The day I hoped would be a 1-1.5 yrs away came today

No, we're not pregnant with another child.

I had dreams of getting another 50,000 miles from the Passat with only oil and oil filter changes. I would have been happy with another 18 months... even just 12.

I had a terrific lunch today. I had a lunch date with Lena and Karis. Truly the highlight of my day - scratch that - highlight of my week. The food was only average. But the company great. =)

I was floating into the office telling my co-workers how happy I was. Only moments later I received a call from Lena.

"The car died."

My heart stopped. "Are you okay? Where are you? (side street? freeway?) Where are you? (Which lane of the freeway?) Where are you? (inside/outside of the car?)"

Thankfully California provides free towing off of the freeway and a tow truck was there in about 5 minutes. I arriving shortly thereafter having borrowed Kerr's car (I had ridden motorcycle to work). I put Karis in the borrowed car and followed them off the freeway. I had never been stopped on the freeway before. Not a safe feeling I tell you.

Our insurance will cover $100 towards a tow. The referral tow from our insurance agent hung up on Lena when she said she was going to call around on pricing. Nice. The relationship between our mechanic and a towing company he uses provided nice savings. $45 with 5 miles free and then $5 per mile thereafter. Google maps says it was 16 miles. For you non-mathematicians... that's $100. Cool, huh?

I dropped Lena and Karis at home. When I walked in the door at work, the mechanic called. I thought this was good news that he called so quickly. He said he thinks it's the timing belt (which I thought was bad - thinking not expensive part but lots of labor to change). He said that the timing belt replacement was very reasonable. Phew! Then there was the "But...."

Apparently, the 1.8L Turbo 4 cylinder VW engine is a unique construction with timing belt. If it goes out, it leaves the top of the engine separate with the bottom. In our case when the car "died," the pistons kept moving while the 20 valves did not. This means (in my inexperienced explanation) that the pistons beat the heck out of the valves.

Bottom line, we're looking at minimum of $2,500 to repair. The Passat isn't worth too much more than that. Bummer.

What to do? What to do? Mechanic asked us to let him know by Friday.

I'm leaning towards one car right now. It's not rainy season. My mother is visiting for 10 or so days starting next week. Then we're gone on vacation for two weeks. Take time and let our heads settle.

The best part, for me, is that through this I am not getting stressed. Normally anything financial freaks me out. I'm thankful for a safe wife and child.

Please be praying for wisdom and good options regarding a 2nd vehicle.

Thanks.