Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Kindness Makes Nightmare Nothing

“Call 911 in case of an emergency.”

One of the hottest days of the summer barreling down Interstate at seven miles under the speed limit, 16 miles slower than we generally drive, and well below the speedsters passing us as if we were standing still, it was what one could call a nightmare come true.

At a horseshow all day, two hours from home, and half way back, when we heard an explosion too close to the pickup for comfort, and quickly realized we’d had a blowout, as the steering wheel became almost unmanageable.

Releasing the foot feed, we hit the brakes and brought truck and trailer with three horses aboard to a stop at the edge of the highway as hundreds of vehicles sped by.

Initially unsure which tire it was, we soon found the right rear pickup tire was rubber shreds. Fortunately, there was a spare, jack, wrenches and seemingly whatever else needed to change a flat.

Evaluating the predicament, we felt cautiously confident that an old cowboy could do the essential job at hand, even though we sure didn’t want to. Then, we remembered the Highway Patrol Motor Assistance pickups with yellow caution light bars that we pass frequently to and from work.

What the heck, we pay our taxes, have a cell phone whether we like to admit it or not, and we’ve long heard: “An emergency is any situation which requires immediate assistance.”

This wasn’t a real crisis, nor were we in a terribly big hurry, but the rig wasn’t going anywhere without another tire on it. So, we called “911.”

The Motor Assistance was already helping somebody, but a congenial sheriff’s officer finally arrived with blinking lights, assuring us “more help is on the way.”

A big burly fellow fitting image of his task eventually came with even more colored flashing lights than the lawman parked behind us.

Minor complications for the tire changer made us especially appreciative of his capable assistance, and happier we didn’t attempt the job our self. Generally against gratuities, we gladly paid the fees requested, and even tipped the nice guy for his kind service on a hot afternoon.

Reminds us of Second Corinthians 8:19: “They showed eager readiness to help another.” Therefore, First Corinthians 16:18: “Deeply appreciate, thoroughly and fully recognize such men.

+++ALLELUIA+++

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