As I’m writing this, I’m currently stranded on the side of the road. With my flashers on and a car that won’t start. I am cooking in the heat like an egg on a sidewalk.
I can’t help but repeat to myself, “I’ve really done it this time.” All the emotions ran through my mind. Feelings of stupidity, unworthiness, stress, anger, sadness and the list goes on.
I drive a diesel car and I always double check that I am putting diesel in. Today, I was in a hurry to make it to Columbus, an hour and a half away, for my friend’s bridal shower. I only half looked that I grabbed the correct fuel nozzle. The one I grabbed was a colored handle and was separated from the other gas handles, it must be right. So I filled my tank – $33 worth to be exact.
It was about a mile down the road that my car engine shut off at a stop light. It would not turn back on. I was able to maneuver my car to the curb and out of traffic. The only explanation I can think is that I put the wrong fuel in it. I called my mom, and the smart lady she is reminded me that I could call the number on my receipt.
I call the gas station and ask them to check which fuel I put in. They seems caught of guard by such an unusual call. When she located my transaction she explained that I had put in recreational fuel. She went on to say that it should be fine in my car, but little didn’t she know I drove a car with a diesel engine and was sitting on the side of the road.
There have been some nice people that have stopped to see if they could help. First, a younger couple in a truck offered to help jump my car if needed. But, I had to explain that it was probably going to take more than that to get the car going again.
Next, a police officer stopped. I explain my situation to him and he allowed me to wait on the side of the road until my dad came with a trailer.
Most recently, a woman driving a mini van stopped and a man got out. To be honest my heart started to race a little because he kept looking in the car as he asked if I needed help. I was starting to wonder if he wanted something other than to help me. But, I explained the situation and he left.
Sitting here really humbles me. It leaves no room for arrogance or thoughts of being above others. I have always been someone to refuse help and it really breaks me down to be in need of help, and have to accept it.
The people who stopped to ask if I need help have been just average people. They most likely know what it is like to need help, but also have enough to offer some help.
In this time of sitting on the side of the road by myself I can’t help but ponder things. I need to make sure I’m never too high headed, to narcissistic to take time to ask if I can help someone.
Has there ever been a situation where you had to accept help? Or have you ever been able to rearrange your plans to help someone else? Let’s chat about!
Stay Adventurous!
Update: A third couple stopped to ask if I needed help. It’s always the people that are the middle of the road – are getting by but have enough to offer to someone else.
An older man with a long white beard who could have potentially been one of those store Santa’s just stopped. He explained that he saw me sitting here when he went by an hour ago. I thanked him for his concern and assured him my dad was on his way.
A middle aged man with the nicest car yet, pulled over. He said “I know it’s hot out, do you need a phone to call someone?” Again, I thanked him and sent him on his way.
My dad has arrived and we are loading the car onto the trailer. I don’t know what I would do without him. He is always so willing to come rescue me when I make careless mistakes.
