Car Talk, a Hyena, and Our Fan Erica

Dear Tom and Ray,

What would I do without you guys?

Ever since entering the Witness Protection Program and being sent to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for safe keeping, I have only been kept sane by having the ability to hear you two via the wonder of the Internet. What would I be like now (read: probably a muttering and drooling fool) if it weren't for the podcasts and chance to buy classic ( yes, I know, old) shows?

Since you mentioned hyenas last week, here is a story for you.

All joking aside, I am actually an American from California presently gainfully employed in Saudi. Also here with me are my wife and kids, one of who is not only my sidekick, but also a devoted listener to your show. I'm not sure if she listens to learn or just to laugh along with Dad, but the main point is, she does.

OK, here's where the hyena part comes in. Said daughter, whose name is Erica, was severely mauled by a Striped Hyena and suffered terrible injuries while here in Saudi Arabia. As she was being stabilized in the local hospital, we, as well as our friends, folks at the U.S. Embassy, Raytheon's local president, all began looking for the best hand surgeon to get her to. Well, the name that seemed to be coming up from all our research, was Dr. Lee and he works out of Mass General Hospital, near your fair city.

Once Erica was stable enough, we med-evac'ed her to Boston and began the long process of putting her back together. This happened in 2005 and we spent 7 months there the first time and now return every year for further surgeries (tune-ups, as I have her calling them now).

All has worked out well and she has good use of her hand and can not only hold tools, but play piano, catch lizards and do all the things a girl should do.

Well, the reason I write is we have a great photo to send you — here you go!

Take care and thank you,

Tom McCoy