Tuesday, August 11, 2009

They are ALWAYS your kids



Number 2 son is a forest fire fighter near Lake George, Colorado. Only this year there haven't been any fires, which is good news for the locals, and bad news for him.

Most of the year he lives in Portland Oregon, where he is a student. It has taken him a long time to find his calling, but he is becoming a fascinating adult, one I am very proud of. This has not been his summer.

In preparation of fire season, he wanted to buy a very sturdy truck. He knew he would be a long way from help, and needed something which would safely get him there and back home.

His old boss was restoring a Land Cruiser. Bunky drove it a lot last summer, knew and liked the truck and eventually agreed to buy it. The LC worked fine in Oregon, but limped into Colorado. Initially he blamed it on not being set up for altitude. He quickly found out otherwise.

Tis a new engine he would he needing. So with a lot of pluck he found the local off road fixer, who found an engine and engine rebuilder for him. He spent his first 60 days in Colorado without wheels. Fortunately, his sister and her husband live in Denver, and they periodically would visit, bring him groceries, and when available lend him a car. It's been a long summer for him.

Finally, his truck was ready the last weekend in July. Much happiness in his house.

Last night, he rolled it. Three times. Coming down a gravel mountain road he swerved to avoid an ascending car on a switchback. Bunky swerved down the mountainside.

Mercifully, no one was hurt.

So what's a dad to do when his youngest is a thousand miles from home, near broke, no car, no way home? I offered him my car.


Looks like I'm heading to Colorado soon.


Toad

12 comments:

Gail, in northern California said...

Wouldn't you hate to be all alone in this world? No one to call, no one to care.

He's lucky to have you, and you him.

kathleen said...

You sound like such a good dad. Enjoy Colorado.

preppyplayer said...

PS Good excuse to go see him.

preppyplayer said...

Sigh. They are ALWAYS your children. Thankfully :)

Mrs. Blandings said...

Oh my goodness, I am so glad he is ok. Just made the drive yesterday. Usually the late summer heat in Western Kansas is unbearable; be grateful for a break in the weather.

The Blushing Hostess said...

Just glad he is okay and I agree, they are my babies at any age.

I would totally lend him my Rolls if I were you! :)

Toad said...

He could have the Bentley, but at 8highway miles per gallon, it might be worse than walking.

EatPlayLove said...

Oh no! So glad he's okay. Very scary. We've had the chance to see him a couple of times since he's been "sort of local". Hope he makes it home safely. Drive safely as well.

David said...

Glad it's okay, and you ARE a good dad.

ADG said...

Toad...I've got a brother ten years younger who I've helped endlessly along the way. I've got an older sister who is disabled with lupus....ditto there. As long as these people that we love are trying to do the right things and make their way....we help 'em....right?

ADG

Renovation Therapy said...

Good Dad.

So glad no one was hurt!

Kathy said...

Just sent my oldest off to Colorado (from northern VA) in the family van. Keep your fingers crossed!