I don’t like how this sounds.

But it’s true. 

So, please just give me a minute. I’ll get us there.

I’m finally sitting at my desk, almost 90 minutes later.

Later than expected. Later than planned.

Not a huge deal, just a big bother.

Thanks to three guys: I finally made it here.

My neighbors, my helpers — aka the strength needed.

 

After working out, I planned on making a quick stop home.

Oh, I did see. 

Yup: the snow.

Not that much. Maybe a few inches. 

I pull up by the sidewalk; in front of my house.

I don’t like the distance between the car and the sidewalk so I try to get closer.

Reverse gear, food on petal.

Roll around the wheels, roll around they go.

Got no traction, no move.

Butterfingers? 

Nah. Butter wheels.

Forty five seconds ago: I was in control.

Now, I’m lost at sea. 

I mean: helpless in snow.

The joys of motor winter.

Everybody gets a turn.

Right, ok.

It’s called the wheel of life. 

Short parallel story.

Exactly yesterday, because I refused to give up my parking spot: I decided to walk a few errands with my son.

It took long.

It was alright, nothing else to do. Plus, it was a sunny winter day.

No stress.

On our way back home, we see an Amazon truck stuck by the side of the street.

The driver was a woman.  

I observe her as she steps out by the truck to look at the wheels and returns to the driver seat.

My son and I continue to walk home, just further a minute or so; and I peek out the door once arrived.

She’s still stuck.

I tell my son to bring his small shovel, I take a serious shovel plus a bag of salt.

We walk to her truck and offer our help. 

Actively trying, fifteen minutes later: the truck is still stuck.

She informs us that she called the company to request some road assistance.  

The assistance will get her out; no need to worry about her.

In the corner of my eye: I notice a guy parking his car a few meters behind.

As he steps out his vehicle and notices us; distressed and actively shoveling: he comes over and tells us he will try to help.

Go.

Set the imaginary timer. 

He walked behind the truck and starting pushing while she motioned the wheels.

Reverse, turn the wheels, Push and push.

Two minutes later: she was driving off. 

Good stuff!

I got to admit: I was a little annoyed that us girls didn’t manage to do it.

What ev’.

Back to today, 

I had a few obligations this morning. 

I took the car. Lost my spot. 

I knew.

Came back and tried to park in another space.

The ice was covered by the snow.

Stuck result. Bad conclusion.

I take the shovel out my car and remove the snow around the wheels.

Car doesn’t move.

So, I got some salt and placed it around the two first tires.

Front wheel drive. 

Logical.

Plus, back tires too.

Nothing to lose.

First neighbor pops up. 

Meet mid-fifties nice Australian guy.

-”Need a hand?” he asks.

-”Yes please!” I answer.

More shoveling, more salt. Try to reverse.

Now try it in drive.

Still no traction.

Five minutes become ten. Or was it fifteen?

Gwarl. Gwarl. Oh. Yah.

I thank him wholeheartedly and explain that I’m starving.

Really.

I then explain my thought process.

No need to go anywhere for now.

I’ll step inside and get something to eat.

I’ll surround the wheels with some salt.

Hopefully it will work while I get breakfast? Also, I don’t want to bother any longer.

-”As you wish!” he answers.

-”Thanks again! Have a good day! ” I respond.

I get in the house, boots off – but I keep the coat on. 

Turn the kitchen light on. 

Get some water. 

Measure grain and start brewing coffee.

Back outside: I sprinkle salt by the car’s tires.

At this time, walking towards their house: I see my two neighbors, late twenties.

Two males. 

Too cliché.

-”Oh, hi guys! I’ve been at it with no success. Any clue how I should handle this?” I ask while pointing to my car.

Cuz truthfully, I had tried all I got.

-” That’s you, right here? Oh, that’s nothing! Just sit in the car and work with us.”

They walked behind the car and began pushing. 

I spent the next minute perplexed about the winning scenario. 

Silly me.

Muscles, more muscles, a little car power. 

Muscles, wheel turn. Car power. 

Really: I didn’t do any work.

Car power plus man power: I got out.

Voilà.

To resolve pretty much anything after fueling, windshield washer refill or putting air in tires.

Looking back at every single car hick-up I’ve had: I need a man, or several men.

A humble reminder. 

It’s crystal clear, kinda like this reflection on the water: I need you guys.