A 60 ton truck tried squeezing past just as our two lanes merged into one.
As the truck hit the trailer it sent our car right into the path of the oncoming truck, somehow I managed to straighten up just before it was too late and the truck smashed into the wing and wing mirror of the rental car, this then sent us heading towards the ditch but again I somehow kept us on the road.
The truck driver knew he was in the wrong, and I suspect he was drunk because he didn't stop.
There we was at the side of the road, with our dreams and trailer now shattered into pieces.
We were absolutely devastated, not only did we almost get flattened by a truck, but our house was in pieces and as if things couldn't get any worse, the insurance company then tells us we wont get any money back because the hire car was not big enough to tow the trailer.
Even after proving the hire car was big enough, they still refused payment, this trailer cost just under $50.000 and we paid cash so the thought of loosing everything was heartbreaking.
After four agonizing months we finally got some good news! because the truck driver didn't stop we got a payout from a government fund set up for people who are hit by uninsured or hit and run drivers.
They looked at our case and gave us a full pay out!
As you can imagine, after going through such an ordeal your dreams fade some what, we started to wonder if it was such a good idea after all, but me being me (stubborn) I stuck to my guns and knew that this little hiccup was not going to stop us from living a life of Freedom and fun in sun
Within a month of getting the payout we had a new trailer and we have never looked back since.
Even after proving the hire car was big enough, they still refused payment, this trailer cost just under $50.000 and we paid cash so the thought of loosing everything was heartbreaking.
After four agonizing months we finally got some good news! because the truck driver didn't stop we got a payout from a government fund set up for people who are hit by uninsured or hit and run drivers.
They looked at our case and gave us a full pay out!
As you can imagine, after going through such an ordeal your dreams fade some what, we started to wonder if it was such a good idea after all, but me being me (stubborn) I stuck to my guns and knew that this little hiccup was not going to stop us from living a life of Freedom and fun in sun
Within a month of getting the payout we had a new trailer and we have never looked back since.
Hey Mark. great story when it could have been the worst story. My wife @lynncoyle1 and I did that as my cancer was getting bad. We bought a fifth wheel to save on costs since and spend time together. sold everything else. We now are in mexico and this is where I always wanted to be. Honestly we were near broke in canada trying to survive on a disability pension. I would never go back to a house. We love our fifth wheel and will never change. I have little time to waste on earth and so movibg and seeing the world this way works fir us. Again thank you for the read and the pictures brought back many memories
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow! Beautiful!
Thank you for sharing!
I totally respect and understand your decision to hit the road, I said it just today to a friend,
"We are 90% water. Water is always on the move, and when it's not, it goes stagnant! Old! Green! And Smelly!
Keep on Moving and Living!
Followed.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
"Never give up" an old friend of mine drilled into my head! :) I'm stuck here in Gothenburg in the cold for now but I'm doing a liquid fast at the moment which really gets the energy's moving at least!! ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
My wife also replied on this. she is my travelling partner lol. @lynncoyle1
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hey mark, I mentioned you in a blog as a thank you. I hope that was alright
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I am glad that you had found a way to get paid by the government. You are a very smart fellow and a great family builder. @markwhittam
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That's some story man. It felt like my heart was being squeezed reading that. Your plans and dreams nearly come crashing down because of some a*hole of a driver (there are WAY to many of those). Really good sticking to your guns after the insurance company failed to deliver. Why does it not surprise me that they didn't want to pay and find fault at your claim.
I was pleased to hear there's an actual goverment fund for hit-and-run victims and that they fully refunded you so you could continue your life's grand plan. I mean, I know you are living according to your dreams, but didn't know it almost never happened.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Cheers @eqko!
Yeah, I knew before calling that they would try and stiff me! Because it was so new they had no spare parts in circulation, that meant a new trailer which the insurance company didn't want to pay for of course.
And yeah, I was shocked by this government fund, I don't know of any other country than Sweden that has this, and even if they have it, the chances of getting full pay outs must be slim to none!
Thanks for the interaction buddy!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Actually, we have a similar Fund in The Netherlands, called The Guarantee Fund, or Safeguard Fund or somesuch lost in translation fund name. It’s exactly set up for reimbursement of damages when the perp. is unknown. It unfortunately requires two independent witnesses stating there was no damage prior to the one claimed. They can’t be family either. But at least it’s something.
And interaction is where it’s all at man. Upvotes are nice and all, but intelligent comments are even better if you ask me.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
what a beautiful home on wheels. my husband and I dream sometimes that, too, somehow go to travel on this. I guess that everyone's ever thought!)) the photos are gorgeous!)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It means that you have been through alot
And remember one thing that dreams didn’t become reality through magic but it takes hardwork determination and you did all this
Keep it up @markwhittam
Good Luck
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I’m glad to know that you’re all okay.. lives are more important than cars or houses I would say. They can come again but lives are only here once . You have such a beautiful family , God bless !!
That was such a crazy story, I wonder how you guys felt . It’s like when all hope is gone then God shined light and brought everything back to you
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It was a very Grey time for us, but somehow we knew it was right to keep going.
Thanks for stopping by @journeyoflife
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Well done Mark! That must have been crushing.. I cant even imagine!
It just goes to show if you don't freak out in life, and persevere you will eventually find justice! You seem to have the knack of this! ;-)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
unbelievable story.. even hard to imagine your feelings..
I respect such brave and really FREE people with all my heart.
You are brave not only to have such a dynamic life and never give up, but also just to be yourself and follow your dreams.
Nowadays people are so sticky to their houses, to their way of life, and it's just impossible to shake them and make them change something.
People who are still able to bee free from society rules and stereotypes are worth attention and respect.
I was one of those sticky people not so long, but then (thanks Life) I opened my eyes and saw that Life is much wider than I see it, and it is SO short...
Your example inspires me and shows my choice was right.
an extremely expensive bus, but it's worth it, it's my dream now)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Agreed. Some are very sticky to houses and things. Better to be free from many things.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you for your kind words @taliakerch
Always follow your dreams!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank god you and your family are safe and sound Now. Please be careful friend, yes due fault of others some times we have to suffer much. But it is only for the help of great god you are okay now. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures of beautiful moments of your life. I always pray for your happiness and safety friend,god bless you friend.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow I cannot imagine what you felt when that first happened! Holy Cow, talk about the wind taken out of your sails! Glad you all were ok and it turned out well in the end.
That first picture of your family is So Cute! Like something out of a story book. Look forward to seeing more pics of the tiny house on wheels as it stands now :) My parents have a small RV and I swear that thing gives them so much anxiety on the road. Tiny Home is the only way to go on the road, screw the big RVs. <3
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you @mountainjewel!
Yeah! Some of those Rvs are ridiculously HUGE!
but hey! I bet when you get to your destination it's pretty sweet having all that space, that's if you can park it ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
great story man, love your images here too. you know i got mad love for you and the family! keep on keeping on! that van looked stunning. wow!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Cheers Mate!
Dude! That was a lovely caravan, we lived in it for 2 years and sold it for 2k less than we paid for it. The thing paid for its self!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
super nice van, super insane situation but i'm glad the universe sorted you out.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Long Live the BIG Green Steem Machine! 😀
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Haha! Oh yeah! That would never have happened in the Big Green!
Anyway since then I have never let a truck pass me!
Cheers Mate!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I have enjoyed reading about your experiences in my brief time here; you've certainly encountered your share of heartbreak and obstacles along the way. You and your family are a shining example to all of the value of perseverance and how we just must pick ourselves up and keep going when disaster strikes!
Also wanted to say how touched I was by your exceptional generosity towards @hickorymack and her homeless family yesterday - what a beautiful thing to do!
Bright Blessings to you and your family!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you so very much for this lovely comment :) big smile :)
I had to help! When you've been there a thousand times, you know how it feels and it's hard to ignore, especially if I am in a position to help!
I am certain this family can be back on their feet in no time with a little help from this community :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Story behind the story....... stay safe with your family.....be happy thanks for sharing your own experience @markwhittam
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
awesome story and thanks for sharing, least no one was hurt, money can replace many things except health and life. Now go live the dream!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I'm living it! It's your turn now! ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I’m kind of there, i do a lot of traveling as a business owner.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
What an incredible story- I can’t imagine the stress and heartbreak, guess this is why it’s always best to have the perspective that things can turn around at any time because they really can!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Oh yes they can!
Often!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I appreciate the reminder friend <3 It's not a story I will soon forget!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
So glad you didn't give up, Mark, and followed your dreams. Good for you. I'm sure it was the right choice ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Amazing story, and so happy that all of you were all right after the accident and just so happy that things worked out and you did get your money back to pursue you dream life.
You guys constantly inspire me and give me more strength and courage to live my dream life, so thank you for sharing your beautiful journey of life which is not always so smooth but we learn so much from those hard times.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Lovely story of yours... I'm glad you have done the transition guys, your @tinyhouse it's the most beautiful have seen on wheels ever! I'm very proud of you! Have fun, and be happy..!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Ahhhh! Thanks @elzeimer! I would love to see some wheels on your dome!
;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
indeed is the most beautiful house on wheels the @tinyhouse! @elzheimer. for me the same is the best looking one and i have seen tens of them here :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
What a bumpy start, but it just goes to show the power of perseverance. Don't let anything take your dream from you. Not adversity, bad luck and certainly not ever other people. Glad you stuck to your conviction!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
So, that is scaring. But did I miss something? What happened to the tiny house? With accidents, I am always happy that there are no injuries. Material, however annoying, can be replaced. Fortunately, you could claim that fund
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hello @s3rg3!
This was before we built the tinyhouse you all know and love!
Yeah! It was touch and go! but phew! That could have been an expensive mistake!
Cheers Mate!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
the tiny house changed for the better! caravans are so hard to drive and dangerous! vans or trucks are much safer and easier. well in the last 5 years you changed from having a tourist vacations caravan to a proper nomad living space.
love the baby bambi photo! :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
On the way home from the dealership! DAMN! When things like that happen, it's almost as if life is testing your resolve.
"Is this really what you want? Are you sure? Really, really, really sure?" That's life speaking. Life can be an ass sometimes.
So you have to square your shoulders and say, "Listen here, Life. I'm an adult and I know what I want, and I'm not going to let your silly little setbacks stop me. I'm not going to let LIFE get in the way of LIVING."
And then you win. Until the next time...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hahaha! You crack me up!
I have never been very good at listen to tell the truth!
Thank God!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Dude! That could have been the worst! Glad your dreams didn't stop at the first speed bump. I love how life is not a straight line. It zigs and zags but it keeps going if we do. Thanks for sharing.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah right!
An easy life would be boring.
Thanks for dropping in :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
so happy you are safe
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you @rebeccabe!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
you are living the dreams of most of us. It should be very enjoyable and satisfying. You are doing such a crazy thing. Congratulations for your courage. May the force be with you
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Seems like the government is not all bad.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
No, they still suck! We pay 61% tax in Sweden because of all these 'funds' and if the fund wasn't there the insurance company would have to pay out.
So I'm still on the fence with that one!
Oh and if I didn't have to pay so much tax then I could afford to fix my own trailer etc.
Taxation is theft!
Rant over! :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Somebody has to support the migrants right? ;) 61% tax is hard to fathom, and I bet they don't even give you a reach around!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
WOW! I never knew about this incident with the truck and having to wait months not knowing if you would get any of your invested money back. This must have been before we first met. I'm glad you did not give up but continued to pursue your dream of living a free life. It looks like you replaced the first damaged trailer with a very similar one.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hello @fanstaf
Yeah! I think this was just before we met you.
And yes we ordered the exact same trailer, I knew I could handle it and with the engine in that car, there was no chance a truck would ever get to pass me again.
Bless.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank heavens you're safe. It's things like this that remind you to appreciate the people & the little things in life as it is so fragile.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you @njoromuts
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
you have a life full of adventure. I'm sorry to have had this kind of accident. I hope you will not live like that. @markwhittam
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
a bitter experience friends, but with the blessing of hard work and patience, our lives can be beautiful, hopefully the bitter experience is not repeated friends, keep the spirit in your life, please support my posting friend, salam know for you @ riska-amandakkb
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
amazing story
awesome photography
i like these pictures
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Haha, this is so cool!!
I just replied on an other post you wrote, that I think the work you're doing with #familyprotection is great!
Now I see this post... My daughter is dreaming about building her own tinyhouse for over a year!! We've got this familyacount @allinthefamily. I think you'll like it 😉
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I'm very happy to see you're all safe. Your story is just amazing, I whould love to read it. MashaALLAH you have very blessed family, may you have always with be happy.This is all photograph is awsome pretty family. Always be safe with your family and I wish I pray you are acheive evry dream of life and enjoy every happy moment of life GOD bless you!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This post is very interesting friends, friends upvote my post @dedikurniawan
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You're right and from this journey your family learned your way of thinking and how to react unexpected things for your dream. It's precious legacy.
Never give up!!! Thanks,
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
for a minute I thought that baby had huge legs.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I'm glad you didn't get hurt by that hiccup and also that you didn't give up! It's such a rewarding life to live, I love my trailer house. ^_^
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow! That was an intense story. Thanks for documenting it and sharing the highs and lows.
What country are you in that had a fund set up for hit-and-run accidents? That's a pretty great idea.
It's exciting to see people living their lives the way they want to. I'll be following to see more of your content. Thanks!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Good on you for sticking in there. Bet your glad you didn't give up now. Seems you living the dream 💯🐒
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Such a great story, I am sure it will inspire a lot of people to get freedom they dream about. The main thing is not to be afraid of difficulties you meet on your way and confidently go to your goal. And you are a bright example how to do it. A lot of people are dissatisfied with their life but prefer to go with the flow because it is much easier. It is wonderful that there are people like you who by their own example show that our happiness is only in our hands and that only we can change our lives. Our life is so short and we should not be afraid to live our dreams.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
not everyone can do what you have done there,even i would not consider doing the same after that kind of accident,you took the risk,it paid off!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is the only way to live!! I'm so glad you survived the ordeal ...sometimes being stubborn is a positive!! As a teacher, I would take the majority of the summers and go camping with my boys. They are now 20 and 22 and have such fond memories of the connections we made 'out there'. As adults, my husband and I decided to sell everything, buy a trailer and head out. After a couple of years, we sold that too and headed to Mexico...our lives contained in 2 backpacks and a suitcase. Life is truly about the connections we have with our family and friends, and not the possessions we have; the stuff 'they' say we should buy (whoever 'they' is!) Thanks again, I loved reading this. Your kids will love you for this too! Cheers!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Upvoted ☝ Have a great day!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
At first I want to thanks to almighty God ... that you all are safe...your story is really great ...and thanks for sharing your own experience... always stay safe....God bless you...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Glad you stuck it out and kept the dream alive.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great story! Kind of scary, but you kept it together and so happy for all of you that you finally got a new place to live and are back on the road. Stay safe! Right now we live through the adventures of people like yourselves.Things change and we are part of it. 🐓🐓
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@markwhittam I envy the freedom you have.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
What a great lesson for all of us in perseverance, such a vital quality to have if we are truly going to live our lives to the full. Thanks for sharing @markwhittam :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
So dangerous even if we are so careful in driving some are not. Thank you @hickorymack stay safe and Godbless u
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Giving up is not an option man good on ye for going strong. Can imagine how scary and unsettling that situation is....glad to see you're all good
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I am so glad I came across your page, it was an accidental click that I know happened for a reason! I Love your story & I truly believe if you want something bad enough and it is meant to be, it will happen! This is exactly what my husband & I want to do- we want to be self sustained & not dependent on companies/entities to determine how we live & how our children live-at the same time it is so hard to make that transistion...I have seen it first hand with friends and family- we can see it is not for everyone..however we do think it may very well be for us, still deciding! It is a hard decision with 3 kids, jobs & so many different things to consider...you are a great inspiration! You guys overcame all obstacles and major dream come true !!Thank you for this post!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank God you all are fine! maybe go look for a good lawyer
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You are doing a great job @markwhittam , after your invitation to join the family protection community, i voluntered to join and did a post some days ago about my findings and investigations.
Thanks for being a source of enlightenment to people.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
survived though through months of suffering but your dreams and family accomplished
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
There is a very beautiful family. We are dreaming of such a caravan with our little girl. I hope so. Happiness to you
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Seen from the photo looks family is a happy family @markwhittam
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit