Hi Neighbors!
Last month, I became enmeshed in my own traffic snafu when my car stalled on Lancaster Avenue during the morning rush. After several futile attempts to restart my car, I texted a tow truck from the Ford app and was resigned to wait the “estimated” amount of time for its arrival. Eventually I became a hot, hangry mess, but the happy ending from this misadventure was one of kindness, gratitude and paying it forward, a belief that people are still good.
Here are my documented encounters with kindness that day:
- The mayhem began in front of a Toyota dealership, so I solicited assistance from within even though I don’t drive a Toyota. A cherubic mechanic named Austin came to the rescue, his crew pushing my car off the street. As I reached for my wallet, he gently refused telling me he had a good week, was going on vacation, and wanted to help people. Wow.
- Patiently, I waited outside the dealership so I wouldn’t miss the tow truck but ended up looking like one of the statues adorning the dealership (you know the ones!). 😊 Finally I spotted a tow truck approaching, so I stood up to signal here I am…only to watch the truck drive by. I felt deflated. The people behind the Ford app kept calling to check on the truck’s arrival, claiming to be interested in my safety.
- Several phone calls and 40-minutes later, the tow truck driver found me. Calm in spite of his error and patient with my now icy demeanor, he gently loaded my car on the flatbed and was quick to drive to the Ford garage. With a nod, he graciously dropped the car and me off.
- I now needed another ride, so I summoned an Uber to get home. The driver arrived in two minutes but proceeded to talk on his phone the entire ride, ignoring me. He gets a pass, though, for punctuality.
- On top of everything else, it’s Hair Day, which in my world means YOU DON’T MISS THE APPOINTMENT!!! When the downward spiral of my morning started, my second text was to my stylist. She fit me in hours after my allotted time (huge thx!), and I left without a blow dry. 😊
- Sitting at the hair salon with dye all over my head, the Ford garage manager called to let me know the problem: a fuel pump, no cost because the car is new, and, if I liked, they would bring my car to me the next day. Yes, please!
People are good, kind, and helpful, and often, but not always, they are complete strangers.
Paying it forward,
Jackie
