A few years ago, I was driving home from work, encountering typical rush hour traffic. At a red light, the car radio went dead. The light turned green. I hit the accelerator, and then the realization—my car won’t start.
I am a nurse, and have been involved in many medical emergencies. The sight of blood captures my attention, but I know what to do. I can react and provide the necessary assistance in crisis situations. When it is required, I exude calmness,
But any car issue, big or small, is an emergency that causes me to freak out, and suspend all good sense. I am a nervous driver. My hands always perspire when clutching the steering wheel. For me, there is no such thing as a relaxing drive.
So when the car stalled, I panicked, grabbed the cell phone, called my husband at work. Amid the blare of honking horns, I heard him calmly say, “Push the hazard button.”
Shrieking, “I can’t find it!” The soothing voice directed me to the button right in front of my eyes. My hands shook as I pressed the hazard button. Head pounding.
The incessant sound of the horns continued, as if that mind-numbing noise would get the car to move. All it did was increase my anxiety, including my heart rate. I was perspiring. Trembling.
Telling myself, Don’t cry.
After a few minutes, which felt like hours, a young man, dressed in jeans and scruffy tee shirt, approached my car. “Ma’am, I can help you get your car out of the traffic.”
How could he? I was in the middle lane with cars zooming by on each side, plus the angry drivers stuck behind me.
Another man, in a suit, appeared, and also offered his assistance. In a high pitched, unrecognizable voice, I replied, “Oh please don’t get hit. It’s not worth it. Should I just wait for a tow truck?” My pleas fell on deaf ears. Somehow, they maneuvered the stalled car out of traffic.
The next minutes were surreal.
Did they ask me to steer the car? Probably, but I don’t remember. I do remember the car being moved to a parking lot, and I was sitting in that car! How did they manage this feat?
One of the young men was standing a few feet away from my car. “He asked, “Are you okay?”
“Now I am. I’m so relieved.” Tears ran down my cheeks. He offered, “I’ll stay till the tow truck arrives. Just then, the tow truck pulled up to my car.
Looking around the car, I asked, “Where did the the other man go? I did not even get to thank him.” The young man smiled.I got out of the car, and gushed, “Oh thank you! I was so nervous.” Grabbed his hand and shook it.
I reached into the car to retrieve my wallet. “Please let me give you some money as a…”
To my utter amazement, when I looked back, money in my hand, the man had disappeared. Standing there, I was struck by what had just taken place. Where did he go? Where was the other man?
Had not one, but two angels disguised in street clothes, appeared and rescued me? Yes!.
With gratitude and wonder, I will always remember the encounter.
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