Because of the bitter cold, my rattle-trap car was acting up worse than usual. and left me stranded on the icy expressway.
Eventually a car came along. I flagged it down and got a ride to a 24 hour coffee shop where I called home awakening my father from the only sleep he had received between two overtime shifts.
When Dad arrived I just wanted him to take me directly home. But, he informed me we were going back to get my car.
“It’s a piece of junk.” I said. “They can tow it away to the impound and keep it!”
“No. It is the principle of the thing. That automobile has served you and you have a responsibility to at least save it and.......”
“But, Dad,” I interrupted, “ We’re not talking about a living creature, here....”
“My personal integrity?” I sputtered “It abandoned me about three hours ago when that stupid car abandoned me!”
But, I knew Dad was right. This time, I was the one being hard-headed. He stood there grinning at me, already knowing I would give in.
“Keep your chin up. You can do this.” he reminded me.
Dad opened the hood and began troubleshooting. I stood there shivering with the flashlight in my gloved hands as my father’s bare fingers worked over the carburetor. Each time the wind howled, I whined. “Just leave it, Dad. I really don’t care!” But, Dad cared very much and kept at it.
He shouted, “Get in the car!” I thought, finally, he is listening to reason, as I sauntered back toward his car.
“No, I mean your car! Get inside and turn the key!”
“Don’t you ever give up?” I shot back at him.
He looked directly at me. “Not on your life!”
Driving home I felt ashamed of myself and filled with love and a new found respect for my father’s determination and sacrifice.
I realized, I can succeed no matter what the odds because I inherited determination, not stubbornness, from my father.
And looking in the rear view mirror, I held my chin up, and was secure in the knowledge that Dad was right behind me in more ways than I had ever imagined.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: Photos are from family albums. The photo of my father wearing a goatee is one I took.
