The one in which we discuss what happened

I was on my way home from work.  90% or more of my commute is on I-190.  Not that it truly matters. I had just gotten off the northbound North Grand bridge when I noticed that Corbaebee was acting a bit funny.

I was trying to figure out what to do next.  Placement was bad, there are a series of on ramps and interchanges within a rather short distance.  I thought i might try to coast off down the Niagara Falls Blvd exit, but thought it might not be best choice if i drifted i'd go down an incline and attempts to coast around the corner and get into the parking lot at Bob Evans might not work.  Never mind if the light might be red when i hit bottom.  So I kept going.  Then there's an overpass bridge over the Blvd, with no shoulder. I thought it best to not risk that.   I don't remember much beyond coming to a dead stop a bit after that.  Whatever my exact thought processes were, they are lost to a November morning.

I was dead in the middle of the slow lane of I-190 northbound 6 AM on a thursday morning.  I made sure the hazards were on and scrambled for my phone.  I placed a call to 911 and waited for someone to rescue me.  I stayed in the car, as far as i recall i had nowhere safe to go.   The next thing I remember i was in a hospital in California after getting sick while working as an extra on a TV show.  Yeah i know, i wish i knew what they were giving me at ECMC too. More on that later.

Corbaebee Saturn du Clarence Jan 3, 2003-Nov 8, 2012

This is dedicated to Corbaebee Saturn du Clarence, my trusty steed since January of 2003. A year ago today you gave your life and I lived. I never got to see your mangled body lying on the side of the road. We'd broken down before you and I. You'd spent countless days at the body shop. I once accused you (OK more than once) of suffering from Automotive Munchausen Syndrome. But than I'd tease you that you just had a crush on one of the cars in residence at the shop. In reflection I think that was it. I know if I'd been aware you weren't feeling well that morning, I would never have pushed you homeward bound, but I did; and for that I'm so very sorry. I never got to say goodbye to you my dear Corbaebee.

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I am aware my car was not sentient and she certainly did not give her life to save mine. But she is gone and I am here. And it has been a year. Much has changed in the last year. How could it not.