 |
STANG RETIREMENT
July, 14th, 2005
I plopped back
into the driver’s seat of my car. It was one of those moments, you know… when the whole world just comes to a
screeching halt. Only moments ago I had left work, finally finishing the roughest four
weeks of our busy season, and was excitedly driving toward I-40 on Hwy 22 with details of the birthday celebration we were
planning for my daughter, Tabi, swirling around in my head. Items for the party at my fiancé’s East TN home filled the car to the max. Although my brain
felt fried from the heavy workload I’d just left, I felt like a bird let out of a cage with paradise as my destination.
Suddenly I began to hear a little racket coming from under the hood as I cleared McKenzie and noticed the air conditioning
wasn’t working well either. As I approached Huntingdon, pulling the last hill before reaching the by-pass… “POP!”
something blew and white steamy smoke hurled from under the hood. I immediately pulled off onto the emergency lane and shut
the engine off.
I got out of the car and pushed my panic button (I called
my brother’s cell phone). Without waiting for anything more than a hello from him, I barged right into a waterfall of
explanations, solutions, and possibilities of what had just happened. Finally I confirmed, “Mark, you need to come pick
me up. I’m broke down on the side of the road.” His first words were, “Denise, I’m just leaving Louisville, KY.” I stopped cold.
“Oh! Well, never mind.” I laughed. Then saying good bye I said I needed to get off the phone, a Good Samaritan
was pulling over to help me. I assured him I’d call him back when I knew something.
********************
Bobby Denton, of Buchanan, was on his way home from work
when he saw the little green mustang burst with white smoke just ahead of him. Knowing
it was difficult to get help on the side of the road these days, he pulled over figuring it might be just a water hose busted
since the white smoke signaled hot steamy water escaping the little car. After greetings were exchanged they raised the hood
and peered into the hot spaghetti of metal underneath. As he stepped around to the passenger side of the car, he noticed green
antifreeze running on the ground. He asked if the lady had something that would hold some water. She produced a plastic gallon
pitcher from the heavily loaded car. Assuring her he would be right back, Bobby headed for the next house for a gallon of
water.
*******************
I sat there waiting for my Good Samaritan to return with
the gallon of water. Mom calls, “I hear we might need to come pick you up.” she says. I laughed. My brother had
phoned our parents when he hung up from talking to me. It seemed no time before I had to let her go since my Good Samaritan
was arriving with the water. He had me to crank the car while he poured the water into the radiator. Then I had to shut it
off quickly. It spilled out as fast as he’d poured it in. it wasn’t a hose of some sort, it appeared to him to
be a freeze plug blown out of the back of the engine. A half day’s work would take care of it. Raise up the engine to
get to the blown plug would be the biggest issue. I needed to call a wrecker, no quick fix on this car. I thanked Mr. Denton and assured him I had people to come get me. I hated to detain him any longer so he
left at my encouragement.
Back in my car, the heat was stifling. The hot July sun was
bearing down with a passion. The breeze seemed to leave with Mr. Denton. A brief phone call put my parents into action. Operation
“Denise Rescue” was now in progress. I’d asked Mom to call a wrecker when I spoke to her earlier but now,
I figured I needed to speak to a wrecker personally. 411 connect put one on the line within seconds. Larkins Wrecker Service
from the next town over (Hollow Rock) was dispatched immediately.
I sat in my hot little car, melting as I waited for the rescue
team to arrive. Sweat soaked my clothes. “This is rough on a fat woman.” I thought. I would get out and walk around
but the danger of being hit by an oncoming car kept me in the hot tin can. I reached for a hair clip to pull my hair up off
my neck. Twisting my hair into a knot I clipped the wet strains. Thunder rolled behind me. Oh, dear, I thought. A cloud of
rain would not be good right now. But then… the breeze began to blow, refreshing my hot skin with its coolness. OK,
I thought, maybe the good Lord is bringing me a bit of refreshment with the burst of cool air and maybe we’ll be outta here before the rain arrives.
I phoned Tabi to tell her the news. She and Ryleigh (her
3 year old) had been baking Brownies. She was having a bit of trouble keeping Ryleigh out of the Brownies till after Dinner.
After a phone call to Bud (my fiancé), the wrecker came in
sight. As he pulled up to my car, I tumbled out to greet him. After “Scott” accessed the situation he asked where
I wanted him to tow it to, if I had a mechanic in mind. Since Bud did most of my mechanic work in East
TN my mind was blank on whom to take it to. When I said no, Scott said the owner of the towing service had a partner
that was a mechanic and he would look at it for me. He assured me he wouldn’t do anything to my car until I authorized
it. He said he would look at it first thing in the morning and give me a call. Well, that seemed fair enough to me and since
it was near by, it shouldn’t be a big towing charge. So, the decision was made. Scott would tow my crippled Mustang
to his business.
Scott waited with me for my parents to arrive to pick me
up. We chatted about Mustangs, weather, breakdowns, etc. He was really nice and when my parents arrived, I chose to offer
him the 25 ears of freshly picked sweet corn that I had planned on preparing in East TN.
He eagerly accepted it. I appreciated him coming so timely and waiting till my ride arrived. He told me not to worry about
paying him, to pay his Boss when I came to pick up the car.
I threw my suitcase and myself into the back of my parent’s
minivan and basked in the coolness of the air-conditioned vehicle. As Daddy pulled out onto the highway, heading for home,
Mom offered me the cold bottle of water Daddy had made sure they brought with them for me. He said he knew I’d be awful
hot and thirsty. I smiled. Such sweet thoughtfulness, that’s my parents.
As I shared with them the details of my encounter, my cell
phone rings. Ryleigh is on the other end. In her attempt to tell me something, her mother takes the phone from her and asks
me if I called, or if Ryleigh had called. I told her my phone rang. She gave the phone back to Ryleigh. “Di,di,did I
call you?” the sweet little voice asked. “Yes, are you ok?” I inquired. That’s all it took for my
granddaughter to spill her woes out to her Nee-Nee. “Momma won’t let me have any Brownies.” She pouted.
I smiled. “Have you eaten dinner yet?” I asked. “I don’t want
to eat my dinner.” She replied. “What are you having for dinner?” I questioned. “Potatoes.”
She responded. “Well, eat your potatoes and then Mommy will let you have a Brownie.” I assured her.” “But
I don’t like Potatoes!” she whined. “Well, ok, what do you like?”
I asked. “I like Brownies!” she confirmed. I couldn’t help but laugh. “I tell you what, if you will
eat 3 bites of your potatoes, I bet Mommy will let you have a brownie.” Immediately I heard the phone drop as Ryleigh
was telling her mommy what Nee Nee had said (like that carried some weight with
Mommy! Yeah, right!) J I smiled; such a sweet little ray of sunshine to brighten
my gloomy afternoon.
As we arrived at my house, I thanked my parents for all their
help and sadly unlocked my front door. This was not where I wanted to settle in
for the night at. But I was thankful that I was home and home safe. The house was cool and quite. I smiled as Alex, my cat
rubbed up against my leg. A least someone was happy I was home.
Friday I woke with gloom bearing down around me. It was my
non-work day, my long weekend… and I was home; without wheels. And I’d had such fun plans for the weekend in East
TN. Tabi and Ryleigh were coming, (Brad had softball tournaments) and we were going to have a small birthday/ pool party for
Tabi’s birthday. She was turning 25 next week but no matter how old my children get, I’ll always want to pamper
them on their birthdays.
I tried to call the mechanic. No answer. There I sat, alone.
No plan, no nothing. Never had Bud’s house felt so far away. Never had I felt so isolated. And then the tears that had been building since that first “POP” on
the highway flowed with a vengeance. I was mad, I was disappointed and I was disgruntled. Finally I turned to God and prayed,
“Ok Lord, what do you want me to do? What do you want to come out of this?”
I
wiped my tears and got my Mansfield grit in gear. After several
more phone attempts, the Mechanic finally answered at 9:30 (am). He said
he hadn’t had a chance to look at my car yet since he’d just arrived. I remember thinking that was odd. What mechanic
shows up for work mid-morning? I’m used to shops that open at the crack of dawn. After I hung up I assessed that getting
my car fixed today was out of the question. I began to review my options and search for a solution. Bud, Tabi, and my brother,
Mark kept in close contact with me helping me to scope out a plan. A rental car seemed to be the immediate solution. As I
called around for prices my hopes began to dwindle a bit. The prices were so high! But I was determined to research all avenues. One dealership that didn’t rent
cars mentioned a local business. After
calling information for the number, I dialed this unknown business.
I could tell by his accent he was African American as I inquired
about renting a car. As he asked where I lived he seemed to be a bit apprehensive. “I don’t usually rent to anyone
who doesn’t have a Huntingdon address.” I told him that I’d broken down on Highway 22 and Larkins had towed
my car to their place of business. I then asked him what kind of car he had for rent. You could tell that didn’t set
well with him. “Well, it’s not in the shop, know what I’m saying?” he said. I took a mental step backward. “I’m sorry, I’ve never rented a car before and I’m
just trying to make sure I ask all the needed questions.” He seemed to soften after that and we discussed prices, etc.
he said he had to be careful who he rented to cause people would run drugs in his cars if he wasn’t. “OH, MY GOSH!”
I thought. Immediately my mental picture conjured up this big heavy black man with tons of gold necklaces and teeth with a
half dozen hoop-tees (as my son would have called old cars back in his teen years). Should I be dealing with such a man? I
had a few thoughts of what I should do as this “Anthony” kept inquiring about “ME”. It was like each
of us had our reservations about the other. I remembered I’d laid all this in God’s hands and felt this was unfolding
by His design. I had to keep trusting in that. I vocally sighed and just told Anthony my situation, of how I had made plans
to be in East TN with my
fiancé and my daughter and granddaughter and then my car blew up. I mentioned that my son-in-law was from McKenzie and had
family in Huntingdon. Come to find out Anthony knew Brad’s uncle and I think that made both of us feel better.
“Look,” he said, “I don’t usually
rent to anyone but local people, but you seem to be on the up and up.” And we made a deal to meet that afternoon for
me to pick up the car for the weekend.
My brother took off work to help his sister in distress and
took me to Huntingdon to get my rental car. When I walked into the office there sat a thin, nicely dressed gentleman that
introduced himself as Anthony Thomas. I liked him immediately. He waved some of the fees and made me a good deal. As we sat
there doing the paperwork my brother was outside looking over the car I would be driving. He later came in and was introduced
to Mr. Thomas. He assured Mark that he would check the oil, tire pressure, etc. before letting me leave with the car. Mark
made the comment, “Take care of my sister.” Anthony said later that that had meant a lot to him. Come to find
out, Mark and Anthony found much to discuss since Mark used to work in banking, working closely with small car dealerships.
Anthony left Mark and me in the cool office while he went
out to prepare the car. Mark commented “you see who his CEO is.” and pointed to the name plate on the desk. Right
there in front of me was “Jesus Christ, CEO”. It was just like God let me know everything was going to be alright, that he had hand
picked this rental service. My heart was filled with that familiar warm feeling one feels when you realize someone has just
done something really wonderful to show you they love you. God had just done that.
I drove my rental car over to Larkins Towing Service to retrieve
some of the stuff I’d packed in my Mustang before it broke down. The mechanic I’d spoken to earlier that day had
looked at my car and said in his thick Yankee brogue that it would take nearly $500 to fix the freeze plug that had blown
and really needed an entire new motor. I told him that I needed to discuss this with my fiancé and he said that was fine that
he wouldn’t be able to order any parts till Monday morning anyway. We agreed I’d call back with my decision of
what to do with my car on Monday.
My head swirled with different options and plans as I drove
to Tabi’s house in Murfreesboro, weighing all the pros
and cons of each idea. Bud and I had known the miles were creeping up on my Mustang quickly since I put 700 or more on it
each week on my trips to see him. Since keeping the maintenance up on it has always been a high priority for us and it was
not having any major problems we thought we had time to shop for what we wanted to replace it with. For the last 3-4 months
we’d looked, shopped, and discussed what to replace it with. I flirted with the idea of getting a SUV but could never
really find one that I could just say, “That’s what I want to drive for the next several years.” As we went
through the process of elimination of what caught our eye and what didn’t Bud commented that the new Mustangs are really
hot and my mustang has proven to be a really good one. This came as a surprise since he’s a “Chevy” man.
So, after much deliberation I placed my order for a Torch Red 06’ Mustang GT on July 6th (9 years to the
day that I purchased my 96’ Mustang). On July 14th my 96’ blew its cork
on 22.
As I drove to Tabi’s I found myself “between
Mustangs”. It was not a comfortable place to be. As I reached Nashville
the radio barked out all kinds of wrecks in all directions since a brief rain shower had just fell. Wet roads always bring
slip-sliding fender benders. I knew I was heading into a traffic jam so at the next intersection I hung a right onto 31/41
which went straight south to 96’. I would take a left onto 96’ and drive right into Murfreesboro. “Ok, I guess I’ll take the scenic route today.” I let out
a gasp of air. It seemed my entire life was now one detour after another. Plan B, Plan C, heck, I thought I was about to Plan
W by now!
As I drove in my rental car kinda feeling blue, sighing with
depression a rainbow appeared in front of me. A Rainbow; God’s sign for hope. Hmmmm, once again, what timing. Still
letting me know you’re right here with me aren’t you Lord. I couldn’t help but smile. I thought of Bud and
how he has the most uncanny wit and sense of humor. He can make me laugh when all I want to do is cry. God blessed him with
that talent. Right then I was also realizing God
also had that same unique wit and sense of humor that can encourage me when nothing else can.
*************************
To save the mileage expense on my rental car, I rode with
Tabi from her house to Bud’s. Besides, it made no sense to drive two cars with today’s gas prices since I was
now on the same schedule as Tabi. After packing all my stuff in her car we stopped
for some supper and then headed east.
From the first time
I took Ryleigh with me to “Paw Paw Bud’s”, Ryleigh always notices where we’re going. As we start up
the first big mountain she doesn’t miss it. “Nee-Nee, we going up the big hill?” Tabi and I both smile.
“Yep, we’re going up the big hill. And who lives up the big hill?” I ask. “Paw Paw Bud and Reagan!”
she shouts with glee from the back seat. Reagan is Bud’s granddaughter, who is just three months younger than Ryleigh.
“We’re Best friends!” is the response one gets from either little
girl. Both have been so excited about Ryleigh getting to come visit and play in the swimming pool in Paw Paw Bud’s back
yard.
Saturday was a busy day for me with all the shopping and
baking to do for the birthday/ pool party that evening. Tabi helped when I needed her and took time to play with Reagan and
Laura (Reagan’s mommy) when I didn’t. I knew everything had to go like clock work to get it all done and somehow,
it did. The dishes were prepared, the weather was perfect, and the atmosphere was casual and comfortable for everyone. In
the midst of preparing the Mexican dishes, Kris called. “So, what happened to the Mustang?” he asked. I frowned.
I had not wanted him to know about the break down until I knew what was wrong with the car. Kris wanted to buy the car and
use it for light transportation needs. He’d been rather down the day before when he called from Alexandria, LA and I just didn’t have the heart to
add to his dismal rainy day.
Today even with the news of the break down, he sounded more up beat. My brother had called him and thought
he knew. I smiled, it’s nice to be in a close knit family where not too many secrets are kept but the reason is the
love and concern each has for the other. After I hung up the phone, it was back to the business at hand, preparing for a Party!
Tabi used to be a waitress at a local restaurant. She and
another waitress struck up a friendship that was to last through more seasons of their lives than they expected. Now, Laura
Harrison is a nurse in Knoxville and pregnant with their second
child. Grant, four, is one year older than Ryleigh. We seized this opportunity for them to get together and visit.
Along
with Bud’s son, James, Laura and Reagan, the neighbors, Big Al and Paulette were invited. Also neighbor, Jaret and his
son, Justin (also 3) were able to attend. It was a small crowd, but a delightful
one. The 4 children loved plopping into the pool whenever they wanted since there were plenty of adults around watching and
their boundaries were specific since the white picket fence kept them from wondering further than they should.
The Mexican food that Laura (Morton), Tabi and I prepared was just
fantastic. Each dish turned out awesome. The camaraderie and friendship was so comfortable that no one wanted to leave. New
friendships were made (as Tabi met Bud’s neighbors) and old ones renewed. It was an incredible night. As my head hit
the pillow I was so thankful that God found a way to get me here even though I was down to Plan W.
Sunday was “clean up and travel” day. Before
long, we were all tucked into Tabi’s car and headed west. We’d no more than got on I-40 and we had to detour off
due to a traffic jam. “Mom, I don’t mind taking 70 home” Tabi said. It was indeed a beautiful day for a
scenic drive across the state. As we puttered along in her car we enjoyed having a little time just to be together.
I unfolded a half eaten bag of chips and dragged out a few.
Ryleigh watched me. “I want some chips.” She says sweetly. I just handed her the bag and reached for my diet coke.
She sat there quietly for a moment and then said, “Momma, I got the whole bag!” Tabi smiled and acknowledged her
daughter’s great fortune. “She usually doesn’t get to hold the entire bag.” Tabi explained to me.
We both could tell Ryleigh really thought she was in her element, shades on, chip bag and drinking out of her momma’s
coke!
While
driving through Crossville my eyes automatically glanced through the used car lots and I told Tabi to turn around and go back,
I thought I’d seen a 2500 Suburban like what Bud wanted. As we pulled into the lot, my hopes dropped. Yes, it was a
2500 but not a 2 wheel drive. We drove on.
Once
we arrived at Tabi’s house, we said our good byes and I completed the trip alone in my rental Taurus with my mind back
on the issues at hand. Bud and I had made the decision over the weekend to just get the tow company to tow my car to my house
and we would decide what to do with it at a later date. To attempt to repair it would bring on more expense than we wanted
to put into the car since I had a new one on the way. To give the go ahead to fix it was not an easy issue since fixing it
might cost $200 or $2000. We elected to just let it sit for a while.
Monday morning I took off work for a couple of hours so I
could take care of all the vehicle business. I phoned Mr. McGinnis, the mechanic to tell him we’d decided not to fix
the Mustang at this time and that I needed it to be towed to my home. He said that was fine and he would have his partner,
with the towing service to call me and get directions, etc.
I called Mr. Thomas and asked to keep his rental car for
a few more days and he agreed to let me. Then I began a series of phone calls to the salesman whom I’d ordered the new
Mustang with. Bud and I thought surely the dealership could do something to help me out since I had already placed an order.
We had several conversations back in forth for the next few days.
As I prayed once again for God to lead and provide (my constant
prayer now) a thought came to me that I just couldn’t wait to share with Bud. He’d been nearly without transportation
himself since his old 81’ diesel Cadillac’s transmission went out last November.
While we were shopping and dreaming of what vehicle would work for me, we also had shopped and dreamed for what He
needed also. He’d decided some months ago what he wanted; A 1999, 2500, 2WD, Suburban with a 454 engine. He wanted something
big enough he would feel comfortable pulling a trailer with a car on it easily. And
even though he farms in the mountains, he has no use for 4 wheel drives.
I began months ago searching online for just such an animal.
Found out real quick that Bud had chosen the rarest Suburban out there (like that was a surprise!) oh, they have tons and
tons of 1500 4WD Suburbans with 350 engines but very few 2500, 2WD, 454’s. I’d give up and then go back and check
again a week or so later.
My big brain storm was what if I could find the rare Sub for Bud and I would just drive it till my car came in (no more
rental fees). When I told Bud, he loved the idea! He really wants it mostly for when we go on our swap meet trips and
that season will be coming up very soon. We both got really excited about the idea. So, I bore down hard on the computer searching
and searching all the websites I could find. Finally I found a dark blue one up near Louisville,
KY. I rushed to dial the number of the dealership. To my disappointment, a customer
had taken it out for a test drive and had just purchased it that morning. The wind went out of my sails. Back to square one.
I got up and went potty, taking a breather and to clear my head. As I washed my hands I silently prayed for God to guide me
to the Suburban that Bud needed. I knew God knew where it was.
Back to my computer, I decided to try Yahoo’s website
and soon a white 1999, 2WD, 2500, 454 engine, Suburban was sitting on my screen. And there was the confirmation; a Tennessee volunteers Orange T license plate on the front of it. Birmingham, AL is not the place one would
expect to find a big TN Vols fan and yet, there it was, on the photo.
When I called Bud to tell him what I had found he said he’d been told of one there in Maryville and he knew the owner and knew it was in good condition. He said it was black with
maroon interior (well Yuck! I thought, how ugly!!!)
He went on to say that Black was hard to keep clean and I quickly agreed.
For
the next few days, emails, phone calls and more photos of the Sub were exchanged. Since Bud was still working in the straw
fields he was unable to just pick up and go look at it at a moments notice. So, arrangements were made for us to drive down
to Birmingham, AL in a couple
of weeks (after the family returned from vacation) to look at the “machine”. Bud and I both were so excited.
Meanwhile, Richard, my Mustang salesman, had come up with
an offer; for me to make a deposit on the Mustang that I’d ordered and he would rent me a 05’ Taurus (with only
647 miles!) for $100 a week! That was a great deal so by Thursday I had my parents running their Taxi service taking me and
picking me up while I took back the first rental car to Mr. Thomas and picked up the new Taurus from Richard.
Back to the old Mustang issue… late Monday morning,
Mr. Larkins called to set up a time to bring the Mustang to my house. We discussed directions etc and then he said “Now
the first towing bill was $45.00 and this towing bill will be $65.00 since it will be further.” I agreed that was fine.
Then he adds, “And I have a bill here from my partner for $35.00 for the work he did on your car.” I stopped.
“He didn’t say anything about $35.00 and I’ve spoken to him twice and once more in person.” Mr. Larkins
just kinda brushed it off and began to discuss the time to bring it again. Later he phoned again and said they had gotten
busy and wondered if he could wait and bring it Tuesday afternoon. I said fine, not a problem for me. I was in no rush for
the car.
That evening I shared all the days’ events with Bud
on the phone. When I got to the part about the $35.00 Bud wailed! He said no one charges
for an estimate! And he encouraged me to not pay it. Later when he called me again before going to bed he was even more adamant. “Don’t you pay that $35.00. They are just trying to rip you off.”
He said. I agreed with him. It made me just as mad that they were trying to take advantage of me.
Tuesday afternoon Mr. Larkins phoned saying he was nearly
to Dresden. I told him I’d meet him up town and escort
him to my house and did. As he pulled into the driveway towing the little sick mustang it was a sad sight for me. I’d
driven that little car for nine years and spent many an hour in it. I could never find anything I liked better so I just kept
driving it. As my brother said when I bought it in 96’, “That car fits you Denise.”
I motioned where I wanted him to drop the car and Mr. Larkins
pulled in that direction. I went to the passenger’s side window of the tow truck with my cell phone and a check already
made out for $110.00. While the tow truck still had my car hooked up, Mr. Larkins picked up a bill and said, “I need
you to sign this.” And as I took the bill that he handed me I inquired what it was and he responded that it was the
tow bill for $110.00. I signed the bill and handed him the bill and the check back. He then said, “Now, I’ve got
this other bill for my partner for $35.00.” I took a deep breath and said, “Well, I’m not going to pay that.”
He stopped and then said, “Then we’ve got a problem.” I told him that Mr. McGinnis never mentioned a fee
when I spoke to him several times and that I’d never heard of anyone charging for an estimate!” I was calm but firm. So, Mr. Larkins suggested he get his partner
on the phone for me to talk to.” I informed him that I had nothing to say to Mr. McGinnis. That all I had to say would
be to the Better Business Bureau. The irritated man told me the Better Business Bureau wasn’t going to do anything about this! My temper felt ashen white hot as I maintained a cool firm stand.
After informing his partner about the situation he handed
the old bag phone receiver to me through the window. I took it and spook to the mad person on the other end. “You owe
me $35.00!” he yelled. “No Sir, I don’t.” I said coolly. I couldn’t believe I was able to remain
so calm, cool and collected in the heat of such a battle. “I asked you to give me an estimate of what it would take
to fix my car. I know of No one who charges for estimates. Your conclusion by the
way, was the same as the Good Samaritan that stopped to help me when I broke down and he only spent five minutes under the
hood.” Mr. McGinnis was getting angrier by the minute. “Look,” I said, “you saw a single woman broke
down on the side of the road and decided she was fair game for a little extra pop in your pocket. I’ve been divorced
for 10 years, this isn’t my first rodeo, and I’m not going to let you take advantage of my situation.” My
voice was unfamiliar to me with it calmness, even my heart was not pounding as it normally would. “Well, I hope I get
hold of your car again!” the man threatened. At that point I handed the receiver back to the man in the tow truck and
announced, “I’m done.”
Mr. Larkins talked to his partner, “Well, what’d
you want me to do? Well… ok.” As he hangs up the phone, he looks at me and says, “Well, if you’re
not going to pay the bill, then I guess I’ll have to do as my partner told me to and take your car back to him.”
Without batting an eye I responded back. “Well, I tell you what, you pull out of this drive with my car, and I’ll
call the Law and charge you with grand theft auto. The man slumped, exasperated with the whole issue. “Just pay the
$35.00.” he whined. “Just drop the $35.00 charge.” I replied back. He slumped again. “Look, I’m
just in the middle here.” He said. “I have my business and he has his and we just help each other out. He’s
really going to be mad.” I glared at him. “Well, I’m not too happy myself!” He paused and just looked at me. “I sure wish you’d told
me this before I came all the way out here.” I thought to myself, well duh! Of
course you wished that! Then you could hold my car for a $35.00 ransom! Again,
Duh!!! I just looked at him and said, “Do I need to just go on and call the law?” he shrugged, “Well,
I guess you might as well, seems that’s the only way we’re going to get this settled.” I opened up my cell
phone I held in my hand, dialed 911 and (in front of Mr. Larkins) told the dispatcher who I was, my address and that someone
was trying to take my car and I need a deputy out here quick.
The sun was beating down on me and the exhaust coming out
from under the tow truck was melting me. I looked at the man in the truck and said, “It’s hot out here, I’m
going to get my drink out of my car.” He said ok as I headed for my rental car and retrieved my insulated coke cup.
Instead of returning to the oven by the tow truck door I walked over to a lawn chair I had placed beside the driveway for
cool breaks when I push mow my yard. It was right across from my little mustang and a bit behind the man in the tow truck.
As I sat there “collecting myself”, I prayed for God to stay with me through
this battle. I could hear him on his mobile phone over the rumble of the tow truck motor, “She’s gone and called
the law.” I found that amusing. I called Bud and left him a message of what was happening. Then I text messaged a friend
of mine who knew what I was going into this afternoon. “Called law”. Then “waiting.” She said later she was about to die till she heard from me afterwards.
I
could hear the speed of the approaching vehicle and knew it was the law. An unmarked Jeep took my driveway a bit too fast
(WHOMP!) and turned his blue lights on inside his windshield as he approached the car in tow. Immediately following him came
a sheriff patrol car with its lights on. All this for $35.00 I thought. As the
Officers got out of their vehicles the questions began and so did my explanations. Marty Plunk, the plain clothed officer
was in charge immediately. Officer Browning, a large black deputy in uniform assisted. I recounted the entire story ending
with a firm confirmation that I was not going to pay the $35.00.
Marty
asked if I’d paid for the towing bill. I said that I had, that Mr. Larkins had a check in his position in the tow truck
where I’d paid for both towing fees. Mr. Larkins piped up at this time and said, “yeah, but I don’t know
if I’m going to accept it or not.” I think by the look on Officer Plunk’s face this statement made him a
bit mad. “Did she pay you for the towing?” he asked Mr. Larkins again
and Mr. Larkins said yes, she gave him a check. An after thought made me realize when it was all over, had he not accepted
my $110.00 he was planning on charging me with non payment on the entire $145.00.
Officer
Plunk then turned to him and said, “This is your business, you know the ropes, you know the paperwork that has to be
filed at the courthouse to have a towing lean on this car. You also know that if you drop this car, you no longer have any
ties to it. You also know that we cannot let you leave this drive with this car
unless you have the proper paperwork filed, so if you want to file the paperwork, I suggest you start hoofing it back to town.”
I about dropped my teeth as the “Law” was coming to my aide much stronger than I expected. “And if she’s
paid you, you don’t even have cause to file an impounding lean.” He
added. “Now,” he continued, “the only other option is for your
partner to file a civil law suit against Ms. Bradberry for non payment,” and he looked at me and continued, “and
you will have to appear in court and present your case.” I nodded and said that was fine, I would look forward to it.
I never wavered in front of Mr. Larkins.
Mr.
Larkins excused himself to go call his partner. Soon afterward he asked the officer to come talk to his partner since Mr.
McGinnis was having trouble understanding all this. Officer Plunk said he’d be glad to and did. While that was going
on, I stood by Officer Browning apologizing for having to call them out over $35.00, it wasn’t the money, it was the
point of allowing someone to take advantage of you. He chuckled and said that
was fine, he didn’t mind, it was his job.
After
the explanation to Mr. McGinnis was over Officer Plunk was ready to leave. Officer Browning pulled his car over to the side
to wait with me until the tow truck had dropped my car and left. Sitting inside his car out of earshot of the tow guy, Officer
Browning told me he would have done the same thing. We then discussed my plans for my car which brought up my ordered new
car. He whistled at what I would soon be driving.
As
Mr. Larkins backed the tow truck down my drive and past me and the patrol car, he handed me my copy of my tow bill receipt
showing where I had signed it and where Officer Plunk had written Paid and ck# and signed it himself so it could not be said
later that I did not pay. I said good-bye to Officer Browning and turned to go
back inside. As I entered my cool, peaceful, quite house, I poured myself a full glass of wine and thanked God for giving
me a calmness that even surprised me! He
knew I needed to stand firm and fearless in the eyes of my “lion” and he gave me the calmness to do just that.
The
next few hours were filled with my sharing my experience with my closest loved ones, Bud, My parents, my kids, my friends.
At the end of the day as Bud was saying good night, he told me how proud he was of me today, for standing up to those jerks.
I’m glad he was proud, but my strength did not come from me, it came from above.
****************************
A
week passed. I’d settled into my rental car, we’d made plans to go to Birmingham
to look at the Suburban and finally things seemed to be leveling off a bit in my life. But that doesn’t ever seem to
be the case in my life for very long at a time.
Two trips to East
TN gathered plenty of miles in my white, generic, metal transportation box. While
I was experiencing possession of my ex-s baked potatoes and sour cream, a severe storm hit Bud’s neighborhood so I spent
my long weekend (Aug. 29th,30th & 31st) picking up branches and cleaning up Bud’s
yard. Course, I love spending time in “The Morton House” yard. Before I knew it the weekend was gone and I was
exhausted! But a nicely trimmed, clean lawn stood as proof of my sweat and labor.
As I headed for I-40
I felt so very sad. No visit at Murfreesboro with little Miss
Ryleigh today. Tabi and her gang had gone to visit her dad in Troy, TN this weekend. We usually meet somewhere along the interstate when they go home for visits
with either her dad or Brad’s family and I go to Bud’s. but that was not an option this time since a traffic jam
on west bound I-40 had forced me to detour through Waverly on Hwy 70.
Friday, August 5th
It was a long day at work ending a rather long week, waiting
with anticipation for the weekend to begin. Kris was still home but would leave early Saturday morning. Tabi, Brad and Ryleigh
were coming in as soon as she got off work. The three hour drive would put them at my house around 8:00pm. I could hardly wait! As soon as they hit Weakley County Tabi called my brother. Both of my Kids
have always been closer to Mark than they have been at times with their own father. Tabi always enjoys Mark coming over for
a visit when they stay at my house.
Since he lives only
.2 mile from my house, he usually jumps on his four-wheeler and zips over. He came immediately along with his son, Mack, who
is twelve. As we sat around the table eating pizza Ryleigh looked over at me and said, “We didn’t go up the big
hill!” I, not realizing the point she was making said, “No, you don’t have to go up big hills to get to
Nee Nee’s house.” She quickly jumped back into the conversation. “We went up the big hill to Nee Nee’s
house last time.” I said, “No that was when you went to Paw Paw Bud’s house.” Ryleigh shook her little
head, “No, Nee Nee has two houses!” she exclaims as she holds up two tiny fingers. I mentally sat back. I guess
that’s how it looks to her; Nee Nee does have two houses, one up the big hill and one across the river. We all were
amazed at how her little mind processes such things.
Saturday morning began with Ryleigh waking up and crawling
up in my lap to cuddle while I drank my morning coffee and watch the news. “Uncle Kris gone?” she asked. “Ah
hummm.” I responded. As I rock her in my recliner she cuddles closer. It’s moments like this that overwhelm me
with love for this tiny being. I feel so blessed to have lived long enough to know the joys of being a grandparent. I made
a garden rock for Bud’s garden that says, “Grandkids, Life’s dessert.” And it’s so true! They
are so truly delicious!
Saturday Tabi, Ryleigh and I went shopping and preparing
for her birthday cookout. Although we’d already celebrated her birthday in East TN, we’d not done so in West TN.
My mom always prepares a birthday meal for each member of her kids and grandkids. Since everyone’s schedules are so
busy, she usually herds all her family together once a month for the celebration of who ever has a birthday that month. July
is Tabi. Since my brother has a pool, Tabi suggested having her birthday celebration at Mark’s so Ryleigh could swim
with Mark’s kids, Mandy, 16, and Mack, 12. So, we decided to have a cookout. Mom was in charge of Tabi’s favorite,
Blackberry cobbler. As the day wore on, Bud called and said he had finally got the transmission fixed on the old caddy and
was heading to West TN. A
couple of hours later, Kris called, said he’d finished the job in Nashville and instead
of heading on to Chattanooga; he was coming home for the weekend.
As it turned out, Kris was within minutes of Bud on I-40, both arriving late but in plenty of time to eat a burger and visit
with the family. My sister, Becky and her family completed the gang. All family members were present and these days, with
grown, out-of-town grandkids, that’s amazing!
Sunday morning breakfast was delightful for me. Sausages,
eggs, biscuits, sawmill gravy, homegrown tomatoes. It’s my children and Bud’s favorite meal. As I prepare the
favorites, Ryleigh is wagging Alex through the house and we are all amazed that he will let her. He tolerates no such activity
from anyone else but her. Only Seven months older than the cat, Ryleigh treats him like a little brother. Finally he gets
enough and races up the stairs out of her reach only to slowly come back down to play with her again. She squeals with delight!
After Breakfast, Tabi and Brad gather their things and child
and leave to visit Brad’s parents for a while before heading back to Murfreesboro.
Tabi is excited about her new job offer and will begin working there in another week. Her college graduation last May seemed
to have fallen flat when she didn’t get a job immediately and yet, last Thursday two agents were nearly fighting over
her. This is the job she struggled so hard to stay in school and graduate with a degree for. We all are excited and proud
of her accomplishments. It took much more effort and determination for her than the average college student and it was by
her very own grit that came from within that she succeeded.
As the house emptied, Bud and I readied ourselves to head
to Birmingham, AL to view
the suburban I’d found. I was a bit anxious to get there. I remember the prayer I’d prayed asking God to show
me where the suburban that Bud needed was at. The sub that we were headed to see was the one that came up on my computer with
just a few clicks of the mouse after I prayed that prayer. I knew in my heart that this was it. But I kept this to myself;
this was between God and me. I wanted God to show me that this was the Sub for Bud by it playing out with a sale.
We arrived in Birmingham
just before supper and we checked into the Drury Inns and Suites on the by-pass 459 around the south side of the hugh city.
After checking in, we headed out to eat and found Copeland’s, a New Orleans steak house. We
decided a bit of Cajun food would be a refreshing change of pace and it was. The meal was scrumptious.
With my belly full and my blood sugar once again stable,
I phoned Mr. Rice, the man we’d come to see. His wife, Ivy answered the phone and said he wasn’t in just yet but
would return soon. He returned our call and we made plans to meet first thing Monday morning. I had looked up their address
on the internet and so I kinda knew where we were going. Mr. Dwight gave some good tips and before we knew it, we were at
their drive Monday morning.
Dwight and Sam were washing the truck when we arrived. They
had just returned from vacation and were still trying to get settled back into the swing of things. Before long, one by one,
we met the entire family; Dwight, Ivy and their five children; three boys, two girls, from college age down to 14. Sam, 16
was the son that had put the sub on the internet and received my email inquiries. I commented to Bud later about how well
behaved all five of the teenagers were; Polite, courteous, and a delight to chat with, a most rare find in this day and time.
Bud and I both were very impressed with home life we found there.
After a good test drive we were down to the business part;
the part I hate. I’ve been around Bud long enough to know he gets very firm in business transactions and can easily
walk away (from what I might consider a good deal) and not think twice about it. I’ve
witnessed this time and time again at swap meets. I’ll know it’s a rare car part that he’s been looking
for and think he’ll buy it and before I know it, he’s turned and walked off. Since this has happened so many times,
I prefer to remain silent during this event.
Ivy had been the chief driver of the suburban and so she
kinda set the price. I identified so much with her viewpoints about the sub because I had said the very same things about
my green Mustang when I was trying to come up with a price for it should I have sold it to an individual besides my son. The
end result was a difference in their selling price and Bud’s buying price. Bud assured them that he knew it was a good
sub, he just wasn’t willing to pay any more than the price he’d quoted, he thanked them for their time and we
left our new friends to head for home.
As we pulled out of their neighborhood I thought of the countless
hours I had searched for a suburban, not just any suburban, but one exactly like the one Bud wanted; 1999, 2500, 2WD, with
a 454 engine, and preferably white, and I’d found it. And he had just walked
away from it. As reality sunk in I began to stew silently. I knew when he walks away, he doesn’t walk back and there
was no need in expressing my anger about the situation. I had to let it go, accept what had just happened and move on quickly.
I did, however make an immediate firm decision of my own. I was done. If he wanted a suburban, He could find it. Then my thoughts turned to what I’d felt the day I first saw that orange T on the white
suburban on my pc screen. A great big question mark went upward from me at that moment. “God?
What’s up with this?” I mentally raised my arms in inquiry toward
the above. Do you want him to have that ugly thing in Maryville?
We stopped at a shell station to get something to drink and
amend our travel plans. Originally we’d planned that I would take the caddie back to West TN (350 miles) and Bud would
leave from Birmingham and drive the suburban back to East TN (250 miles) test driving it and then prepare it for our trip the upcoming weekend to Kansas City, KS. Now Bud would be taking me back to West
TN (350 mi), then driving across the state (another 350 mi, 700 miles total just to get home). As we sipped on our drinks
at the shell station we chatted about different things since what we’d come for was now history. We had discussed over
breakfast about my parents leaving for Townsend (near Bud’s home) this morning to visit mom’s cousin who was sick
with cancer. We’d decided that after we finished our suburban business that we’d call my parents and see if they
would stay at Bud’s house instead of the hotel and visit with a neighbor that had a bunch of toy tractors (Daddy collects
toy tractors).
Bud suggested I go ahead and make my calls to Mom and then
to work, (requesting to be off for a few days to spend them with my parents in East TN at
Bud’s.) I called Mom; they were on their way across the state. They don’t do interstates so they were well on
their way on Hwy 70. Mom said she appreciated the offer and invitation but they already had their plans made and would just
stick to that. I tried and tried to persuade her to come stay at Bud’s and visit with us but she and Dad refused to
alter their plans. They didn’t mean to be mean, that’s just how they are. Mom is a planner. She makes a plan,
thinks it through and prefers to stick to it. While on the phone Mom asked if we got the suburban. “No,” I said
a bit flatly, “they couldn’t get together on the price.” I
let my mom go and told her to be safe. As I disconnected the call I decided I was not
having a good morning.
“Call Ivy back and ask her if they will split the difference.”
I about went lightheaded at Bud’s statement. I flipped open the phone and hit the send button on the number programmed
into my phone as “Birmingham sub D. Rice”. Before I knew it, we were heading back to buy the suburban.
I felt as if I were returning to the home of old friends
as we walked back up their drive. Ivy and the teens were scurrying around finding extra keys to the Sub while Dwight and Bud
did the paperwork and I pretty much just sat back and watched, smiling, enjoying the event, chatting with whomever happened
to be flitting by. Daniel, the oldest, brought out the head rests that they had previously detached, Sam removed the orange
T license plate since it was a gift to their father once upon a time and I smiled once again at the closeness of this family.
As we said our good byes to the Rice family, I turned to
Bud and suggested we stop for lunch before we head our different ways. He agreed and followed me to the Taco Bell near the
459 by-pass. As I viewed Bud in my rear view mirror, I thanked God for the end result I’d felt so strongly would happen
back when I was at home. I realized that I’d had great faith when I was back at home. I’d read the signs God pointed
to me and I felt confident. When things didn’t go well, I can’t say my faith wavered, I just didn’t understand
what God was trying to do. I remember just mentally shelving the entire issue concerning God’s plan in all this and
trusting that all would work out for the best according to His plan. His Plan, not mine, not Bud’s.
As I glanced into my rearview mirror again, I smiled. Bud
deserved this suburban. He’s been without decent transportation for so long. He’s always eager to tend to his
sons and my needs but doesn’t find his needs much of an important issue. Again, I thanked God for finding the Suburban
that Bud desired. I also thanked him for softening Bud for his own good this time.
As
he got out of his suburban to join me for some lunch I could see the little ends of his smile creeping across his face. He
liked it and I was pleased. In all of the hoop-la of our vehicle situation over the last few months my mustang blow-up and
the replacement of a new Mustang had taken center stage. As I watched Bud touch his suburban, he tried not to act too proud
or carried away. But “I” saw it. Bud will want something for a long time before he actually gets it. He’s
waited a long time for this suburban and now he’s got it. I bask in the joy of this day as much as I will the day my
06 Mustang arrives.
As I arrived home, I see the sold sign on top of the for sale sign on the property across the road from my house. I’d placed two bids
on that 20 acres and the owner refused both. I would not come up to their price. I’d prayed hard and heavy over that
decision. I’d given that up to the Lord, just as I’d given this suburban issue up to him. “Guide me according to Your plan Lord.” has been my prayer. And just as in Birmingham,
I had to accept the results, even when they are not to my liking and trust God knows what he is doing. As I pull into my drive
and get out to check my mail, my eyes sift over the property that was not mine to have. Instead of sadness, I feel a calm
comfort in knowing that God is there, I just have to trust and bend to his lead. In the last few hours God allowed and did not allow on two very important issues in my life.
I trust that sometime in the future, I will see that it was a good thing that I did not buy those 20 acres. I feel bizarre
relief.
Since my parents, who live less than a mile from me, would
see the sign as soon as they returned home and become anxious as to my reaction to the sale, I emailed Mom with my response. And since they see more of the neighbors than I do, I encouraged them to quote me.
I responded; “The greatest blessings in my life came from events I did not want
to happen. I can’t wait to experience the blessings God has in store for me through this.”
Took the rental car (yeah, that white generic metal box)
back to the dealership Monday evening and Kris picked me up and we headed home. He’s so proud of his little Mustang. I’d sold and titled it over to him a couple of weeks ago and he immediately put it in
the shop and had it repaired. He and I agreed he’d pay the difference between my price and the repair bill. He had also
been without decent transportation for a long while since his pickup truck blew up with major, major problems.
As we rode along I smiled. As much as I cared for this little
mustang, it had an entirely different air about it now. Maybe it was the rock music that cranked out of the radio, maybe it
was the laid back seats, maybe a combination of it all. Kris assured me numerous times that he didn’t mind me driving
it while he was out of town and even insisting that I do. I said I would drive it some, just so it wouldn’t get “stove
up”.
Tuesday morning I
walked out of my house. There in my drive were not one, but two cars for me to drive of my choice. I climbed into the caddie.
I’ll drive Kris’ car another day I thought…
|
|
