One Wednesday morning, about a month ago, I was walking happily to my car, feeling pretty good. I rounded the corner to my assigned car port and noticed that my car wasn’t there. Had I parked it elsewhere? Who had I played a prank on lately? I’m not usually slow, but this took a minute to sink in: my car had been stolen. I called the police, they took my information. I live a block and a half from my old school (Oh, I’m a teacher, FYI) and my first instinct was to call one of my friends for a ride. No one picked up, so I called my dad. He was on his way to work and turned around to come get me.
*One thing you should know before you go on, I am a pink slipped teacher. I lost my job last year and only got rehired for two days a week. I have been teaching all year and only getting sub-pay. Because of this, I had to cut my expenses and made the decision to only carry liability insurance on my ‘94 accord. It’s a ‘94 accord for heaven’s sake!
Thankfully, my father has a spare car. My dad drives a Jaguar, but commutes in a Chevy Cavalier. My twin brother, before he moved to Colorado, sold his old Chevy Cavalier to my dad…his turquoise Cavalier with a rainbow flag sticker across the entire back bumper. Oh, come on!
My car was stolen on Wednesday, and on Saturday at 7am I got a call from the police. They found my car. It was destroyed and abandoned in the middle of an intersection. They asked me if I wanted to tow it or if they should. I don’t own a tow truck, so I told them to go ahead and tow it. The police said they would call me later with the location of my car, and I could go there to survey the damage. I called my dad and let him know and he said he wanted to come with me. The police finally called me back at 3pm and told me my car was at X tow yard, and to get it out, I would have to go to the police station Monday morning with my car title and fill out a release form. Then, after I had paid the tow and the three days of impound, I could get my destroyed car back. What? So I have to pay $350 to get my stolen car back? What? Ridiculous.
So, that same Saturday, my dad and I went down to the impound lot. Though we knew we wouldn’t be able to get my car, we could at least see how bad it was in order to determine what to do. Nope. It being a Saturday, the impound lot was closed (unless you want to pay an $80 lot fee). More ridiculousness. So, we talked it over, and based on what the officer had told us, determined it was best to donate my car. Monday afternoon, after work, I get the police paperwork and meet my dad back at the tow yard. He insists on paying the $350. Pick and pull comes and tows away my car.
So my car is totaled. I get $185 for selling it to pick and pull. My dad pays $350 for the tow and impound. I get nothing from my insurance and am not in a financial situation to buy a new car. Things are bad. But, they could be so much worse. I have an amazingly supportive family and group of friends. My parents have been amazing. On top of the $350, they have just been there for me, making any sacrifice necessary. I can only imagine where I would be without them. I don’t like leaning on anyone. It’s not in my nature. I am a hard worker and enjoy doing things for myself. I wish things were different, but all things considered, I am blessed to have the family I have. Now my mom is driving the Jaguar, since her commute is so short, and my dad is driving her Yaris. This means I have the attention of lots of gentlemen at stoplights in my turquoise Cavalier for as long as I need it. Thanks Mom and Dad. I love you.
Appreciative Revolutionary: Jeremy Orr (@JeremyOrr)
Bio: Jeremy Orr is a teacher in the East San Francisco Bay Area who enjoys the outdoors- hiking, backpacking, and camping- exploring all the bay area has to offer. He is also an avid runner; mostly to compensate for his love of food- cooking and eating. When not working on his masters, Jeremy’s thoughts can be found on Twitter and Mr Orr’s Classroom.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate Fudge Brownie
I appreciate Jeremy’s sense of humor, his resiliency, and his dedication to his students!
