I rarely share my personal life on my blogs, I am an ordinary person who lives a very ordinary life -- not much to read about. Yesterday was different.
After spending a week with Tammy in Chicago and a fun morning shopping, I left Tammy's mid-afternoon so I could get through the St. Louis area before traffic turned into rush-hour madness. That worked out great and everything was smooth until just outside of Six Flags I hit a heavy rainstorm. For several miles it was stop and go traffic in blinding rain. I was actually thankful that traffic was at a near stand-still because I could barely see beyond the taillights of the auto in front of me. Eventually traffic began to move a little faster (this was a construction zone as well) but driving was hazardous as spells of heavy rain continued to fall. At one point, the rain water has washed some boards from the construction area onto the road. I ran over one of them!! Several miles later I felt like the car was driving a little rough so I pulled off at Cuba, MO at a Phillips 66 convenience store. I had 2 flat tires! I had no cash on me, my cell phone was not working (thanks loads to my cell phone provider), and only had a donut tire for a spare. I had no idea on this earth what to do. It looked like both of my tires were ruined (apparently the board had nails in it) but a very kind guy that worked at the convenient store put air in both of my tires and had me follow him to the nearest garage. They really couldn't do anything to help, so they sent me to the O'Reilly Auto Store near by. I actually got there before my tires went flat again. By this time it is after 5:00 PM and all the tire shops in the town were closed.
Mike and Tammy Callahan (hope they do not mind me using their names) were customers in the store when they heard me talking to one of the employees at O'Reilly. I won't go into the whole story, but this couple got my tires aired, some Fix-it in each, and the holes plugged. It was miserably hot and I would not have known how to do half this stuff! John (do not know his last name but he was the store manager at O'Reilly's) was kind to lend me his cell phone, helped Mike with the tire situation, offered to take me to dinner while I waited for my husband, and even offered to let me park my car at his home until I could get back with new tires. Mike and Tammy stayed with me almost the entire time. I finally convinced them I was okay and that someone would be there shortly after 9:00 PM (this couldn't have happened a little closer to home). Tammy Callahan dropped by once to see if I was okay, and Mike a little after that--amazing people! We actually managed to drive my car home without further incident and arrived safely around 1:30 AM.
A MILLION THANKS to Mike and Tammy Callahan and John from O'Reilly's. I am not sure I have ever met such caring strangers. I will never forget them. If you are ever in trouble, I hope God sends a Mike, Tammy, or John your way.
Photos and great stuff from CHA in some posts tonight and tomorrow.
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