Day 168
"Oh Crap!" "Honey, I forgot to turn the air off at the office. I need to run over there. I'll be right back." "I know it's 11 pm, but I promised I wouldn't forget again." "It'll just take minute. I'll be right back."
6 miles to the office. Into the parking lot, into the building, turn off the air. Back out the door, into the truck, turning around in the parking lot to head for home. THUMP! What the...? Exit the truck to see the left front tire laying on it's side with the truck resting on top of it. "You've got to be kidding me!" Breathing becomes labored, start to sweat, trembling begins. Have a seat on a nearby bench and breathe slowly.
"Hey Babe, you are not going to believe this. I can hardly believe it myself. The left front wheel just fell off my truck! Yeah, I'm OK. I was turning around in the parking lot and it just fell off. No, I can't find the AAA card. But, I don't want you to have to get him out of bed and load him in the car just so you can bring it to me." "Yeah, so far I haven't freaked out, but it would be nice to have the company, thanks. I'll see you in a minute."
"Yes, it's a 2001 Dodge Durango. Yes, I'm off the road. No, I'm not in danger. 45 minutes to an hour? OK, thank you." "They'll be here in an hour. You don't have to wait with me, but I appreciate it."
"Man, I've been driving a tow truck for 16 years, but I've never seen this before. I'm not sure exactly how to even get it hooked to the truck without two front wheels." "It looks like we'll have to chain the wheel to the frame, because the only thing holding it on there is the brake line. Once we get that done, we'll have to chain it to the stinger, throw it in neutral, and tow it real slow. I just hope we don't damage the 4-wheel drive."
Two Hours Later
"Well Buddy, there you go. We'll just leave it out back here and they'll take a look at it tomorrow. It'll be fine sitting on that tire. I'll just have to remember to come back and get it tomorrow, because it's my only spare. Good luck, man."
"Hey, it's me. Yeah we finally got it towed. I borrowed Jenny's car. I'll be home soon. I can't help but think that this is the perfect metaphor for my life right now. It feels like the wheels are coming off in every direction. Thanks, I love you too, Bye."
