People Aren't Always What They Seem

Here goes my first recorded example of a "do-gooder". I will probably first write about some of the things I remember that have happened in the past because, if I've remembered them this long, they deserve to be permanent. A few years back on a summer day I was driving my kids to a park. The park was downtown, significantly distanced from my home. I suddenly felt an imbalance in my car, and suspected it was a flat tire. I'm proud of myself that I didn't panic. I was, after all, in an unfamiliar area with two small children and I had no idea what to do except pull into a parking lot and call my husband. He was unfortunately unavailable, preoccupied with supporting the family and all. He would have come if he were able to, but he was nowhere near my location that day. I remember wondering what certain individuals do who have no one to call and no experience changing a tire! Well, this is what they do. They call roadside assistance. Or, if they're lucky, someone will have pity and come help them. Such was the case with me. A man, probably in his fifties, approached me and asked if he could help. He had a long ponytail down his back. My first impulse was to not trust him and say that my husband was on his way. Now, before I say another word, I suppose I have to state the obvious. Here's the obvious. Women need to trust their instincts and protect themselves. Don't pull over in a seculded area, especially in the dark. Be aware of your surroundings and whats going on around you, be smart. Pay attention to what your gut is telling you. My impulse to misjudge this man was not my gut instinct, it was stereotyping. I would have been just fine if I had stayed in the car and called for roadside assistance. But I decided to go with my gut and let this man help me. I was so grateful. He explained what he was doing as he was doing it, and even encouraged me to crank the jack so I could get a feel for it. During the process, he talked to me about his girlfriend. After several minutes of hearing about her, it became obvious that this "girlfriend" was his wife. He explained that he calls her his girlfriend, and treats her like his girlfriend, in order to preserve a loving marriage of thirty years. It must have worked. Thirty years speaks for itself. So this is what I learned that day: There are good people around who look out for each other. I learned how to change a tire. Don't think the worst of somebody just because of a long ponytail. Kids are very well behaved when they sense something out of the ordinary happening. Take care of my marriage.

I don't remember his name, but I remember what he did and how he made me feel. Thank you, mister.