Please excuse my word pus....

Dear Uebelhor and Sons Collision Center,

Last winter, my family had the unfortunate need to require your assistance after our GMC Jimmy encountered a rogue deer on a dark night. Upon this disappointing incident, we called our insurance company and received instant feedback. They agreed to fully cover any repair costs and—bolstered by the ease of this transaction—we made the subsequent decision to bring our business to your company. In retrospect, it was likely a bad sign when your representative informed us that it would be at least a month before our vehicle could be accommodated. At the earliest.

So this year, when another hormone-crazed deer disastrously attempted to flirt with our mini-van, we were somewhat wiser. After receiving a similar immediate response from our insurance provider, we immediately called Bob Luegers. Guess what? They got our vehicle into their shop within a few days.

Last year, when your company was finally able to accept our SUV, we were initially pleased at your offer of a loaner vehicle. We would have preferred something large, capable of holding car-seats, but were nonetheless grateful for the provided 1997 Buick LeSabre. That is, until two days later, when its battery died and left us stranded for several hours. My only consolation was that my two-year-old daughter was not present and therefore was not submitted to the freezing side-of-the-road temperatures. After a frustrating phone call, your company apologized for the mishap and promptly replaced the faulty battery. Why, thank you.

Of course, this year, Bob Luegers not only provided us with a reliable loaner but was able to match the exact make and model of our mini-van being serviced. While this may have been only a happy coincidence, it was clearly an improvement. Guess what? Its battery even worked!

Lest I sound ungrateful or disappointed with your company's service, I will admit that we expected some delay due to the proximity of the holiday season last year during this entire fiasco. Some delay was inevitable; however, as days stretched into weeks and weeks stretched into a month, we understandably grew impatient. Although your company made no attempt to contact us or initiate status updates on our vehicle, your representative was able to provide an adequate excuse when we finally phoned your office in desperation. Apparently a paint machine had frozen and broken, causing further delay. Naturally.

This year, Bob Luegers made similar repairs—although not so close to the holiday season—and returned our van within a matter of days. Of course, with our enjoyable loaner, we were even slightly disappointed by their promptness. Guess what? We could have gladly driven their 2004 mini-van for awhile longer!

Last year, when we FINALLY received our SUV—repairs and all—I fought wave after wave of bitterness. I even thought I had successfully borne the many negative emotions that accompany such a long, frustrating wait for a much-needed vehicle. Yet it wasn't until this year's vastly improved experience with Bob Luegers that I realized that bitterness had apparently grossly festered for over a year.

Guess what? I've now popped that nice, juicy, festering sore—and I think I've healed any lingering bitterness. Next year I'll just save myself the trouble and call Bob Luegers again.