I recently blogged about the death of my mom and really appreciate the kindness many of you have expressed. What I didn’t share was two accompanying experiences.

We were in San Antonio with our twin grandsons when the phone rang at 3:13 a.m. with the news from my brother that mom had died. We gathered our “stuff”, had a hasty breakfast at McDonalds and headed back to Monroe to drop the twins off, get some rest and fresh clothes, and then make the 11 hour trip to Asheville, N.C.

In Rockdale, Texas a lady ran a stop sign and totaled our van. None of us were injured. I stuffed a towel into the top of the sliding door to stop the wind noise and we started toward home. A few miles down the highway the door chime started to sound. I had no tools, could not find a mechanic in any of the few towns big enough to have a garage, and for about 4 or 5 hours we drove with the constant “ding, ding, ding” of the “door ajar” warning.

On Thursday morning we rented a car from Avis and drove to Asheville. After the funeral and burial, mom’s church had a wonderful meal for us. As we were visiting with family and friends an old friends wife asked loudly “Who is driving the white car with Tenn. plates?” Although it had Louisiana plates I somehow knew it was my rental. Sure enough, after she left a covered dish for us she backed her car into the rental car damaging it to the tune of $500 plus.

We have settled with the insurance company, located another van, newer, more luxurious, and with 50,000 less miles for only about $3,000 more than the insurance check.

To say the least, the last several days have been at times hectic. But, we are healthy (except for my constant allergies), I got my square foot garden partially planted yesterday, yard work all caught up, and life is good.

Thanks again to all of you who have prayed for us during the time of our loss. The pastor asked me at the beginning of the service, “Royce, how long was your mom blind?” I replied “About 50 years”. He continued, “Just think, blind for 50 years and the very first thing she sees is Jesus!”

What assurance we have all because of the one who is the Resurrection and the Life.

His peace,
Royce Ogle

P.S. Some of you might enjoy my new blog http://www.blueridgememories.wordpress.com