Roadside Chivalry

"I just got two new tires on the front of my car and an oil change! We are good to go!", announced High May as she picked me up at 5 AM, well before sunrise, as we set out for a two hour trip to Mississippi. It is always a good feeling to know your car is in check before a trip.

Even more so, it is a good feeling to be in check with the Lord as we set out for the journey in life.

By the sheer encompassing of angels and travel mercies that mine and every mother prays for, we made it to MS and almost home before High May's tire began making a "weird sound". She pulled off at an exit about 20 minutes from our home. I stepped out of the car to take a look at the tire. Immediately I noticed the rim looked warped. May pulled the tire forward so that I could visually check the tire for nails (no nails or anything to make a hole). As she moved the tire forward it immediately made a hissing sound and went flat on spot (warped rim).

Certainly God and his angels were encompassing our car. We drove all that way, to and fro Mississippi, made it off of the interstate into the safety of a parking lot before our tire went flat. Coincidence? Perhaps? I have a feeling it was more of a divine act. I mean....I think when May got the new tires that the rim was put back on incorrectly. Divine indeed.

I began to look in May's truck for the jack and tire iron so that I could change the tire....May's iron was missing.

Let me say that chivalry is alive and well in Bessemer Alabama in the form of three young men (and then some) about the age of my son Bama. "Mam, you need some help?" offered the red headed young man. May who had her husband on the telephone offered, "I think we have it covered......" "Let us help" the young man suggested, already getting out of his truck. He too soon discovered the necessary missing jack. But about that moment, in the 93 degree heat, a state trouper pulled up and offered his jack and iron.

Away the young boys went to put on May's spare tire. A sheriff pulled in as well, to check to make all was well. As did another gentleman that was passing by in a truck. By this time the chivalrous men had our spare tire on. We thanked them kindly, May offered them $$...."Oh! No, mam! That would cancel out a good deed!" the young man declined. May grabbed the man's hand and put the cash in hand. I had a jug of sweet tea in the back in my cooler on ice. Seeing the sweat dripping, I poured drinks for all , to which they were duly appreciative. But not nearly as much as we were. I was so impressed by these young men.

I honestly cannot say that today's generation would be as willing to help. Or that they even know how to change a tire. We spoil our children much of the time, teaching them to take a car to a mechanic . I asked Bama when I got home if he would've been as helpful. Honestly, "No. Probably not. I don't know how...."

Tomorrows task: Teaching my eldest son some chivalry with a jack and tire iron.

chiv·al·ry -by defination and my pictures.
/ˈʃɪvəlri/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[shiv-uhl-ree] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -ries for 6.
1.
the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms.
2.
the rules and customs of medieval knighthood.
3.
the medieval system or institution of knighthood.
4.
a group of knights.
5.
gallant warriors or gentlemen: fair ladies and noble chivalry.
6.
Archaic. a chivalrous act; gallant deed.

How many men does it take to change a tire? Probably one. How many today are chivalrous? We found 6 in a few minutes....with some guidance from the Lord above!

Indeed these young men live up to the definition of chivalry. We are so appreciative! Kudo's to you all for your act of kindness and the elder that taught you!