I’ve been looking at vans online for a while now.  You know, just to see what was out there in the world… and dream of winning the million dollar lottery, which would be amazing considering I don’t play the lottery.

Anyhow.  One of the largest concerns about the purchase of a new van is the overall clearance of the vehicle, in regards to the door we’d use to get Tom inside and the interior head room.  If these two things are not available in the options we can afford, it is pointless to invest money in it.

So, while cruising through the world wide web of wheelchair accessible vans, I find one that looks promising.  Yet, a lot of these dealers do not list the measurements of the accessible area.  I find this quite frustrating, really.  I can’t look at a photo and know for certain that Tom’s big ol’ head chair will fit through the door.

I emailed one company, asking for measurements. You know, like, weeeeeeks ago.  To the point that I had written off the possibility of this van still being on the market, let alone actually being contacted by the company.

Today, though, for some reason, I suddenly get 3 emails from this company, and a phone call.  All within an hours time, mind you.

Hm.

Did the dude just get back from vacation?  Did his boss just tell him that he has to sell his quota of vehicles this month or he gets the boot?  I dunno.

The phone call is kinda weird.  You can tell this man is working on several things at once, trying to get caught up from the holidays.  Poor guy.  He’s a little scattered.  Its late… after dinner… before he even calls anyhow.

He starts chatting me up about this great 2008 minivan on the lot that he’s sure that Tom’s chair will be able to fit into… blah blah blah.  I interrupt the guy, “Unless its at least under $20,000, you might as well save your breath.”

Of course, he immediately changes gears, “Well, I’ve got this ‘95 on the lot, raised roof, dropped floor, new lift… ”

I’m kind of tuning him out.  I mean, I’m interested… but, uhm… Yeah, I gots no monies.

It listed at a little less than $19,000.  My ears perk up a little.  Not that I have any money saved (minus the lovely donations that have acumulated that I am greatly thankful for, mind you).

$19,000 is a number that I can understand and respect.  Its still high, don’t get me wrong.  But, the monthly payment would be less than my mortgage payment.  So, its a step in the right direction.

I went ahead and applied for their financing.  I doubt I’ll qualify for the amount of the van.  We’re not rolling in the dough over here… at all.

But, I’m making steps.

Maybe someone will make an effort to meet me half way… or 2/3 of the way… or you know, at least take a step in our direction!