Wow. Missed this earlier, but very thankful for your "victory over a tragic fate avoided".
My mom worked as clergy on call at a hospital for several years, and the difference between life and death and everything in between is just TOO NARROW to take for granted. I remember being led to tears just listening to some of the tales of my mom's stressful and tragic experiences... especially with the surviving family of lesser outcomes. Especially of note, when a fellow motorcyclist died and she was there to process it at the hospital, along with the unbelieving family... and his son, who turned 5 the day of the funeral service. All sadness for the car aside, it's just an inanimate object, and having four young children myself, the thought of a serious injury or worse to a loved one, especially your own child, a son no less, (three boys here), is incomprehensible... and has no consolation to be afforded by our small circle of fellow supra brothers (and sisters) in here. We can always help with new car parts.
So thankful that you and son are ok. It can soften even the most jaded among us to see the graphic of the car, and even CONSIDER what might have been.
Sorry for the wordy reflection, but I know between the lines and past the disappointment of losing a beautiful and special car (I'm an '89 as well...) there is a deep sense of meaning to the finer moments that cannot be measured in mph or mpg, and which will continue to reward you in your bonds of the flesh, intact and well for that next rolling pastime just up the drive a little ways.
Thanks for the perspective. Here's hoping for some special time with your son and family as you continue in the living wonder of the worst of tragedies averted.
-crisp
