This post is written in conjunction with the 30 Days of Writing, a blog challenge devised by Nicky and Mike at “We Work For Cheese.” I’ll be participating throughout the month of June. If interested, you can see my post with the details of the challenge.
Please note that some of these posts will be serious, some will be normal, and some will be an attempt at humor.
In my last job, I had about a 20-minute commute each way. So that gave time for peeking around and enjoying scenery.
During the fall, there were splendid colors.
The winter usually included a gray feeling, or snow, and sometimes a glorious blue sky over sparkling snow.
When the spring comes, things start to bloom and the rolling hills and mountains in our area come to life.
The summer soon comes with warmer weather and the bliss of driving 20 minutes each way with air conditioning.
See, I worked odd hours though. Hence the life of the newspaper. That meant, I would be coming home after midnight, usually. So the scenery stops. A lot of times, the only things I’d see on my ride home would be homes with lights on, the occasional car, or deer. And, sometimes, those deer can be pretty stupid.
There were a few times where I saw cars on the side of the road. Sometimes, if I saw people out of their car, I would stop and bring the window down slightly to see if there was anything I can do. I am one of those people who is still skeptical and like to try and stay as safe as possible, and with it being after midnight, sometimes I feel it’s safer to move along etc.
It was a cold winter night a few years ago when I was coming home. I was still in my last car and, I will note, it was a mess. So I’m bee-bopping along and just outside of town when I crest a small hill and see a car on the side of the road. I see a man outside waving, so I slow down.
He’s slightly sweaty and in a panic mode.
Needless to say, I only cracked the window briefly.
In an out-of-breath way, he asks me if I can take him and his wife to the hospital. It’s an emergency and he ran out of gas. I told him my car was a mess and it might be better if I just call 911 for him.
He said he was ready to do that when he saw my car and he doesn’t think he has the time to do it.
At that point, I’m still a little worried but I say, “What’s the issue?”
He said “My wife is in labor!”
Pardon my use of language, but my reply was “Holy shit!”
I told him the car was a mess, but to cram into the car. He helps his wife in and he climbs in and as I take off, he calls the hospital, warning them we’re coming. I flew through the village (it’s a 30 mph zone and I am quite sure I didn’t go 30).
As I reached the hospital, I went right into the emergency room entrance and somebody was waiting outside with a wheelchair. The husband got out to help and shouted a thank you as they rushed into the hospital. They didn’t even shut the door! I got out and shut the door and scratched my head wondering if that just happened.
Crazy.
I never caught their name or anything, but as I drove by that spot on the side of the road the next day, their car was gone. I hope the husband came back with gas and drove it to the hospital to spend time with his wife and newborn.
I still try and be as safe as possible, but I do like to try and help if I can. Hopefully it won’t bite me in the ass one day, but I’m still under the belief that there are good people in this world and hopefully I won’t become a victim of a bad one!
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That was a really good thing you did. There are still good people out there. And, unfortunately some not so good ones. Stay safe!
Linda recently posted..Side of the Road
Yeah, I waffled on it, but there was something about the look on the husband’s face!
I’m glad you made it to the hospital. I can just imagine the woman giving birth in your car. You think it was a mess before!
nonamedufus recently posted..30 Days of Writing – #27 – Side Of The Road
Oh man, that would have been bad! Especially because it was cold as can be out!
When we are in New Mexico on the border of the Navajo Reservation, Alex fills our car with Navajos going back to the Rez after a night of partying in Gallup. It’s a long walk with a hangover! We have never had a problem giving people rides.
Linda Medrano recently posted..By The Side Of The Road – Day 27
I’m not sure I would have done that. I go past hitch-hikers and don’t always stop. Unfortunately, it seems it’s tough to be nice at times in recent times!
It can be scary stopping to help people. We did once and a young couple jumped in the back of our car, asking to be taken somewhere. I thought they seemed a bit odd and was very nervous the whole time they were in our car. Thankfully, they were also good people, if a bit weird. I wouldn’t do it again though.
Babs – Beetle recently posted..My Ice Castle
I absolutely agree it can be scary. Glad nothing happened to you!
It sucks that we have to worry so much about helping others! I am glad this wasn’t all just a ploy to kill you! Well done!
Nicki recently posted..Awards, Rectums, and Uteri
I know, right? It stinks that there is so much bad in the world in recent years. And, I’m glad it wasn’t ploy, either!
As a woman who ALMOST had a baby boy born in the car, I KNOW for sure the woman was the most grateful, messy car or not.
Sometimes in life, one just has to take a chance. Great story.
Oh they sounded grateful as they went into the hospital. I’m glad I helped, but it was spooky for a few moments!
When I worked late nights at a previous job, I’d come home on 88 when no one else was on the road but trucks. I had a car pass me, going way over the limit, with a donut spare tire on the back. About 10 miles later, I come up on a cloud of dust and smoke in the air, at about 11pm. That car which passed me earlier was now turned around and wedged under the guardrail up to the windshield. The spare had blown out, and sent the car into a spin. I pulled over, put on my hazards, grabbed my fire extinguisher and tire iron. I approached the car carefully, it only smelled of antifreeze, no gas odor. Got the door open, and the kid was ok. Called 911, while keeping an eye out for anything turning serious that would need us to move fast. I didn’t want to move him, as he was in shock, but conscious. Kid was really lucky. Ever since then, I’ve always had a fire extinguisher in my cars, as well as a first aid kit. Now I have certified training in First Aid and CPR, and carry an extensive first responder kit at all times. I also carry my tools with me, and have helped parents unlock doors after their child locks themselves in the car. I’ve helped jump start dead batteries, change flat tires, and even towed out some cars and trucks. There may be some people out there who take advantage of people like me, willing to help. But, if you ask the right questions, have a little situational awareness, and knowledge of cars, you can minimize the chances of that happening. That said, I am also never without a measure of self defense, if I choose to place myself in a situation like that.
I always say I should have myself a small emergency kit in my car and never get one. Probably a good reminder for me to do so.
Aw, I was hoping to hear that they’d named the baby after you. 🙂
Nicely done, P.J. Sometimes in life, you just have to take a chance and it’s a good thing you did!
Nicky recently posted..Promises Of What I Seemed To Be
Nah, no named kid after me. And agreed on the chance. I’m glad I helped and lived to tell about it!
Amazing story. I always think about the timing in these situations.
I wonder if she had the baby soon after you dropped her off.
Lauren recently posted..Day 27 is a Blur
I know what you mean about the timing. I have a slight belief in fate and being in certain places at certain times etc., and I’m glad it was me coming by and not some drunk driver.
That was a pretty safe scenario, it’s pretty hard for a woman to fake being in labour just to gain access to your car. But you did the right thing offering to call 911.
Michael D’Agostino recently posted..My Rules for Life
I don’t know if any situation is “safe,” especially seeing as I didn’t see the wife at first — only the husband. But it worked out OK in the end, thankfully!