The Death of a Camry

today is a sad day. It is the day that, as I was driving to work, our Camry was unexpectedly and prematurely taken from us. I was driving Rachel to work in this wonderful car that had taken us back and forth across this great country and had a measly 72,000 miles on it. We were passing a truck that had been slowing us for quite some time (and had a trailer loaded down with junk- scraps of junk stuff)- he was going 35 in a 55. as the "safe passing" zone came, i picked up speed to go around him. either something fell off his truck or a huge rock caused a large thudding sound in the front of the car, and i saw smoke trailing us, the low oil light came on and so we got over (as i had just gotten around him) and pulled off the road...

as we got out, i popped the hood button, but decided not to open the hood as rachel saw fire on the ground and assumed it was in the engine as well. just as we were preparing to watch the car blow- the flames had crept over the hood) a gentleman stopped with a fire extinguisher and put it out.

as we were able to look under the hood, everything was fried, melted and charred.

there was a gaping hole in the engine looking at me.


the terminals on the battery were melted. the air filter was melted.

there was oil all over the place, including a huge streak on the road.

and so... our camry is a memory. the insurance company will more than likely determine the car to be a total loss.

But, Rachel and I are both ok. physically, anyway- although emotionally, this and so many other things (most not blogged) have just left me feeling defeated and feeling like we just can't win... on the other hand, we had just found a car on friday to be our 2nd car, and had procured the financing. we're picking it up on tuesday morning after we sign the paperwork at the bank. so... at least, we have one car, but that does nothing for me having transportation to a job and leaves us even again...

keep us in your prayers, if you would. and see more pictures if you want.