Gratitude

Thankfully...
I took the back roads home because there was a wreck on I-75, so when my tire blew out, I wasn't barreling down the highway at 55 mph.  (Or maybe faster.  But the speed limit is 55, so I'm sticking to my story.)
When my tire blew out, an aging biker dude named Bobby was right behind me.
Bobby is a pro at changing tires...and at locating spare tires hidden in impossible places under passenger seats.
He was wearing a gold wedding ring with his black leather jacket and hat, which made me feel like I could trust him.  Actually, I really had no other choice.  I was stranded in the 'hood in rush hour traffic.  I was so scared that I honestly forgot cars had spare tires; I was trying to think who I could call to take me home.  I had decided on the police.  Because Cincinnati cops having nothing else going on.
Bobby agreed with me that every girl should know how to change a tire, and took the extra time to show me how to find everything, jack up the car, and put the lug nuts back on a spare.
Not one, not two, but three trains went by on the elevated tracks above us, which put Eli and Caleb over the moon.
My federal tax return showed up in my account today, so there was money to cover the new tire.  Not that I wanted to spend it that way, but it was there.
The tire that blew was the one that needed to be replaced in a few months anyway, and not the one that could wait until summer.
There is an IHOP right next to the tire store, so I didn't have to wait in a tiny waiting area with two hungry boys while screaming at them not to touch the display tires.
The IHOP waitress was probably the kindest, most helpful server I've ever had.  She told me she misses her own kids, ages 7 and 9, while she's at work.  God, please bless her with more time with her children.  She was so good to mine.
Violet waited until we were almost done eating to blow out her diaper.  Which is good, because all my diapers were in the van...next door...at the "fix-a-wheel store."
We are all home safe and sound, and all my boys really know is that they got to go to the "fix-a-wheel store" (that is seriously what they call it) and IHOP.
My boys got a good lesson in what it means to serve others, and they promise me that when they are grown, they will stop and change tires for mommies and kids who need help.

Gratitude.  Truly.