Eric Haynes

Sprunging my Springs October 12, 2011

The latest and greatest in the world of H-Team vehicle status was the sudden loss of suspension on the passenger rear tire of the Avalon.  I am amazed at what I have learned the last couple of years about vehicles since mine continues to want to do weird things at just the most frustrating moments.  Rushing to get the kids to various activities and still manage to feed them (school night at Ci-Ci’s Pizza), there was suddenly a loud rubbing noise from the rear.  Needing to get to our destination, we continued our forward progress, right up to the point where the smoke starting pouring out of the wheel well.  Funny how a sprung spring pushed up against the rubber tire begins to get hot after a very short amount of time!    

Thankfully, we have a daughter who can now drive and was able to come rescue the family while I waited for the tow truck, which finally did arrive an hour later.  I missed out on pizza, but now I know — thanks to my knowledgeable tow truck buddy that I’m getting to know by sight — that Avalons and Dodge Neons apparently share a propensity for becoming unsprung.  Who knew?!

This seems to be a week, as we contemplate a couple of expensive improvements to the house, where other things are conspiring against our financial ability to make those improvements.  I don’t know if this is God’s way of answering my prayers for wise guidance, or just life, but either way I’m glad that I’ve been currently studying the book of Job, because my little issues are nothing compared to his.  Therefore, I will attempt to take less for granted my things of luxury, including a car that is now back on the rode, its springs all springy once again.