On April 26, I was involved in a 4-car crash, where the driver behind me (driving while impaired, on a suspended license, and with no insurance) smashed into me from behind, totaling my vehicle. Thankfully, and obviously more important than anything else, my 6-year-old son Oliver who was in the back seat at the time emerged from the ordeal wholly unharmed. I was also fortunate not to suffer any bodily injury.

However, my car was not just any car. Last year, I personally sanded, painted, and coated the vehicle in an attempt to fulfill my son's dream of me turning it into Lightning McQueen. It was a laborious process, as I had no prior experience painting a car, but the joy he got out of it once it was revealed made everything worthwhile. I watch the video of his reaction at least once a week.

What I hadn't even anticipated was what a hit it would become in the community. Oliver was a rock star anytime I dropped him off or picked him up from school. Driving through town or stopped in parking lots, it was a daily occurrence seeing the faces of kids light up when they spotted it. In all honesty, some of the most excited reactions came from full-grown adults. It was becoming a (mobile) Wake Forest landmark - something people looked forward to seeing on the road. Something that would make them whoop and holler and maybe even feel like a kid again for a few moments.

I also used the car to advertise for my art business. I had done a few car shows, with more on the schedule, and it was always a great way to let people know about my art - I got several commissions out of it, and I'm sure I would have gotten many more. That's a door that's now closed.

Finally, while I did fortunately have UM coverage and was able to get a check from my insurance company, it isn't for much in the scheme of things - certainly nowhere near enough to cover the substantial car payments I'll now be paying, especially when my prior vehicle was paid off, and I anticipated getting another 8-10 years out of it. I've spoken to a lawyer, but because this isn't a personal injury case, and because the at-fault driver doesn't have money or assets they could go after, I'm more or less at the mercy of pure dumb luck. Wrong place, wrong time.

I hate that I felt like I needed to create this gofundme. I don't particularly like asking for help. But I'd been in a rough spot financially for a while anyway, and now I'm trying to hold onto a few spare shreds of hope after this incident. If you are able to contribute anything toward these new, unexpected expenses, either in support of me personally, or in appreciation for something that benefitted the spirits of our little town - albeit briefly - I would be exceptionally grateful.