Ivy, over at Uncharted, is having a contest, asking for the best opening line of a country western ballad. When I was typing the title of this post, I could almost hear the twanging of guitar strings. That title, perhaps like many country western lyrics, was born of experience.
Monday morning, I was on my way back home after picking up some kolaches from Hruska's. (Yes, I had tried them for the first time on Saturday morning, and went back on Monday morning for more. If you've had them, you'll understand.) I was stopped at a 4-way stop, waiting for the car to the right of me to proceed before making a left turn, when BAM! a car plowed into me from behind. I couldn't believe it. I made the turn, pulled over to the side of the road, and the offender pulled up behind me.
A young man, presumably a BYU student, got out of the car and immediately said, "I'm so sorry!" I didn't see any major damage to my car's bumper, so didn't bother to even get his name. He kept pointing to places on my bumper.
"Was that there before?" ("Yes," I said, then thought, "that's where a lady rear-ended me years ago when I stopped for a passing ambulance, and she didn't." )
"What about these scratches?" ("Yes, they were already there," I said, as I thought, "those were very recently obtained when I didn't quite pull far enough into the garage before pushing the button to shut the garage door!)
"You're so kind. You're so kind." He kept repeating himself. I just kept seeing my own children in him. I was fine. My car was fine. He was apologetic. He wasn't under the influence. (This is Provo, after all, home of the nation's #1 "Stone-Cold Sober" university--for 20 years in a row!)
Besides, I had kolaches in the car that were getting cold. We shook hands, and got back into our cars. After he pulled away--I insisted he go first. I might be kind, but I'm wary, too!--I drove home, composing to myself that future country hit, If I Have to Have a Fender-Bender, Let it Be in Provo.
Photo: A rear bumper, with a small hole and various scratches and scuffs |
Monday morning, I was on my way back home after picking up some kolaches from Hruska's. (Yes, I had tried them for the first time on Saturday morning, and went back on Monday morning for more. If you've had them, you'll understand.) I was stopped at a 4-way stop, waiting for the car to the right of me to proceed before making a left turn, when BAM! a car plowed into me from behind. I couldn't believe it. I made the turn, pulled over to the side of the road, and the offender pulled up behind me.
A young man, presumably a BYU student, got out of the car and immediately said, "I'm so sorry!" I didn't see any major damage to my car's bumper, so didn't bother to even get his name. He kept pointing to places on my bumper.
"Was that there before?" ("Yes," I said, then thought, "that's where a lady rear-ended me years ago when I stopped for a passing ambulance, and she didn't." )
"What about these scratches?" ("Yes, they were already there," I said, as I thought, "those were very recently obtained when I didn't quite pull far enough into the garage before pushing the button to shut the garage door!)
"You're so kind. You're so kind." He kept repeating himself. I just kept seeing my own children in him. I was fine. My car was fine. He was apologetic. He wasn't under the influence. (This is Provo, after all, home of the nation's #1 "Stone-Cold Sober" university--for 20 years in a row!)
Besides, I had kolaches in the car that were getting cold. We shook hands, and got back into our cars. After he pulled away--I insisted he go first. I might be kind, but I'm wary, too!--I drove home, composing to myself that future country hit, If I Have to Have a Fender-Bender, Let it Be in Provo.
I know the young man was thankful for a honest lady! Bless you.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was impressed with his humility and concern.
DeleteI just love the title of your blog...We all sometimes need reminding to be thankful and there is always so much to be thankful for. God bless you...
ReplyDeletegramswisewords.blogspot.com
Thank you.
DeleteI saw this the other day - love the title. I'm sure he was grateful to meet someone as good and kind as you. Most people would've made this a very different scenario.
ReplyDeleteLisa @ The Meaning of Me
I was impressed with the way he handled it. He made it easy to just let it go.
DeleteGreat song title and great story. Glad you weren't hurt.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Hope all is going well with you. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete