It has been a long time since I've written anything. Anything at all. It was a long Autumn, and looks to be a long Winter. I loaded up the family to go visit my parents. My mom and dad are in the 70s, and health is a short commodity these days. It is about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Eau Claire to Green Bay - due East - and the weather looked fine when we left home. However, it didn't stay that way for long. By the time we reached Chippewa Falls, only 20 minutes away, it had started to snow. Less than an hour later, our trip had come to an abrupt stop.
Unfortunately, (above) this is what is left of my 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The car probably saved our lives. The outside is a mess, but the cabin was intact and all the occupants, although scared, were alright. Including five children, the eldest only 12 years old. My youngest son, who has Down Syndrome, kept saying "I'm scared Daddy - that really scared me." but he was okay, not a scratch. Elizabeth and Emma (all of five years old) needed to be hospitalized to get their neck and back checked out, but they were okay. Just suffered minor whiplash from the collision.
I've always thought cars were a really bad investment. And, frankly, have regretted buying this Mercedes-Benz since the day I drove it off the lot. But, I must admit, it kept my family safe. All in all, things could have been much worse.
Unfortunately, I never did make it back to Green Bay to see my parents. Which is really too bad. I miss my parents, and fear this may be the last Christmas I could spend with them.
I hope 2009 brings good health and fortune to our family. We could use the change of pace.
