I know what it’s like to be down. I’ve had the foreclosure letters. I’ve had the debt collectors calling.
Many years ago, I read that the average millionaire has gone bankrupt 1.5 times. Problem is not letting the down times get you down.
Chris, my brother-in-law is going through a down time. He sold his house and wants to live on a boat and travel in a motorhome. He is very particular. He knows what he wants. He found a motorhome and made the purchase. Yesterday, we drove about 80 miles to pick it up.
It is a used RV. It seemed to be in great shape and was just what he wanted. I dropped him off and headed home. I told him that I planned to stop at Angel of the Winds casino on my way home.
Angel of the Winds is a wonderful place to stop. When I’m going to Seattle it is about halfway home. I like to stop and use the restroom. If I have time, I might eat and gamble a little. If I’m in a hurry, I often get a latte. Although I wasn’t in a hurry, I just got a latte to go.
After I got back on the freeway, Chris called me. He asked where I was. Fortunately, because of the stop, I was behind him. The RV had begun to shake so badly that he pulled off the road. I only had to travel four or five miles to find him.
He had already called the seller, and the seller was on his way. Chris thought that the engine was out of oil. He didn’t see any on the dipstick.
The seller called and Chris looked under the RV. I watched from my car. I must admit that the thought crossed my mind - Chris just can’t get a break. The oil plug and filter were in place. No signs of a leak. Chris got back into my car and saw a paper towel. He used it to check the oil. Sure enough, the oil was fine.
The seller showed up. They talked and seller took it for a short drive. By short, I mean across the street. Then both of them got in and drove across the freeway. They parked the RV along the entrance to the freeway going back southbound and walked back to the car.
Chris got into my car and told me what was happening. The seller is going to get a trailer and take the RV back to his garage. He will check the drive train and fix it. He will also change the timing belt to make sure there won’t be any other problems.
Chris said, “Looks like I may have bought a lemon.”
I said, “That’s one way of looking at it. Another is that you’re lucky to have found the RV you really want. You are lucky that it failed so soon after you bought it and the seller is going to fix it. In addition, you are lucky that he is also going to replace the timing belt.”
Chris said, “Yeah. I’m also lucky you stopped for coffee. You could have been in Bellingham by now.”
I told him about the station wagon I bought that the break light came on before I got it home. The dealer fixed it but it needed a master cylinder every few years. It was still a great car.
I also bought a Ford that a mechanic checked for me. Within weeks of the purchase, it needed valve work. I put a lot of miles on it too.
I reminded him of the Ford van that we had. It threw a bearing on the way to visit his parents. It was banging while we were going over the mountain. I stopped in Merrit and asked a gas station attendant what he thought. He recommended STP in the oil. I did that and drove around the block. I went back and the owner of the station came out to help me.
He listened to the engine and said, “You’ve thrown a rod.”
I said, “What does that mean?”
He said, “It means you’re done.”
“I can’t be done. I’ve got four kids in the van and about 8 more hours to drive. Can I rent a car?”
“You’re in luck. I’ve got the only rental car in town.”
“I’ll take it.”
We walked into the station and the assistant said, “That guy wants to rent a car.”
The owner looked at him and said, “You’re out of luck. I just rented it to this guy.”
The station also had a mechanic. Chris had forgotten that he helped me find an engine and shipped it to the mechanic. It all worked out fine.
I’m hoping that all works out well for Chris. He seemed to have a good attitude when I dropped him off. I plan to drive him to get the RV when it is ready. Unfortunately, the dealer is right on the river and is expected to be flooded out this weekend. Another delay.
Positive thinking doesn’t mean we don’t have problems. It just helps us get through them. It helps us keep on keeping on when all seems lost.
It is rare that success magically happens to someone without going through tough times. When it does happen, the tough times often come later.
Often when times are tough it is difficult to ask for help. In my experience, that is the first step in turning things around. Think about who you can call on. Don’t expect to be saved without doing anything. There is probably something you will need to do or change.
Imagine being in a well. You can’t get out. You finally ask for help. Someone lowers a ladder. You still must climb out. Then, if you’re smart, and you stay positive, you’ll try to avoid the next hole. If you turn negative, you will quit in fear.
Positive thinking is the secret of success.