My Life...the Centre of a Crap Storm

It's been awhile since my last confession...okay so it isn't a confession and I'm not Catholic, but I wanted to start on a light note today.
Life has been..what's the word I'm looking for? Suckish? Is that even a word? It is now so deal with it.
So my trusty (NOT) van broke down and my local dealer fixed it...okay so what's $750 at this point, right? Well me, being the genius I am, told them, that was not the whole problem, I understand the braking system needed some work, but that doesn't explain why it wouldn't start, why my wipers have no power etc, there is something else wrong. Oh no they proclaim, it's fine. Okay says me, the moron and takes it off the lot. Fast forward 4 days with me....I am nervous about the van and only driving it when I need to as I know there is still something wrong.
Yep, Saturday the van won't start after I am done at Shoppers' Drug Mart. Logan calls his Dad and he comes to boost it and it starts so we endeavor to get it home without me shaking like a leaf, crying hysterically or vomiting in fear...
Within 2 blocks, I no longer have any readings on my dash, including mileage etc etc..the only light I have on is the freaking ABS light...AGAIN! Within another 2 blocks of that I now have no signals, my windows won't operate...in the last 4 blocks home, we now discover that the power locks won't work and basically nothing is functioning properly.
So, back to the shop it goes with a not very nicely worded note from me for the mechanics which was followed up with a not very nice phone call to them this morning to inform them that the piece of crap is once again parked in their lot and I would actually like to have it fixed this time.......GRRRRRR
On top of that, a woman I know, the mother of one of my Evan's best friends in in hospital gravely ill, don't want to give too many details as all those I have are second hand at best and are somewhat contradictory..the consensus though is that she is not doing well and the prognosis is not good. My heart is breaking, this woman is my age, has 2 children, a boy the same age as Evan (7) and a daughter who I believe is 9 or 10. The fear in me is what and how much to tell my kids, how do you let them know what is going on without scaring the bejesus out of them? The last thing you want is your children fearing that a mom can die when she gets sick..let's face it I get colds and stuff all the time, should my kids have to be in fear that I will just not be there the next day?
If it's a tough decision ,one that we have put on hold for now until more information is available. We are praying for her full recovery and that all will work out for them. Please say an extra little prayer today even if you don't know her, we all know people who good use a little extra boost, right?
Apologies for a long, rambling and completely un-fun post today, but gosh it feels good to get it off my chest...
Blessings to all