Van Issues

I was one of those people who wasn’t sure what they wanted to do when they grew up. After I graduated high school, I bounced around to a few local schools trying to figure it out. Before I decided to pursue a career in IT, I did about a year in an automotive technology program. I’m starting to wish I would have stuck with auto tech and became a mechanic. Our van is starting to get expensive to maintain.

In early April we had to have the front struts, which are part of the suspension, replaced for the second time at a cost of $900. They were originally replaced in June of 2019 for around $1,200, but they turned out to be defective. Unfortunately, they were beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, so we’re stuck paying for them again. Our mechanic was cool and cut us a deal on the new set and also said that he’s going to fight the manufacturer for a full refund because they were defective. If he is able to get any money out of them, he’ll pass it on to us. I’m not holding my breath, though.

Then in late April Stacy took the van to Mobility Works, where we bought the van, for the routine six-month checkup where they inspect the ramp and other components related to the modifications to make it wheelchair accessible. That was $140. While she was there, she had them change the oil and oil filter…$60. She also had them look at the air conditioning which has been having problems. The air coming out of the front vents was cool, but not as cold as it used to be. The air blowing out of the rear vents was warm. After some testing, they determined that it was almost out of refrigerant, which they suspect is because of a leak somewhere. They added refrigerant and some blue dye which they hope will help them find the leak. That was almost $400! Yeah, I know. I think that’s a bit steep. Stacy was there and figured she knock out a bunch of things in one stop instead of having to go to multiple places.

Between the suspension, routine maintenance, and the air conditioning, our bank account is about $1,500 lighter. I hope we can get some money back from our mechanic for the suspension. If not, then that’s crap. There is no reason a suspension should fail within two years. We’re just going to have to wait and see.

We are really starting to think about the possibility of having to buy a new van. No idea how the hell we are going to do it when they are going for about $60,000 or $70,000 new. Even if we didn’t buy new and bought something about a year old without too many miles on it, we’re still looking at over $40,000. For a fricking minivan! Don’t be surprised if you see me promoting a fundraiser for a van. I think that’s the only way we’re going to be able to buy another one.

 

 

Easter Revisited

How about some happier news? Remember in the last post when James found the golden ticket during the Eater Egg Hunt? Well, he got his picture in our Township’s Disability Services newsletter.

 

 

He won an Easter basket filled with some candy and a stuffed animal.

 

 

Mother’s Day

When you were a kid, did you ever do something or say something that was followed by your parents saying that they were disappointed in you? This must be the adult version of that:

 

 

All I did was post a picture on Facebook to wish Stacy a Happy Mother’s Day and said, “He’s got the best mom in the world. If anyone says otherwise, I’ll punch them in the face.” And Facebook reprimanded me for it because it violated their Community Standards policy. Sorry Facebook. I didn’t mean to disappoint you, but it’s the truth.

I posted another picture that evening that was a little less violent:

 

 

James made her a little something at school:

 

 

And Maggie wanted to get her something too, although it showed up a few days late:

 

 

 

School

I haven’t posted much about school this year, have I? Maybe I can make up for that here with a bunch of pictures.

Hanging out on the tennis courts at school enjoying the beautiful weather:

 

 

They went on a field trip to an indoor athletic center. In case you’re wondering, no he didn’t get hurt. That bandage on his nose is because the ventilator mask he wears at night when he sleeps rubs a little bit.

 

 

 

 

Last week they had an end of the school year poetry reading. Although he can’t speak, his teacher read his poem for him.

 

 

 

 

The above poem that he “read” at the poetry reading was included in a poetry book that he brought home from school. These are the other poems that were included in the book:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And with that, another school year has come and gone.

 

 

He is supposed to start summer school, or extended school year (ESY) as it’s officially called, in a couple of weeks, but his one-on-one school nurse wanted some time off for the summer. We don’t blame her for wanting to take time off, but now we have to wait and see if the nursing agency can find James a nurse for him. If not, then he will not be going to summer school.

 

 

Health

James has been staying relatively healthy. Now that Spring is here, I think it’s safe to say we’re out of pneumonia season. He has been fighting an ear infection, but other than that, he’s been doing good.