Buddy...

3 weeks ago, I got into an accident. It was while driving Winkie to school. It had snowed lightly the previous night, but had more or less cleared up by the morning. And as I took a right turn, the car went over a patch of black ice (a thin, nearly invisible coating of ice that forms on paved surfaces), completely skidded out of control, went this way and that and then jumped over the median in the middle, went onto the face of the oncoming traffic which navigated out of my way and then landed in the ditch! And me and Winkie were completely shook up. Safe and unhurt, but shook up. And Winkie said...don't do that again Amma, ok?

Well the usual story follows...police car, a safe escort back home to avoid tow truck delays, calling up the insurance people, etc etc etc. And after nearly a week, they sent someone over to assess the damages and tow Buddy to the body shop. Yes, I said Buddy. Because that's his name. Yes, our car has a name...because he is my husband's first car and in a way mine too. And now, both the wheels on the right side were completely damaged and the four wheel alignment and suspension had to be repaired.

The day Buddy went away was a really bleak one. Me and Winkie watched the two truck in action, as it went thru the varying motions of lifting Buddy onto its back, anchoring him safely and then finally driving off with him. It felt like a member of the family was going to the hospital right in front of our eyes. As we looked at our empty garage, Winkie told me...I feel soo sad Amma...because Buddy got hurt and has gone away!

Buddy was away for the next 2 weeks and not a single day passed when Winkie didn't remember him or the incident that caused this. We got a rental car to tide us thru, and everyday, Winkie would diligently walk all around the car inspecting it to make sure this one didn't suffer the same fate as our Buddy.


What's more, he fished out this car from his oldest pile of long forgotten toys, unrolled this road-mat on the floor, and drove his own little Buddy around enacting the whole scene in explicit detail and sound effect. This play kept him engaged for many a hour. And when some careless manouvering on his part led to the rear view mirror snapping off, it became his very own little accident. I personally did not enjoy the way he recollected the whole thing, but I guess it held a certain thrill factor for him.

Well, Buddy came home this Friday. And before we drove into the garage, I had my mom bring Winkie to the door for the homecoming sight. We pulled in slowly and Buddy was all majesty and shine. And Winkie watched with his eyes open wide and jaw hanging in awe. And then he did a little victory stomp with his feet and came running out to give Buddy a pat of sweet welcome!