Gratitide List

My 12-step program asks that I make a gratitude list each day. At the top of today's list is Tripple-A.

I got out of my Thursday morning meeting -- at a church as far across town as it could be -- and found that my battery was dead, dead, quite dead. No lights left on (despite the fact that I had turned them on in the early morning fog). Just dead.

I called AAA and (after making sure that I was somewhere safe) they said that somebody would be there to help within the hour. Less than 15 minutes later this very nice young man showed up and charged my battery for me. His name was Sam, he had amazingly colorful tattoos, and he worked very efficiently. After a quick check to be sure the little old lady would get home safely, he gave me the number for AAA battery replacement and suggested I go straight home and call them.

I got home and called Roadside Assistance again and ordered the battery truck. Another young man named Dustin was there in less than half an hour. He put in a new battery and checked the charging system and whatever to be sure something in the car wasn't causing the problem. No tats to keep my entertained, but he did a great job. Now I'm good to go.

Sometimes people my age worry about the younger generation. Both of these guys were great. I probably reminded them of their grandmothers. They did their jobs well and were grateful for the work. One even told me he was glad people still had car issues because it means that he has an income. So many businesses don't seem to care about customers lately. AAA and its employees appear to be glad that I am here and they are willing to help me solve my problems.