Tuesday, June 10, 2008

A traumatic yet joyous adventure

Okay... so have I got a story to tell. I've been deciding whether this is blog worthy, and yes, I think it might be. It's kind of long, I'll let you decide how far to read.

So I sat down to look at my friend Joy's blog a few morning's ago. I had been eagerly anticipating some pictures of her new house. So I started reading her post and the first line said something like, "I'm in Omaha watching my sister's kids." I was like, what??? Omaha??? That's only 2 1/2 hours away!! I hadn't seen Joy in a year and I knew there would be no upcoming opportunities any time soon. So I decided to head on up there with Ethan. I didn't even get a hold of Ross to tell him I was there until after he got home from work! Oh well. His wife had left him. He dealt with it just great though.

So the story. I almost made it all the way there without having to feed Ethan. But he started screaming when we were about 20 minutes away so I pulled over into a business complex parking lot and fed him. No big deal. But then... I went to start the car after getting Ethan all situated and low and behold! My car didn't start! It didn't even turnover. I thought it was probably the battery. But I don't know why it chose then to die. So I walked inside the business and asked if anyone knew about cars. They said they didn't, that they didn't have any jumper cables, and that I could use their phone book. Well I had no idea who to call, what the area was like, etc.. but everyone in that office was very involved in what they were doing. So I called my dad. He told me what to do (he knows everything!) and so I managed to get ahold of a towing company through my insurance agency. They said they would take an hour. So I sat outside looking lonely and desperate with my little baby. Luckily it was shady, and I didn't end up waiting that long. Because this nice man (good Samaritan #1) drove up and said, I got this feeling that you were in distress. Oh I just about melted with gratitude. I said, "Yeah, I'm kind of distressed." He jumped my car for me, while this other kind lady came out of the building and held Ethan while I helped. The car started. Yay! And I drove away happily. But my happiness didn't last long!

Because on the next leg of my journey, something else traumatic happened. I was trying to get to Joy's using our little GPS. So far I have been very grateful for that purchase. It's helped us a lot. However. It does not help if there are two of the same streets in one city! It spit me out in the completely wrong neighborhood. To make matters worse, I had no cell phone service, and Ethan had started crying again. I started crying at this point too. I drove around a little and looked for some nice person to take pity on me and give me directions. I stopped where I saw a nice looking old Grandpa (good Samaritan #2) watering his flowers. He helped me get directions to where I was supposed to be, held Ethan (and he actually calmed down!), and told me, "Alright hon, you'll be fine now!" And gave me a big smile and the A-OK sign as I drove off.

And then... Just kidding, that's it! I made it to Joy's! Holy cow it was such a crazy drive. I've never been so grateful or so sure that the Lord answer's prayers. There are good people everywhere! It was so fun to see Joy. And I made the drive back without any trouble whatsoever. I forgot to take my camera. So I have no pictures as evidence of this event. But was that crazy or what?

5 comments:

rik said...

holy cow, lauren! that is quite a traumatic journey! you weren't up there around any of the bad storms, were you?

it is nice to know that there are still good samaritans out there that not only are willing to help but that are looking out for the interest of others enough to recognize a distressed young woman when he sees one. =]

glad you made it home safe.

Lonna said...

Oh Lauren, I feel your pain more than you know. I too have gotten lost in a new place, with a screaming baby, and I totally cried right along with Gwen.

I am so glad that you were looked after, and not traumatized by the whole thing. I am so proud of you for making it to Joy's house, and for taking on a road trip with a baby.

I love that you called your dad, they always seem to know what to do. You are a brave mom, I am really glad that everything worked out, thank goodness for the kind and helpful people in the world.

Katy Kathryn said...

There is nothing worse than being lost! I got lost on my way to find a wedding reception in Spanish Fork. I was driving around for an hour trying to get myself oriented and finally gave up after many shouting sessions and tears. I'm glad that you made it to your final destination and got to see Joy! I'm glad that there are kind people wherever you go. I love you!

Syl said...

What a great adventure! I have always found good Samaritans to help me when I need help....I am glad there were people to help you too!

emilie s. d. p. said...

you poor thing! I can't imagine going through that alone, I'm sure it was much more terrifying with a baby too!
glad to hear there good people/strangers in the world to help take care of your and Ethan!