Yesterday, I drove to Tampa for a recording session for the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry.  They're creating an exhibit for kids about puberty. 

The session was wonderful. The people I worked with were absolutely fantastic, and it was a really fun session. 

Getting TO the session... well, that was an adventure. Here is the abridged version, with just the facts. It's long, but there is a moral to the story.

- Me at the toll booth to get on the expressway - about 20 miles from my destination. 1 pm (session at 2:30). I ask the toll attendant, "Ummm... is there smoke coming from the bottom of my car?" She replies, "Why YES, there is!" Me, "Oh NO!", and I pull over into the parking lot by the toll booth.

- Me on phone with hubby - had me check various things. Hubby: "Get to a service station asap. Don't drive the car too far - get off on the first exit." Me: "OK, I'm in the middle of nowhere on an expressway, don't know when the first exit is, but ok." Thoughts running thru my head: do I call and cancel the session? How long is it going to take me to find a service station? Where am I?

- Now driving. I pass a couple of exits b/c the areas look shady and I can't see any service-type stations. I'm getting close to downtown Tampa and decided, ok, I need to get off at the next exit... I've probably driven the car too long as it is. I did, and just as I went down the ramp, what do I see? A Firestone Service Station!!!!!!!!! I tell you, I thought I couldn't have gotten any luckier!!!!!!!!! But I do.... just wait.

- Manager at the station says, "No Problem, sure we can check it out. Got the key?" I go out to the car, grab the key and my stuff, including the box of cookies. Me: "Should I call a cab (It's about 1:20 now) to get to my appt?" Him: "Yeah if you have some place to be, you should, that way we can work on the car. Hmmm... meet me out front."

- Out front, Manager pulls up in his truck opens the back door, says "Put your bag in here." Me: "You're going to take me?" Him: "Yup!!!!"

I was in absolute disbelief at the generousity and kindness of this man. He drove me to my appt. I was early, and hungry. Found a McDonalds at the hospital around the corner (why is there a McDonald's in a hospital? Only added to the humor of the day).

Made it to my session, where they handed me a check prior to the session even starting. Again, disbelief!!!

A friend picked me up after the session and dropped me off at the service station. Although, I know my new friends from the session were quite willing to give me a ride, but I had already made the arrangements with my friend. Again, what generousity!!!

Car was still on the lift when I arrived. They checked everything they could and found nothing wrong with the car, nor could they replicate the problem. Manager told me it was safe to drive home. Could be any number of things. Hands me the bill. $26!!!!! Unbelievable.

That manager made what could have been a very stressful experience THE most pleasant experience possible. I can't believe my good fortune in finding that service station and meeting this man. Talk about good karma and paying it forward. Lesson to all of us.

Called the corporate HQ of Firestone and raved about this man. They're going to notify his District Manager and their higher ups. Hubby's going to write a note to the Manager thanking him for taking care of his wife, and the manager is going to receive a very nice gift certificate of some sort.  Far as I'm concerned, the manager deserves a huge raise!!!

I'm still utterly amazed. And, I'm going to play the lottery today.