Stranded
I sit in the car, the hazards flashing, the dome light on, and the engine running. It’s chilly outside a brisk 47*. Whatever it was, it was big and solid. To damage the tire that badly, probably a big brick or something. Sadly it was in a blind spot passing a semi, by the time I saw it, it was too late. I knew the moment it hit the tire was gone. I prayed I was wrong, but moments later I felt the shudder in the car, and the fight to stay straight. Just seconds later the pressure gage went off and my fear came to pass. Without any options I called roadside. No luck there. I unpacked the trunk and grabbed the donut from its hidey hole and started to work. What I didn’t count for was the strain on my neck.
Unable to get the tire off I had no choice but to call AAA and get help changing the tire. Not feeling much like a man, I realized I don’t want to stay here, and I’m not in a position to be prideful. It’s already bad enough I have to wait for the tire place to open to get a new tire. Hoping for the best, and it is just the tire. Riley seems to be doing okay, though I’m sure she’s not loving sitting still. A highway patrol officer stopped by to check on me. He seemed nice and it was nice to be checked on.
While this is the second time I’ve pulled over for tire issues on my voyage home, I’ve begun to wonder if me leaving early isn’t the right thing to do. I cut my trip short by 3 days. For now, all I can do is sit and wait.
Whatever it was it was big and heavy, and damaged the rim. I dodged a bullet with the rim and the primary damage is the side, which is cosmetic. While there is also damage to the wheel base, I don’t know what it is yet, I know that insurance will cover the damage.
An 11-hour trip turned into a 17-hour trip, but no matter how badly the traffic was, the incidents from the start, and the setbacks that occurred. No matter the setbacks I had one thought that kept coming to mind, Nikinzie, my dearest friend, a woman I’ve grown to care for a great deal, I kept thinking about her advice she would give to me during my trip. Her words of wisdom and her trust and faith in me helped me to keep in mind no matter how frustrated I would have normally gotten, I remained calm, cool, and collected. She deserves a big shout out because of how influential her part was in my trip home, and of course, how important to my life she is.
No matter how horrible the trip home was, the key is to remember it could have been worse, and God was still in control. No matter what situation you find yourself in, you have to have faith that God is with you, God will pull you through no matter what. The good the bad or the ugly, the waters can always get worse. Don’t give up hope, even when the day has turned in an unwanted direction. 17 hours later the day didn’t go the way I wanted, but I made it home safely, and that’s what’s important. Try to hold onto the positives, and try to see the light in the darkness.
The Arrow Preacher 