Due to the aftermath of being involved in a multi-vehicle wreck
this past Thursday (I was NOT at fault, and was unhurt, but I'm
undergoing precautionary chiropractic care), I've decided it's
in my best interest to CANCEL the train trip to the National
Square Dance Convention in Jackson, Mississippi, June 23-26, 2021.
I was rear-ended by a pickup truck hauling a trailer, on the right
rear part of my car. That caused me to spin out of control across
to the other side of the road, where another car hit the right front
of my car. The pickup truck that hit me, then hit the car that hit
me, head on...causing the pickup truck to careen into a utility pole.
The airbags in my car didn't deploy, but did in the other vehicles.
After I stopped, my goal was to get off the road (which was wet,
with light rain at the time), to the parking lot of a Shell Superstop
gas station. I then got out of the car, and was shaking violently
from the adrenaline. I had trouble getting through to 911 from
both the Verizon and T-Mobile cellphones, but they called me back,
as my number showed up. I told them what happened, and they said
that help was on the air. The squad batallion chief from a nearby
fire station, along with 2 police cars, and 2 ambulances, showed
up.
I basically was unhurt, although I'm undergoing precautionary
chiropractic care. Another driver was taken by ambulance to a
local hospital, and another driver refused treatment. I waited
for the police officer to come by, so I could give details to
him for the accident report. The driver who rear ended me was
charged with negligence...thankfully, all drivers involved had
insurance. The chiropractic doctor noted that sometimes, these
injuries take several days to show up.
Unfortunately, my vehicle, a 2004 Buick LeSabre, was heavily
damaged, and even though it only had just under 72,000 miles
on it, the insurance company may total it. In checking the
NADA value, it might be worth $1500, if even that. If repair
charges are greater than 80% of that value, the insurance
company totals out the car. I had just done a property tax
assessment on the car 2 hours before the wreck. I know that
the insurance company is going to try to get out of this
with an out of court settlement for as little as possible.
But, I've contacted a local law firm, and likely will end up
going to court for damages, and inconvenience from loss of
transportation. The cheapest pre-owned car I've seen is over
$10,000...and $1150 on disability doesn't go very far. While
I might be able to get grocery delivery, I may have to switch
pharmacies. But, I have no way to get to my Post Office Box
to get mail sent there, as folks were stealing mail off of
my porch, and out of my mailbox. At least I have food and
drink here for at least 2 weeks.
So, I felt it was best to CANCEL what I thought would be my
last trip outside of Arkansas, just to get away from things.
I was able to get the rail fare back, but lost a percentage
of my Amtrak Guest Reward points. I was able to get my hotels
that were booked to cancel, and since I hadn't been charged,
there was no cost there.
I had so hoped for a trip to get away from things for a bit,
especially after my late Mom's death nearly a year and a half
ago, and all the mess I had to deal with regarding being her
caregiver, power of attorney, Miller Trust, nursing home, etc.
But, after numerous cancellations, and things that have
come up...with both trips and relationships, I've decided
that "it's not meant to be". So, I have no plans to get into
another relationship, or even travel outside of Little Rock
anymore...with or without dealing with COVID-19.
What work I do with square dancing will be off the dance
floor, with the Arkansas State Square Dance Federation.
Daryl Stout, Editor, Webmaster, Circulation Chairman
Arkansas State Square Dance Federation
https://www.arkansassquaredance.com
Daryl Stout, WX4QZ, Sysop, The Thunderbolt BBS, Little Rock, AR
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