Hello my lovely friends and family ~ it seems more misadventure has befallen me, this time in the form of a hit and run collision that occurred last night, on my way to my friend’s home where I am pet sitting for the weekend, (and tragically happened just a mere four blocks from my destination.)

If you are wondering what happened, here are some details: I was the second car back waiting at a red light, when a speeding vehicle took a sharp left, which sent him fishtailing through the intersection.

As he overcorrected (in an attempt to not hit the parked car across the street), he instead careened into my poor precious SUV “Rexy”, (that was handed down to me from a recently dearly departed friend, and his wonderful wife), causing significant damage.

I have also experienced some physical injury that I am attending to, and am watching for any signs of worsening symptoms - but so far my vehicle took the brunt of the damage.

This couldn’t have come at a worse time, as I am preparing to leave the state in a few days for an annual event / reunion / memorial that is very meaningful and important for me to attend, (not only personally, but also practically, as it affords me housing and meals for the next month.)

I had some quotes done today to assess the damage, and the preliminary verdict is that Rexy needs his suspension and tie rods replaced, and a re-alignment is necessary to insure safe driving - as well as the very obvious bodywork to the driver door, fender, and potential replacement of the running board.

Because the reckless driver didn’t stop, there was no insurance information to pursue a damages & injury claim at this time, (however as you can see in one of the images), his front bumper came off with his plate attached, so we are hoping to identify the offending party, (while also recognizing that the vehicle could have been stolen, and the driver may not even have insurance.)

This whole process will take longer than I have in order to make it to my next destination on time for my volunteer responsibilities, (and realistically may even end up a fruitless pursuit, if the dangerous driver is not found.)

I am so grateful that a very stellar human who witnessed the collision not only immediately checked on my wellbeing, but he also informed me that the bumper and license plate were part of the debris left at the scene to get photo evidence for my claim, and he has fully supported me by helping report the incident. (He even followed up with me today, as further evidence of his kind spirit!)

I am hopeful some of you are in a position to assist me to get back on the road in short order, as I do not have alternative housing lined up, (and already have a four day gap in housing starting Aug 10th to contend with), and I really don’t want to go from the proverbial frying pan into the fire.

Many of you know the ongoing serious health ailments, housing insecurity, (which intensified after the fires in LA), and the financial struggles I’ve already been facing, so this is quite the literal and metaphorical hit to take when I’ve already been managing way too much on my plate already.

I’ll keep you updated as things progress, but I am hoping to have this work completed by Wednesday, August 13th at the very latest - (and the body shop graciously said they would prioritize me, as soon as I have the funds put together for the repair work, so it could be as early as Monday if we can get some quick momentum here.)

Thank you all for your consideration and fast action - even small amounts will help add up to getting me back on the road asap.

I appreciate each one of you for your love, care, support, and generosity.

With love,

Paula

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