I dropped off a box of assorted shortbread to the Anishinabek Police who oversee the safety of six reservations in the area. I never delivered to them before because I don't live in any of the clusters, yet I see their vehicles on the HWY when I'm travelling a few times a month for work.
I went to deliver them and got stuck on the ice and couldn't get out of the driveway. Nobody was inside the station at the time, the main door is unlocked and there is a bell to ring for service and a number to call listed on the wall. I guess it works by pager like my grandsons fire station being somewhat rural.
I phoned the number wound up talking to the local OPP and explained my situation and the fact I was concerned that my car was blocking their garage and one cruiser. Giggles emitted from the dispatch officer, who offered to reach them on a separate line. It wasn't an emergency so I told her not to bother them, afterall, I wanted them to enjoy some family time.
I walked along the road, not far, saw a few people in a yard that were securing a snowmobile to their truck. I approached them and started to explain my situation. I recognized the older man and asked him if his name was Brian. It was. He recognized me at that point and I reached out for a hug; his older boys were watching this unfold when I reminded him how we knew each other. Eighteen years ago I took care of one of his boys with Autism. He remembered me quite well and his other two sons hopped into the truck and we headed up the road a bit back to my vehicle stuck in the parking lot. He grabbed some salt from the side of the building and tossed it about and then I put the car in reverse as far as I could go to get level and the three of them pushed me up the hill. I pulled over and got back out and gave them a box of Godiva chocolates; one of the treats I had intended to bring over to my dads tonight in case company stops by.
Just as I was getting back in my car, a service truck with a plow pulled over on the other side and asked if everything was okay; guess I wouldn`t have been stranded too long. My battery for my cell phone was running low and I never could have waited on Christmas Eve for CAA to arrive to tow me out of there. Glad I didn`t hesitate to ask a stranger who turned out to be the father of a boy I remember fondly, for help. His son taught me as much as I taught him.
Before I drift off to sleep tonight, I`ll add Brian and his family to my thoughts and prayers for helping someone in need.
Keep a merry thought in your head.
I`ll try to pop back in later tonight when I am tracking Santa.
Glad he was there to help!
There's coffee in that stocking.
