Gammy was not too happy with me Saturday afternoon.
We were headed to the edge of the Ozarks to see the grandkids. They live about 2-1/2 hours away.
After hitting a grocery store in St. Louis, we headed west. I was planning on stopping in Hillsboro at a convenience store that we frequent. That didn't happen.
The gas gauge on my truck doesn't work just right. It reads "full" until there's about 50 miles left in the tank. That's not really a problem because I reset my trip meter every time I fill up. I've got a 36 gallon tank and I've been getting about 18 mpg. That should give me about 650 miles.
The light came on about 10 miles from where we would be stopping. I figured we'd make it with a little fuel to spare.
Long story short - we didn't. For some reason my mileage was a little off - maybe due to idling in cold weather.
We coasted for a little more than a half mile on the shoulder of the four lane road before creeping to a stop a mere 200 yards from the exit. I could see a Circle K from where we were. Great news! I just hoped they had fuel cans.
I started up the ramp when someone stopped to ask if I needed help. I told him what had happened and he offered to take me to the store. He told me that he had to go up the road a piece but would be back in a few minutes to take me back to my truck. Woohoo!
He came back and I got in his truck and a little voice piped up from the back seat."Grandpa's truck smells like dogs. He's got three. They're all boys."
"Really?"
"Yep. I'm my grandpa's only grandson."
"Well that just makes you special. What's your name?"
"Noah. My mom named me after Noah in the Bible."
"Well what did Noah do?"
"He built an ark. And put a bunch of animals on it."
"Well alrighty then. Are you in school?"
"I'm in kindergarten."
"So you're what? 12?"
"Ha ha. No! I'm 5! 12 is old. I would be in high school or something!"
The banter continued for a couple more minutes before we got back to my truck. They waited for me to put the gas in and start up before they left.
I believe the guy that helped me out was named Kurt but I'm not certain. I'm very appreciative that he stopped for me. I also appreciate that I had the opportunity to talk with Noah those few minutes.
When you're stranded or stuck, you could feel sorry for yourself, you could be mad, or you could look on the bright side. Then maybe you will find a Noah too.
