Susie, I really think you had a lot of nerve. You actually expected them to do their job, listen to your feedback and act accordingly! What gall! Why would they be mad...?...if anything they should be mad at themselves for not only performing in a sub-par manner, both personally and professionally and not being the least bit reasonable in cutting their losses and creating goodwill by releasing you early from the contract. Funny story though. Eleven years ago when we were selling our first home we had a realtor that actually was pretty good. I wanted a few extra thousand than what he appraised the house at and he went with my number. It sold for that amount too, which I was pretty happy and proud of myself over. The inspections went through without any repairs needed on my part and closing went off without a hitch. However, my DW got into a tizzy over some small thing that I can't even recall now and the realtor said to her over the phone "Would you like a little cheese with that whine?". Well....she refused to speak with him after that, would not accept his apologies and because he usually took clients out to dinner after closing, and Laurie would have none of that, he brought over a $100.00 bill with a card. She still wouldn't even speak to him. H**L hath no fury! Sounds like you are a bit like my wife Susie-que! Duane

We wish you didn't have to be here, too but we're glad you sought us out. There are no pat answers to the questions that all of us who lose a child ask. I'd say you are still in the stage of shock and disbelief. I wish there were some comforting words that would make things easier or better. In time, things will be different than they are now. Please be comforted that we who are here do care and would like to hear about your son -- not how and where he died -- but about the things that made him so dear to you, about the life he lived as your son and how much you loved him. I'm linking to a thread from a couple of months ago which has a link to yet another thread where we've talked about losing a child. There are several of us here who lost an adult child. It's the worst thing we ever had to face, but we're all here to help and to prop each other up. Nell Here is a link that might be useful: Link to words of encouragement

Mare- You're right. I asked my surgeon before the surgery if I could kneel and he said about 40% of his patients kneel with varying degrees of pain. The rest don't even attempt it. I probably kneel once every two or three weeks and I use a thick foam gardener's pad to cushion my knees and I get up as soon as possible. And it's not a petty sight watching me get up either! Chair yoga focuses on balance, posture, stretching and flexibility without any kneeling and the instructor reminds participants to only do what they feel comfortable doing. I'll probably only go to this class on Friday. I much prefer the faster pace and higher intensity of the water exercise classes.

I also agree with all the comments above: After the assessor comes to view the damage and give the quote (please be seated during that time-I cringe at the thought of your out of pocket cost for someone's reckless driving.)... and if it does need excavation... then yes dig up the area saving what you can of the hosta clumps, Solomon seal tubers and the other root balls. As Babka, said heel them into a makeshift bed for the winter (no need to be pretty about it for the time being- they can be sorted out in the Spring). https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/heeling-in-plants.htm As popmama and windymess said, do this ONLY if it is safe for you to poke around the area. Preserving your health and safety is worth more than preserving a garden. And 100% on Madplanter's idea of a few boulders strategically placed and landscaped into the yard as a buffer (a guard wall even!) to prevent any other drive through's. What a mess to your house and you had recently done some updates, too, ugh! Yet, looking at the big picture I am glad that no one was hurt. It does leave me wondering like everyone else- how does a car plow into a house and just drive away??! There must be some car parts broken off that police can investigate the damage done to your house (not to mention the yard) and find the driver. Accidents happen... and I would be in shock, but I would also be infuriated that the person/vehicle fled the scene. So, I am very sorry this happened to you, but relieved that at least no one at your house was injured.