I had a client consultation yesterday to review a new flower bed install from an inquiring potential customer.
I left home early to ensure I'd arive about 15 minutes ahead of meeting time. I like to do this to review the client's name, any meeting points discussed prior, and to scope out the project site unpressured.
On my way, I decided to take the back way to avoid the congested traffic. As I headed under the bridge I noticed some fresh gravel was put in place to remedy a recent washout from a flooding rain the week prior. The gravel was placed just after the tunnel under the bridge. I proceded cautiously to try and avoid any damages to my low riding Honda Fit.
I must have misjudged how large the gravel pieces were. I felt a large bump and assumed I had bottomed out on the uneven gravel, but proceeded on. No less than 100 yards my oil lights came on which seemed odd to me as I had recently changed my oil.
I continued for another 1/2 mile coasting to the stop sign. Then the car shut off. I started it again, pressed in the clutch and gave a little throttle to only hear some obnoxious sounds coming from the engine bay. The car died again in the middle of the intersection.
I quickly put the car in neutral, hopped out and pushed it to the side of the road to avoid any traffic disturbance.
I thought quickly, "I still have time to make it the client consultation. I can call my wife for the rescue after, but I'll have to walk the remaining 1/2 mile by foot on this 95º day."
So, that's just what I did. I power walked to the house to ensure I was still on time. I had a very successful meeting with a wonderful client who was spunky and fun.
Following the meeting, I had my wife pick me up so I could grab the truck and trailer to rescue the car. At this time I still wasn't sure what was wrong with it. I just knew it wasn't drivable.
As I gathered the gear for the rescue I had to be prepared for some redneck ingenuity as i only had my 7yo daughter and myself for muscle to try and get the car into the trailer.
On our way back, I decided to take the same route as previous to see if any parts had fallen off or if i could see any clues as to what may have happened. As i approached the gravel section, I immediately noticed a long oil streak in the road. I knew this was from my car. I didn't see any parts laying around but did notice some larger rocks in the cap of the road.
We pulled up to the car and I began to inspect closer to ID any damage. I was instantly surprised by a rather large hole in the oil pan. One of the larger rocks must have pierced the pan as i went through the fresh layed gravel. I began trying to push the car onto the trailer to no avail. I decided to try and attach a ratchet strap to use as a makeshift winch. No sooner than I got the strap out of the truck, 3 very helpful people had stopped and offered a helping had. I eagerly accepted and introduced myself. We had the car pushed onto the trailer in no time without any troubles.
I graciously thanked them for the help and they all said they were pleased to help someone in need. They were gone almost as fast as they showed up. I had a moment to think how luck I was to have people around who still care about community and offer a helping hand when people are in need.
Its easy to get lost in the division we're being bombarded with, but know, there are good people out there and I believe its the larger percentage of the population.
#community #grownostr #grind
