It is amazing that the kindness of strangers can turn a bad day into an exceptional one

Horse with no Name

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Tue Mar-01-11 08:59 PM
Original message

It is amazing that the kindness of strangers can turn a bad day into an exceptional one

Not going to complain because I know everyone is having tough times. We are no exception--although I do think there are a lot of folks that have it worse.

A couple of weeks ago, my car started having some front end issues. This is the 4th or 5th time it has been to the dealer for it. Problem is, the dealer closed and didn't document it properly. I took it to another dealership and they told me the warranty expired 2 months ago. Sorry for your luck.

So...last week, it ate a tire. I put my spare on--been driving without one.

Today, I had to make a trip. It ate the other tire. I was left without a spare. Fortunately, and how it happened I don't know--I haven't been THAT good,lol, it broke down in front of a dealership in another town. I pulled in and was immediately greeted by a couple of salespeople. Of course the question do I want to trade it in was asked,lol.

I had a dentist appointment in another town that there was no way I was going to make. However, it was scheduled for morning and afternoon for some extensive stuff. I called--they told me to be there at 1:30 and that we would reschedule the other part. I was very relieved.

The lady at the service desk called around and found me TWO nice used tires for my car. It made no sense to put new ones on...they were simply going to be shredded until we get the issue fixed in a couple of months anyway. She also did some research and found out that I have a LIFETIME warranty on my car. It was a special deal that was offered in that year. We made an appointment to get the issues fixed. They checked my fluids, vacuumed my car, replaced the tires, and reseated my spare to the compartment. It took about 2 hours because they had to wait on the tires to be delivered.

I was really dreading having to pay because it isn't quite payday...if you know what I mean.

Anyway...wincing, I went up to the desk and they handed me the bill. Fifty dollars.
For all that. And the tires were comparable to what mine were before the car decided to eat them.

I was in shock! And very grateful.

I went on my way.

I ended up being 15 minutes late to the dentist. I was afraid I was going to get hit for a no-show fee for the morning appt. So I was dreading that.

Instead, after they finished up the work, the receptionist came into the exam room and apologized because she knew I had a very bad day. She then handed me $50 in gift cards to a restaurant for me and my daughter to go eat lunch after we left! I was in shock. And again, very grateful.

I am feeling hopeful these days. Wisconsin has me feeling hopeful for our country again.

And I am feeling grateful. I am grateful for the kindness of the man that returned my wallet the other day, I am grateful for the kindness of the lady at the dealership and I am grateful for the kindness of the folks at the dentist office.

My bad day turned into an absolutely exceptional one. I cannot complain.