Why Every Girl Needs a Man...

So, something unfortunate happened to me Sunday night. As I was driving to work, my rear side tire blew out and I was left faced with my first quasi car accident. Quasi, because it can't be technically termed a car accident, as there were no other cars involved or even any type of bumping or thumping in fact, nonetheless, the emotions were the same. By God's grace, I have never been in a car accident (thu thu thu), BUT had I been in one, I'm sure my reaction would have been the same as that night sans all the paper work of course. It happened when I was driving southbound on DVP, just past Bayview/Bloor. I was turning a bend and suddenly I realized I didn't have control of the steering wheel, so I quickly gripped the steering wheel firmly with both my hands. AND Yup, it was certain at that point. I had no control. I switch on the emergency lights, and try my best to "drive" my car to the right shoulder and come to a stop.

I have watched many news telecast about highway accidents to know my protocol. I get out of my car through the passenger side door, climb over the guardrail and walk away from my car. It's cold and frighteningly dark and I'm all standing all alone with cars zooming by at dangerous speeds. I call the first person that comes to my mind. My father. My saviour. He picks up and I tell him what happened. He is in Hamilton, unable to come to my aid. He senses my panic and tells me not to worry. He tells me we have no choice but to call the police and ask them to send a tow truck. So I did. I dial 911. This crusty lady answers, and I tell her I have a flat tire. Unsurprisingly, she was very rude. Thinking back, I wish I had asked her why she was so rude when I was desperate for her help. BUT, that's beside the point now. She tells me that the tow truck is on it's way.

Then my brother calls me. He is with my dad in Hamilton. He asks me if I'm okay, and tells me not to be scared. I guess he sensed my panic too, now enhanced by my quivering voice and silent sobs . It wouldn't have been too hard. Anyone who knows me, knows I can't handle a crisis well. He tells me not to worry. It all happened so fast after that, and it's all a blur now, but the tow truck guy came. He said his name was Shawn. I had my brother on the line at that time, so he tells me to give the phone to Shawn and he will speak to him. They exchange some words, I hear $150. And I say to myself..."Holly crap". One Hundred and Fifty dollars!!! Why God, why? I barely have enough money to pay my OSAP this month. But like every emergency situation, money wasn't/couldn't be the issue. I just wanted my car back. I wanted to be inside it. I wanted to be safe again.

Shawn hangs up, gives me the phone and tells me to hop into his truck while he hauls my car to his truck. Once inside he tells me something that I would probably remember for a long time. "You have a cool brother". hmmm....sure, ...yes, sometimes I suppose my brother can be passed off as being "cool" ...I mean..he does play basketball and happens to be good at it. So I guess. BUT how did Shawn know this? Shawn continues..., he tells me how my brother said, "I don't care about the money, just get her somewhere safe". Of course, it wasn't his money that was at stake, so he can say whatever he wants. But I know my brother, and I know he would have done the same had it been his money. It's just who he is. It's nice to have a younger brother who has grown enough, both mentally and physically, to assume the role of a big brother. Shawn was indeed appreciative of such a brother. I was even more so.

The next day, I find out that my dad got me 2 new tires, and my car checked out to drive to work the next day. I thought to myself.....how lucky I was to have a father who handles all my problems as his own, and a brother to depend on at all times, I was always grateful, and took pride in knowing that I had a father and a brother who were always dependable, strong and affectionate. But this situation gave me the chance to thank God again for such men in my life.