This week was one of many new lessons. I can’t say that I thought I would ever learn how to drive a car with a screwdriver, but as of yesterday, I am now an expert.
Monday morning as I was ready to head off to work, I noticed my trusty Dodge 2000 minivan, helpful for towing around a certain rowboat, had gone missing. After calling a few of my friends who might think this a good prank, I realized it was truly gone. Stolen. Poof.
Who would have known that my particular year, make, and model is the most stolen vehicle in Ohio. Minivans come and go, but there were a few items inside that were priceless. Oars and a bike. Not any oars or any bike. The oars that got me 3,038 miles across the Atlantic earlier this year and the bicycle that got me 3,300 miles across America.
It has been a long week making new friends at the Justice Center, Fourth District Cleveland Police Station, the Title Bureau, and finally, Lot #6 in the Steelyard Commons. On Tuesday I had officially run out of luck when a friend proposed we go to the lottery store and pick up a ticket. You know, to turn my luck around. They were out. Not a one. By Friday morning I found out that the van had been found on a side-street in Cleveland and taken to an impound lot. After lots of running around it was the moment of truth – were the oars and bike still inside?
Negative. The van was empty. It was filled with water, the ignition broken, and taillights shattered. The seats were even removed. It looked like they hit something from the hood of the van, and when I got the engine started, it sounded like my van was not interested in running any longer. The robber was able to start the van by busting the ignition and using a screwdriver. Yes, a screwdriver.
They kindly left my bike helmet as a final remembrance of what one was. And, I shouldn’t say my van was completely empty. The robber did leave me two CD’s (music with excessive profanity), a pack of cigarettes, and brass knuckles. Bartering isn’t my strong point, but I think it’s fair to say that two CD’s, cigarettes, and brass knuckles are not an equal trade for a carbon fiber road bike and oars that crossed an ocean. So, if the robber happens to be reading this, I ask to kindly reconsider and I’ll gladly trade back his or her stuff in return for mine.
It’s bit a confusing experience, to say the least, and I am massively thankful for everyone who has been sending positive notes. A huge thank you goes out to the Rotary members of Chagrin Valley, especially Frank Lanza at Highway Garage in Bainbridge for setting me up with a car to borrow and helping put my van back together again. It’s times like these that I realize how many amazing people are looking out for me, so thank you for the support. Without it, I might be left a bit jaded right now. Or a lot.
Remember, if you spot someone riding this bike – please throw sticks in the spokes. It’s my bike and I want it back. Summer is nearly over and I have some more cycling to do.
And my offer still stands – free rowing trip across Lake Erie for whoever finds my oars!
{ 5 comments }
Katie:
I’m just sick about your news. I don’t understand people at all, but your attitude is very commendable. I’m so sorry. Miracles happen everyday….never know if your items may show up again some day. I’m sure there were people who never thought a girl could row solo across an ocean.
Hugs,
Audra
It is hard to see the ‘other’ half of mankind, and to feel its affects.
By putting this in the public eye, someone may see a bike out of place or the oars and remember your story.
If they are never returned, they can’t take away the experiences you have had with them, those memories can never be stolen. The greatest value of each has already been given to you. The both carried you across long journeys…..they did their jobs well.
Now it maybe time to make someone else’s journey easier.
Who knows who has them and what they are doing, maybe something equally as helpful as they were for you. For I am sure who ever stole them, pawned them off….and hopefully made the day of some surprised person who needed them badly.
Maybe you will learn more about them by having them stolen….
I have found that there are no mistakes in life, for in everything there is something we learn about ourselves.
Tough lesson….I feel your pain.
Beth
Katie, this makes me so sad for you. I understand the importance of the oars and the bike but also your vehicle. It doesn’t sound like they really wanted anything, just to do something awful and they sure did. Don’t let it rain on you you are one tough cookie as we all know and I am sure when you close your eyes you can still feel the oars in your hands. God Bless kiddo, there are many better days ahead. Hold it high, if anyone should be proud of themself, it is you. Much love your way!
Not sure how to do this, but …. for anybody interested in helping Katie to replace the (expensive!) items lost when her van was stolen (can’t replace the sentimental value, unfortunately!) – there is a way to donate via paypal, using this link:
https://cms.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/?cmd=_render-content&content_ID=marketin…g_us%2Fsend_money
From what I understand, it helps to have kspotz@gmail.com in the “to” section. And if somebody knows a better way to get this going – please do so, or at least tell me how! Thanks.
Go Katie, Go!!
Who among Katie’s friends isn’t absolutely distraught that Katie’s treasured mementoes were taken from her? Anyone who has had his or her things stolen will know that it feels completely demoralizing. Katie may not have her cherished possessions but she still has her friends, US!
Who among us would be unwilling to forgo a few cups of coffee to help finance the replacement of her belongings?
That’s right, you and I can actually do something to help the very same person who’s come to the aid of so many in need. If we all would consider sending a mere $5 (or more if you’d like) to Katie via Paypal she would be able to replace her belongings and hopefully her faith in humanity. Paypal is a safe and secure way to send money and it is easy to do.
@ Katie – We know you would never ask this for yourself, but could you please verify that this Paypal option is a valid way for your friends and anyone who would like to help you out; to get back to doing what you do best, being a champion for those in need!
Please take a few moments of your time to help Katie. You’ll be glad you did!
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