it was the radiator cap. Once it was a crack in the radiator. Nothing too catastrophic and we were diligent about maintaining it. We also were told it had an oil consumption issue... then we were told it didn't... and then we were told it did again.
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| THE SUBARU IN CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK |
Now, let me give you a little backstory: About a week ago, for NO REASON WHATSOEVER, I started looking at some used cars online. I just wanted to see what was out there. I told Mike about it and explained that I kept having this feeling of, "What if something catastrophic happens with my car and I end up stranded with an infant?" Can a tow truck even accommodate a car seat? Would I have the car towed and take an Uber if Mike's at work and can't leave???
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| IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK |
Anyway, over Christmas break, coming back from a doctor's appointment in Carson City (8.5 months pregnant), my car overheats. I was able to pull into a Jiffy Lube, in tears because I'm hormonal and exhausted, where they charge me $45 to take the radiator cap off and put it back on. That's it. But they let my car run and it doesn't overheat again so they send me on my way. It again seems like a quick fix (need a new cap) and I drive it for the next few days without any problems!
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| AFTER DRIVING THROUGH A TREE IN REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK |
Until Tuesday (exactly 1 week til baby's due date). I'm driving on the highway from one school to another going about 65 (don't worry mom, that's the speed limit). It wasn't until I got to a stoplight that I realized there was smoke billowing out from the hood of my car. I look at my temp gauge and it literally can't get any hotter.
But, God's timing is perfect because Mike is off work on Tuesdays and was able to come rescue me. I took his truck and was able to finish working that day... he took my car and managed to get it to a local shop where they told us: blown head gasket. Yikes. Not an expensive part but VERY expensive to fix in terms of labor costs.
We had to figure out a solution... fast. To fix it, the car would be in the shop for DAYS. I'm still working (hoping to work right up until this baby comes) which means I need a car. I could drop Mike off at work in the mornings but IF I go into labor while at work, he can't get to me!
We decide it's best to start looking for a used car. Ironic, huh? I was JUST looking at them online. So, did I jinx us? Or did I sense it was coming??? I prefer the latter.
LONG story short, we find a "new-to-us" car in Reno that we want to look at. Mike attempts to drive my car there while I'm at work on Wednesday... but he gets stranded and has to have it towed. He spends ALL day at this dealership in Reno trying to figure out an option for us. We backed out on the used car he went to see for various reasons. Now what to do? He's stressed. And hasn't eaten all day. After work, I drive to Reno and immediately pick him up to go get food. Once we solve the low blood sugar issue, we decide: we are getting a new car. Back at the dealership we make quick decisions, do quick test drives, fill out some quick paperwork, and drive off the lot at almost 7 pm with a 2019 Subaru Outback.
I really don't know how to explain it but when we got in this new car, K love was blasting on the radio which I took as a sign from a higher power, and I just felt like "Yep... this is it."
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| THE NEW SUBARU |
Let me explain why, while stressful, this all worked out as it was supposed to: See, Mike and I had this plan to drive my car until the wheels fell off (which for the most part, we did). We NEVER would have made such an impromptu decision. If I hadn't been due with our firstborn in 6 days, we would've taken FOREVER to make a decision on a car. Our situation put everything in perspective for us. Another reason the timing is perfect: If our baby had come when I wanted him too, I would have undoubtedly been stranded with an infant!!! I think God knows what he's doing and I will sit back, relax, and trust his timing.
I miss my old Subaru. It was a good car. It got me across the country. It was paid for (I really, REALLY liked that part). It served me well for almost 7 years! And if it were just going to be me driving it, we probably would've fixed it and I would've kept it. But, it's not just about me anymore. And I feel PRETTY SURE I'm gonna enjoy this new car just as much as my old one. :) We feel grateful to be in a situation where we CAN buy a new car. Now that this stressful event is behind us, we sit and wait on God's perfect timing again... when our little man arrives!!! Stay tuned!
