Good News Story
On Friday 24th August 2007, I was in my car stationary at the traffic lights, waiting for the lights to change, when my whole car moved with a loud crash. I braked and found that to my dismay a car had crashed into the rear of my car.
I got out and went to see if the person was ok and took their details…however the person was reluctant to give me information…and I was told by the driver, I was being very unreasonable. I managed to drive my car to the nearest police station, as there were exhaust fumes coming into the back of my car. The police informed me the driver had their licence disqualified a year ago and it had not been reinstated, so the driver was unlicensed and uninsured.
On the Monday I phoned my insurance company and they assessed my car on Tuesday and told me that they would write it off as a total loss. I was devastated, with little Sienna by my side. I had to gather my belongings out of my car and call a friend to come and collect us…as I had Sienna’s walker etc and I needed to get her home. I also had been injured in the accident with whip lash, back pain and headaches.
That night a friend suggested I phone 5AA a local am radio station. So I did and the announcer Bob Francis put me on air and a lovely South Australian phoned in and offered to loan me his spare car. The next day to my amazement he was genuine and I was able to borrow his car for a few weeks until I sorted out the insurance and a replacement car.
During the next two weeks I found I was going to get about $2000 for my old car, which disappointed me because my car meant so much to me.
However it was something. So I went looking for another car, that had air conditioning (for Sienna), a large boot big enough for Sienna’s wheelchair and walker etc and was reliable and economical. There wasn’t much around for $2000 and I did not have much time to look as most of my time is spent looking after and caring for Sienna’s basic needs such as giving her nutrition, taking her to specialist appointments and therapy appointments etc. It was suggested to me to phoning the local radio station to do an appeal for help to find a car.
I did this and on the day I phoned, Northpoint Toyota responded and offered to help out. Several weeks later on 27th September they phoned me to come and pick up a car. When I got there I was overwhelmed and lost for words … before me was a silver Toyota Camry (worth $8000) with balloons tied to it. It looked brand new. They opened the doors and said this is all yours…it was just beyond words the feeling of immense thanks for what these gracious people had achieved for my girls and I.
Tallara, my 9 year old daughter, had written a little book with pictures….’Car book of thanks’ and a gift of appreciation we presented to Northpoint Toyota and a gift basket to the generous South Australian, Trent Blucher, who loaned us his car for the time we needed it until Northpoint Toyota was ready.
Little Sienna, my 5 year old daughter who has severe health conditions & severe multiple disabilities), clapped her hands and smiled with excitement of all that was happening around her.
I certainly feel angels nearby.
By Jewels Smith
Sole Parent
Family Carer
October 2007