WAS STOLEN.
Just before Christmas.
However, it was found within 24 hours...
One of the perks of living in a small town - - where everyone knows you...
AND you happen to have your name (business name and surname) plastered all over the outside of the van.
Luckily his van and ALL of his equipment was still intact.
The police lifted finger prints from the van and conducted a thorough investigation...
another perk from living in a small town. (That would never happen here!)
The culprit was also found and apprehended within 48 hours.
Apparently, he was stealing packages, toys and other Christmas items that had been loaded into vehicles and left in parking lots.
He needed a large vehicle to carry the loot...
so he took my dad's van.
Now, I don't know whether he was disappointed when he began to drive it - - there really wasn't that much room in it for his loot - - due to all the hundreds (probably thousands) of dollars worth of equipment in the van OR whether he noticed my dad's name all over the van and became spooked,
but he abandoned it,
and didn't take the time to discover the loot he was already driving around!
After leaving my dad's van on the side of the road, he found a suburban to haul around his other stolen goods.
Crazy story.
Some people are feeling really desperate these days. (So sad.)
My dad was anxious and stressed out about losing his van, I am so glad he got it back and in good condition. At nearly 73, he shouldn't be worrying about such things!
I felt a little guilty when I got the call about the stolen van. Just days before, Jonathan needed the battery in his truck jumped while in the church parking lot. After Nathan and I got it going again, I left it running (to charge), and just left it there...(with the devilish side of me secretly hoping for someone to take it...I won't do that again!)
I have learned a good lesson from this though and I will be painting our name on our vehicles after the first of the year! (wink!)
I am so glad that everything turned out for the good. That rarely happens. What a blessing.
Posted by: Kim | December 28, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Oh No!! Poor Grandpa! I know people are going through some tough times right now, but if they'd only think of what effect their actions have on others, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess! I'm so glad he got his truck back safe and sound.
Posted by: Marilyn | December 28, 2008 at 03:58 PM
I hope your dad and mom are OK. It's too bad that would happen, especially to your dad. Knowing him, he was probably very forgiving. That's your dad.
Posted by: Joan Lloyd | December 28, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Oh my goodness! That's terrible! I'm glad that Grandpa got the van back, and that everything was still there.
And you're right. This is not something that he should ever have to worry about.
Glad it all turned out well.
Posted by: Karen | December 28, 2008 at 06:41 PM
That is just crazy! I am gald that everything turned out well, and your dad was able to get his van back.
Posted by: Pauline | December 29, 2008 at 02:11 PM
I am glad that you have a blog so that I can find out what is happening 45 minutes away. I am glad that everything turned out OK.
Posted by: Mary Perkins | December 30, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Dear Mar:
We found out that the guy that took the van actually stole your dads dark glasses. Why would he want a perscription pair of glasses? We sure had to laugh about that. He probably thought the drugs were making his eyes go crazy. I am sure he doesn't have the same vision as your dad. How funny! Serves him right.
Love,
Mom
Posted by: Sherril Rich | January 12, 2009 at 02:51 PM