Chapter 14

Over dinner, the family visited and caught up. And yes, Lupe was now thought to be family.

“So how did it happen that the guy who hit you ended up paying you so much money?” Alexander was curious. “I would think that the insurance company would try to delay things to the point that you just gave up, or accepted a really low offer.”

Lupe looked over at Brandi. “Maybe I should explain?” At Brandi’s nod, she continued. “The person in question had a significant amount of assets. The settlement came as a result of his having several insurance policies, that included an auto, homeowners and umbrella policy. Honestly, we had anticipated a legal battle but based on the situation, the insurance company decided it was better to settle, because of the evidence. If there had been a jury trial, Brandi might have had an even greater amount awarded. But I can say that I have seen cases like this go back and forth, dragging out for months and even years!”

“What’s an umbrella policy?” Danielle was curious.

“I’m not going to go into all the fine details, we would be here a while,” Lupe giggled. “An auto policy has two major components. Liability and physical damage. The liability part is money set aside to pay for medical costs for the person or persons that you are at fault for hitting, with your vehicle. Physical damage is there to take care of repairs for your vehicle, depending on the situation. With me so far?”

Everyone nodded.

“A homeowners policy also has liability. People know that homeowners insurance will cover a loss at the house, like fire and theft. The liability part is also there to cover medical costs for anyone hurt while on your property. An umbrella policy is set up to provide additional coverages beyond what either policy can provide alone. If you really want to know more, I suggest you have a policy review with your agent.”

Jason nodded. “Our agent actually had called to see if we wanted to set up a meeting for a review. From what you are saying, it would be a wise thing to do.”

“Jason, we get insurance, and hope we never need to use it. But if we do, it’s good to be properly covered. When I sit down with a potential client, one of the first things I ask is ‘What do you have to lose?’ The answer is everything!”

Coming home for the party for Alexander was also a bit of a reunion for Brandi, as she got to see a number of her old friends from Weed. She drove Lupe through the town and rural areas, pointing things out, sharing stories and memories. They even stopped at the IGA that she had worked at for so many years, and got lots of hugs. Lupe was introduced, and was also the recipient of many hugs.

At the backyard party, Alexander was subjected to several teasing comments of his becoming a submariner, because at 5’4” there was minimal risk of his banging himself on a bulkhead.

Upon his high school graduation at 18, he decided to try working to save up college tuition. After two years of scrambling to make anything close to a decent paycheck, working fast food jobs, he sent out applications and eventually was accepted and enrolled in Humboldt, a university not too far from Weed. To his surprise, he discovered an interest in environmental sciences and by taking classes over the Summer semesters, had gotten his Masters Degree for Environmental Sciences Engineering in just five years. Upon graduation from OCS, he would be given choices for where he might potentially be stationed. But, knowing the military, those choices could be ignored if it was decided he would be a better fit somewhere else.

Food was served, cake and ice cream enjoyed, and a few friends even sang the NAVY fight song.

“Anchors aweigh, my boys, anchors aweigh, Farewell to foreign shores, we sail at break of day, of day, Through our last night ashore, drink to the foam, Until we meet again, here’s wishing you a happy voyage home.”

Two morning later, Recruit Winters, along with several others, was sworn in. His family embraced him with tight hugs and eyes full of unshed tears. He was told that they were all proud of him. He stated that when it was possible, he would write home and tell them how he was doing. Standing tall, he turned to start a new chapter in his life.

Driving down I-5, Brandi shut the radio off. “Sweetie? I have been thinking and want your insights.” With the car zipping along at 70mph, she knew she had a captive audience.

“Sure! I’m always okay with stopping to shop for shoes!”

“Silly goose. Remember how I met with the financial adviser at the bank? He told me something that daddy also said. So I have been thinking a lot about it.”

“Okay. What?”

“I want us to buy a house.”