Back Alive!

[Hitman]

On Sunday eve., 09/19/04, my Mom called, to say that my step-father had died. I left, by car, for Benson, AZ, from the Detroit area. Mon. nite, at 10:00p.m., I was in Missouri, on I-44 west, when I hit a truck tire in the road. My radiator was destroyed, and the car started pumping oil out, all unknown to me. A few miles down the road, the engine blew, and black smoke spewed out from under the hood.
I had the car towed to Rolla, Mo, got a rental, and continued to AZ, for the funeral. Insurance ok'd a new engine, and the car wouldn't be ready for a week. Drove 20 hrs. straight, Wed., to get the car. Picked it up Thurs. a.m., slept for 3 hrs., and drove home, arriving this morning, at 1:00a.m.
I had the car repaired at Coverdell's, in Rolla, MO. They did an excellent job, the car runs great, and even better than before. I was rescued at the side of the road, by a Missouri State Trooper, and he was courteous, professional, and very nice. Trooper DuBois. Great guy.

I made the funeral, and had a few more days to spend with my Mom, due to the time needed to get the engine, and install it. I was gone for 12 days, and it's great to be home.

Ride Safe

Rick

I drive a 2001 PTCruiser, with a custom flame paint job. The front facia was also severly damaged, and I am having that repaired by the man who painted my car, so it will be like new. I had it insured as a custom, and State Farm is paying it all, less my deductable. Covered the rental, and hotel room, too.

It's great to be home, and to be here. I missed you guys.

Rick

:usaflag:

[Dyna Jim]

Wow Rick!

Quite an adventure, and my sympathies go out to you and your family. I'm glad you made it back ok, and glad to see your name appearing again.

Too bad you didn't stop in while you were out here.

DJ

[Hitman]

Jim, I had intended to stop by to meet you, but my Mom, who is 79, and has leukemia, had some business to settle. I spent all of my time with her, and because of her condition, I was grateful for the time.

That's one of the reasons for us moving to Az, next year. To be with my Mom. I was adopted, at age five, and my Mom chose me. I love her, with all of my heart.

I'll see you next spring, when we move there. I'm looking forward to meeting you, and shaking your hand.

Rick

:beerchug:

[gixster92]

Rick my prayers are with you and your family in this time. And what a ride you had to get there (even if it was in a PTC :) ) Glad to hear everything is getting back on track. Hopefully we will be able to meet up before you get up and leave.

Later.

[Wind]

Rick,
Very sorry for your family's loss.
Man, take a bad situation and make it worse. Too bad about your car but glad you were able to make it and be with your mother.

[Hitman]

Thanks, guys.

Gix, do you still have my cell#? Just call me, and we can hook up.

It's raining, outside, so I'm gonna' do fluid changes, today.
Supposed to be nice, tomorrow.

Rick

[Big Dog]

Rick: Sorry to hear about your loss. Condolences from my family to yours. Good to see your back and in one piece and all has worked out.
TBD

[Hitman]

Thanks, BigDog.

It was an adventure, for sure, but I was able to be with my Mom, and help her through it. The rest will be okay, eventually.

It's good to be home, and among friends.

Ride Safe, brother

:usaflag:

[gixster92]

Rick yes I have your digits programmed in my phone, it looks like we have another in our area we could hook up with. This weekend is out for me (family stuff going on, but if it changes I will call) but we can try once before the season is up. if this continues we might have to start our own chapter soon :)

[Hitman]

Gix, that would be okay with me, but I will be moving west, in a few months.

I would like to meet, at least once, before I go.

Call, when you are ready.

RIDE SAFE

RIDE FREE

:usaflag: :wave:

[Coldtoe]

My condolences to you and yours Rick. Glad you made it okay.

[hefitz04wg]

Rick

My condolences to you and your family. My mom turns 80 in May so I try to get by to see her as often as I can. She lives by herself and likes it that way. I lost my dad in 1990 and still feel the pain. We only became close in his last few years. What a waste of precious time.

I guess one way to look at your vehicle problems is that it afforded a few extra days to visit.

Glad everything worked out and your home safe and sound.

[Hitman]

Fitz, I lost my Dad in 1982, and we weren't close either, until right before he was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma. He passed away five months after the diagnosis. When he died, he knew that I loved him.
I still feel the loss, too.
My thoughts are with you.
I talk to my Mom every night, and I just tell her to hang tough for six more months, and Ingrid and I will be with her. My Dad didn't like me, almost from the time I was adopted, but my Mom, she always loved me, and believed in me.


Ride Safe, my friend

Thank you, everyone, for the kind words. It's good to be among such fine people.

:usaflag: :thumb: