As I sat and attempted to collect my thoughts and plan of action, stranded with my son after our Murano suddenly died in the middle of a busy street behind the Indianapolis Airport, I thought this must surely be a joke. Matter of fact, I spoke those very words and McKinley replied, "What's a joke, Mommy? What's funny?"
Well, pretty much nothing about this is funny.
I immediately called my Mother - whom I was picking up from the airport - and informed her of what had happened. She had to take a cab to meet us, obviously NOT the original plan. After calling Mom, I began calling our dealership, the local dealership in Indianapolis, the warranty company and then Cary. I felt bad for calling him last, but I knew we were getting close to a Saturday closing time with ALL of the places that could help me. Cary was getting off work and left for Indianapolis right away.
Mom arrived at our car and after way too many close calls of idiot drivers (seriously, there are people out there who have NO business being behind the wheel), I called 911. Within just a few minutes TWO Plainfield police cars pulled behind us - lights blazing. They were BEYOND nice. Words cannot express what a huge relief they were to me as, internally, I neared panic with cars dangerously wizzing by nearly rear-ending us many times.
Not only did these officers offer to check out my car, they actually called ANOTHER police officer from the station to bring a charger for my battery (which was now dead...and after a valiant effort, didn't work). Two of the officers were called out and left, but the one lone officer vowed not to leave until Cary arrived or the wrecker arrived - or both if he could. He made good on his word. Over two hours he stayed with us, offering to put us in the police car to stay warm, because as with crazy Indiana weather, it had begun to SNOW. In early March. Super. We passed on the police car ride - never done that and hope to keep it that way at all costs! But the offer was much appreciated.
Cary arrived, I stepped out of the car and allowed myself to let a little stress go with him.
We all moved the car further out of the way and to make more room for the flat bed wrecker who was on the way after what seemed like a thousand calls to warranty companies, dealerships and more. By now we had three cars in this little area and it was freezing. The wrecker driver called and was behind due to traffic and the police officer was at the end of his shift, so we were left to wait a few minutes by ourselves. We bid the office farewell and thanked him over and over for his courtesy. I told him before I called I watched 2 state troopers and 2 county officers drive by my car without stopping and that I was so very grateful to him. He said he thought of his own wife and child at home and would hope someone would stop for them, that's why he does what he does. Nice!!!!!!
Finally, the wrecker arrived to tow us back to the Haute. He was so kind. When I explained that McKinley and I had never gotten lunch and had been stranded like this for over 3 hours he told us all to go sit down, relax, eat and take our time. He would wait for us at the dealership. I was so thankful for that...
When we arrived home, exhausted, I reflected on several things and was reminded of this funny book of McKinley's featuring 'Dug' from the movie "Up". In the book 'Dug', the dog, sniffs his way around to find 'the BIRD', repeating "Find the bird...find the bird...find the bird! Point!" many times. I sort of felt like 'Dug' at that moment, sniffing out to "find the good...find the good...find the good! Point!"
Well, after much consideration (and perhaps a tiny little pity party, with me as host), I was able to determine this:
Yes, it really stunk to be stranded so close to picking up my Mom (the ENTIRE reason for our trip), and yes it was cold, stressful and frustrating...not to mention expensive (hello, tow bill!). However, I found a lot of good in a bad situation. I got to spend the morning with my son, toodling around aimlessly at his very favorite store (Dick's) where he putted to his heart's content and got some new junior golf balls. We had a lovely drive, a fun shopping trip and spent quality time together.
Also, we got to see my Mom after 2 weeks away on vacation. She manned a napless McKinley while I tended to the car, police officer, many phone calls and traffic - she was a huge help to me.
As usual, I schleped a blanket, water, snacks and fruit, so we were covered as far as food, drink and warmth.
Our warranty company was able to schedule the wrecker and arrange delivery of our car and cover some of the cost of the tow.
Cary was able to come to our rescue and pick us up.
There's a lot of good in what happened. I'm thankful to have found it.
One of the best things was to have found NOTHING (yes, NOTHING) wrong with the car. I'd like to think she just got a little PMS-y with me. No doubt our car is a woman...she's still very young and refuses to show any age, she just didn't feel like doing anything that day. Let's just say that she better rethink doing that again.
Needless to say, we were unable to make it to Reagan's or Braelyn's Birthday Parties, so Round Two of the Birthday Adventures through Indiana has been cancelled. We will resume next March.
What a day!
Lynn
All day long McKinley has been so excited to see Honey! We all have! It's been since after Christmas since we were all able to be together (weather, trips, etc), so tonight we gathered for dinner and some treats that Honey brought with her...straight from family favorite, Taylor's Bakery in Indy. 
O.M.G. 
Having true irish roots, I have always loved St. Patrick's Day --- frankly, what holiday don't I love, but this one is always a good time. 
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