True Friendship...and a Miracle too!

I told you the story concerning my apprehension about attending my class reunion. I told you the story of how I made it to the reunion and had a fabulous time. Now let me tell you the story of how I also learned that once you are friends you are always friends and miracles do occur!

As everyone was leaving the reunion and getting into their cars I stayed and talked to Sheri and Tonya for some time. We were probably there about 20 minutes after everyone else had gone. Sheri left to go to her mom's and Tonya and I stayed for about another 10 minutes.

My daughter and I started up the van and were ready to head home. I tried to put the van in reverse and the gear shift wouldn't budge! I turned the van off several times and would try again but still that gear shift was stuck like it had been set in concrete. My daughter asked what we were going to do. I think I forgot to mention that the little school I went to was out in the middle of the country. The closest town is about 12 miles away. I remember growing up, way before cell phones were even thought of, if you had car problems you just went to the nearest house and could say "I got my truck stuck on the side of the road and I was wondering if you could help me. I am Shirley Thompson, my parents are Don and Nellie" and the farmer would say "sure thing, just let me get my boots on" and sure enough he would grab a chain, hop on his tractor and come pull ya out. You never offered them money because it would offend them, all they would ever accept was a very grateful and sincere "THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR!" and the reply would always be "anytime kiddo".

Anyway back to my story....Thank goodness to this wonderful age of cell phones I was able to call my friend Heath. I said "Heath do you have Ed's number? My van won't go in gear and I want to call and see if he knows what might be wrong". Heath asked if I was still at the school and when I told him I was he said "I got Ed's number in my phone but I'm on my way. We can call him when I get there".

Sure enough Heath showed up not long after I called. He worked on trying to figure out the problem but was quite perplexed. He gave me Ed's phone number, who just so happens to be a mechanic and actually teaches at Gordon Cooper Vocational School in Shawnee Oklahoma, and I called him. His wife answered the phone and I told her "This is Shirley. I am stuck at the school because my van won't go into gear. Is Ed around? I thought I would ask him if he knew what the problem might be". She quickly gave the phone to Ed. He asked "do you want to wait for me" and I told him "well I ain't goin no where". Ed kinda laughed and said "give me about 15 minutes and I'll be there". There was a couple in the gym and they came out to see what the problem was. Now this was close to 9pm at night and it was rather chilly as strong winds were blowing. The man tried to take a look and he and Heath still couldn't figure out the problem, even with trying to rock the van in case it was seized up and checking the fuse box under the hood.

At this point I started praying, well actually I don't pray as much as I just converse with God. I said "God, I don't think I ask for much but I really need your help tonight. It's too cold for me and my daughter to be stranded out here in the middle of the country. My nice friends are out here trying to help me and I think we could use a little of Your help right now". Now I am not a religious person at all, I could write several posts about my thoughts and opinions on religion but I will spare you at this time. I am however a VERY SPIRITUAL PERSON. I feel my relationship with God is more binding and sacred than any marriage or relationship that could ever occur. 

Soon Ed showed up and the men *okie giggles at the thought of calling her "boys" men* discussed what all Heath had tried. Ed hopped in the van, stepped on the brake and looked toward the rear of the van, explaining to us that if the brake lights go out the gear shift won't work, some kinda sensor thing. He got out and they popped the hood again and checked the fuse box and didn't see the fuse Ed was looking for. Ed crawled into the floorboard of the van and said "there is another fuse box down here". They were talking about the amps of the fuses and Ed pulled out the 10 amp fuse that was in the slot for the brake lights and said "sure enough, it's blown". Ed asked Heath if he had a 10 amp fuse and Heath said he just bought some but they were all 20 or 30 amps. I told Ed, well I don't need a radio so if that works just take it out. Ed suddenly seemed a bit perplexed for a moment and said "this should take a 20 amp fuse". About that time Ed looked down and picked something up off the floorboard and said "where did this 20 amp fuse come from?". They discussed how none of them took out a fuse and it must have fallen out but it couldn't have fallen out.

I looked at them and with a bit of a smug smile on my face I said "God sent it. I prayed". They began discussing how some woman and her daughter had gotten stuck in a bad part of town and their car wouldn't start. They began to pray and the car started. Once home the husband checked the car and there was NO battery. We discussed a little about miracles. I just shrugged slightly and smiled to give them a little "well, I'm not surprised" reaction.  Ed popped the fuse into the slot and told me to try it. I hopped in the van, turned the ignition and stepped on the brake...I didn't even have any worry that the gear shift wouldn't move because I knew God had provided...and pushed the button on the gear shift and of course it moved without a problem.

My knights in shining armor!

I thanked everyone profusely for coming to help me. Of course they acted like it was no big deal, that's how country folks are ya know. But as I drove away I started thinking about what had just occurred. Not only did I see a little miracle from God but I also realized that "my boys", even after all these years, were still there for me. They did not question, they did not hesitate. All I needed to do was call and say "I got a problem" and just like knights in shining armor they were there in no time at my side during my time of need. I am not sure which I am more thankful to God for right now, the 20 amp fuse that miraculously appeared or the action of Ed and Heath proving once again that "once friends, always friends". I think it is the latter actually. A 20 amp fuse can be bought at any automotive store. True friendship however, can never be bought, sold or fade away.