Tiffany's family was having a chicken butchering that day. There were quite a few people there. We had such a good time. Most of the people there I had never met before. There was a guy there from North Carolina, and two guys and a young married couple from West Virginia. That is a long way to travel to butcher chickens! I really enjoyed getting to meet them all. The whole group just had a sweet time.
I was planning to leave about 7 so I wasn't traveling by myself too late. But just about the time I should have been leaving Tiffany and two other people got out their instruments. Tiffany plays the guitar incredibly well. There was an other guitar and a banjo. Both were played very well. The music was so much fun. I always take my violin when I go on a trip. I don't always play it when I take it places but I have it just in case I want it. Well, guess what? I didn't take it this trip. I wanted to join the music SO badly. I had to stick to singing, which totally isn't my forte!
When they finished practicing in the basement one of the men led a devotional. The instrumentalist then played along with the whole group while we sang many songs. One song we sang was How Deep the Father's Love for Us. How can a person keep from bowing low in worship while singing that song?
When the music was over, and I had said all my good-byes, I dragged myself away. I hadn't gotten far down the road, maybe a mile or so, when I realized something wasn't right. I got out of the car and checked on the tires because it kind of felt like one was flat. I had never had a flat tire before so I didn't really know what it was like. :) All the tires looked fine. I continued on my journey. As I drove along the car started vibrating a little. As the miles went by it was getting worse. I started getting worried that something would happen half way between Georgetown and Cincinnati. I called Beckisue as I was getting on the interstate. She said maybe I should go back. It is a little late to turn around once your are on the interstate. You cannot exactly make a u-turn. But, amazingly enough, as soon as I got on the interstate the noise/vibration completely stopped! I told Beckisue that and she said if it started again before I got too far away from Tiffany's to turn around (which I was already planning on). I drove along fine for about three miles. Suddenly it started again and was *horrible*! Thankfully there was an exit right there. I got off and got back on going the other direction. I knew I couldn't get back up to speed. What ever was wrong was seriously wrong!
I went about a mile and I think I had decided to pull of the road. I am not sure because things like that kind of happen quickly. My back right tire blew. Yikes! Thankfully I was only going about 40 mph I think.
I called Tiffany first thing so they could come get me. I was about 20 minutes or so from their house. I then called Beckisue to tell her what happened. I guess I should just say at this point I was assuming that the tire had blown. I hadn't even gotten out of the car to look. I just wanted to sit tight with the doors locked. After making two phone calls I did open the door and look out. Whoa! Flat tire doesn't begin to describe it.
I sat there telling myself not to worry. You know, God keeps His promises. He tells us that He will keep us in perfect peace if our mind is stayed on Him. I am a big chicken and sitting by the side of the interstate at 10:00 at night by myself is no fun. I needed His peace! I kept praying and God answered.
My uncle sends us a good night text every night. When I got it while sitting there I replied and told him what was going on. A minute later I got a call from him asking if I was okay. I told him I was fine and that my friends were coming to get me. He said he would just chat with me to keep my occupied. I was thankful for that.
I think it took about 45 minutes for Tiffany, her dad, and Isaac (the guy from NC) to arrive. They thought I was having engine trouble and were trying to find tools. :) They didn't realize it was just a tire.
Isaac quickly changed the tire then offered to drive the car back so I didn't have to with the doughnut. I didn't mind driving but I was glad to let him.
I had to leave before the bonfire started and I was disappointed to miss that. Well, with the change of plans I got to go back! A few of us sat around the bonfire until about 1 AM. We talked and laughed and toasted marshmallows.
Tiffany and I went to bed and whispered for an other couple of hours. We whispered until my voice was going hoarse. It was such a blessing to get the extra time with her. We had some much needed conversation.
I got out the paperwork on the tires the next day. They were exactly a year old. I don't know what happened to it because it certainly wasn't warn out! I was able to take it to Sears and drive back to Cincinnati that evening.
I guess I had better end this post. If anyone has read the whole thing they are probably going cross eyed by now.
All that to tell a simple little story. There were SO many things to be thankful for! I am thankful that it happened so soon after I left. If I would have been half way between Tiffany's and Cincinnati.... Yikes!
So, I had a wonderful, wonderful weekend even if it didn't go as planned.
1 comment:
I read it!! (And I heard most of the story already, but didn't mind reading about it, too!) So thankful that God kept you safe and that you had a good trip that weekend!
Love you!
Post a Comment