A Missed Wedding, AAA, and a Coke =a Lesson in the Beauty of Human Kindness

Have you ever had a day when you were anticipating an enjoyable event, but then it unexpectedly got sidetracked? This happened to me recently; but what began as a disappointing occurrence ultimately culminated into total understanding of the innate goodness of human nature -- not to mention the beneficial side effects caused by a good laugh--all because of a AAA operator, a man named Philip and a bottle of yummy cocoa cola. It made me smile-- kind of smile that was medicine for my heart and soul. Is your curiosity piqued?

Here's what happened: Let me preface it by saying that I have been "jumpstarting" my day with a ritualistic morning coca-cola since I was in high school. (I'm not mature enough for coffee) I was looking forward to attending a wedding in Charlotte of a close friend's son a few weeks ago. I noticed that I was out of coke, so I made a mental note that I would pick some up on the way back from the wedding. Simple enough, right? On the day of the wedding, I had gotten "spiffed up" and was donned with pearls and heels. My naturally curly hair was actually behaving (for the moment at least) in the humidity. I headed out to my car to meet some friends with whom I was riding. I innocently put the key in the ignition, but all I heard was a weird guttural sound that was indicative of the last moments of its life. I could feel my hair starting to "kink up." Hmmm -- ..Plan B? I tried to call a friend to catch a ride, but they had already left. Hmmm -- Plan C? Head inside and call it a day. I decided that since I wasn't stuck on the side of the road in a treacherous situation, I'd wait and call AAA the next morning. However, as I was falling asleep, my last thought about my lack of coke for my morning ritual. Hmm -- .Plan D -- I'll think about it in the morning.

Sooo -- .the next morning, my first thought was, 'oh no, how am I going to get my coke?' What was a "coca-cola-holic to do?) My second thought was, 'I need to call AAA.' (I have my priorities in order, don't I?) I talked to a very pleasant lady at AAA. She told me that help would be there shortly. I kiddingly (or was I serious?) said, "Do you think he could bring me my morning coke to "jump start" my day"?

Here's the point where I'd like to expound on the beauty of AAA. The "nice lady" asked me if I was stuck on the side of the road somewhere. I told her that I was safe at home. (at least as safe as I could be without my necessary coke, I repeat) She said that the truck would be at my house in thirty minutes. She called two more times in that short span just to give me a progress report. Both times I said I was fine. (or as fine as I could be without my morning coke, I repeat again) In my mind, I was coming up with Plan E and what that would entail. I formulated a funny vision of, perhaps, (no, I mean really) borrowing the tow truck to make a fast dash to the grocery store while he worked on my car. Yea that would work, right?

Plan F -- call the neighbors across the street I knew had their own supply on hand. No, that wouldn't work, they were at the beach. Hmm -- I was coming up with Plan G when I noticed the tow truck coming in the drive way. I headed out to meet him. But I stopped in my tracks in total disbelief, when I noticed a large bottle of coca cola being hung out the window of the truck, by my new friend, Philip who had the biggest smile on his face. I was touched to the core.

Plan H -- never forget that the simplest of gestures are the more powerful ones that can leave a smile on your heart and soul...oh yea -- along with a bottle of cold coca cola. Thanks, Phillip and AAA. You're the best!