UNEXPECTED “UPLIFT”

In my recent Glimmers of Hope posts after the Boston Marathon bombings, I’ve pretty obviously been seeking inspiration and uplift. Well, how does the old saying go? Be careful what you wish for. This morning brought uplift all right, but hardly in the way I anticipated or was looking for!

The trusty Subaru had got us to Amherst and back for the HD opera on Saturday, entered peacefully into its garage, all was well. Until the next morning, when I discovered a lake of reddish-brown fluid on the garage floor. Not gasoline, thank goodness. But (thanks to googling) it’s either transmission fluid or engine oil. Either way, definitely NOT A GOOD THING.

This morning I called the AAA. Ernie’s Towing came promptly, with a strong arm for the winch and steel cable and chains to lift up and fasten the car. (Subarus are all-wheel drive, which means they must be towed on a flat bed.) After which — to my amazement and profound gratitude — he used Kitty Litter and a broom to clear up most of the oil, and away went the car.

What this is likely to cost in terms of keeping a 2004 car running is unknown at the moment. Ryan’s hasn’t called with the diagnosis yet.  But the politeness and concern of everyone — from the AAA call center folks to the towing guy to our auto repair guru and to our neighbors (with offers of cars and shopping trips) make it a little easier to take. Keep your fingers crossed for us!