It's not snowing here, but there was a chance of it this week. The mention of snow reminds me of several big events in my life that were either complicated or caused by snow storms. Some were tense and some were fun. Today I want to share the fun part of a day that was both—the next post will cover the tense part.
I was a 17 yr-old high school senior and running errands on a Saturday morning with my GF (now my wife). A snowstorm had rolled in and the world looked beautiful. The snow was accumulating very quickly. After our errands we stopped by my parent's house for lunch. We ate with my mom. My dad was nowhere to be seen, but we soon heard him. He was trying to ignore the pain of a kidney stone. I asked if he wanted to go to the hospital, but he said no. He'd had a similar pain a few weeks earlier that went away as he sat in an emergency room. This time he was staying home.
Since I wasn't needed, I drove my GF home. It took longer than usual because of the snow, but we enjoyed the view. On my way home after dropping her off, I saw something odd. I thought I was imagining it. But as I got closer I could see I was right. There was a woman in a very short French Maid outfit (w/a little jean jacket) walking through the snow in heels, with a little boy next to her. I started to drive past them—I could hear my GF saying “don’t you dare stop”. But then I heard my grandma telling me we’re supposed to help people. Grandma won (there was a foot of snow on the ground). I stopped.
I backed up a little and got out to offer them a ride. I tried to show the woman my driver's license (so she'd know who I was), but she couldn't have cared less. She was freezing in those clothes and jumped in the car before I could suggest she get in the backseat. The boy squeezed in next to her and the three of us were packed in pretty tight in the front seat (with her in the middle). I’m not sure why (my GF), but that made me a little uncomfortable.
Since I wasn't needed, I drove my GF home. It took longer than usual because of the snow, but we enjoyed the view. On my way home after dropping her off, I saw something odd. I thought I was imagining it. But as I got closer I could see I was right. There was a woman in a very short French Maid outfit (w/a little jean jacket) walking through the snow in heels, with a little boy next to her. I started to drive past them—I could hear my GF saying “don’t you dare stop”. But then I heard my grandma telling me we’re supposed to help people. Grandma won (there was a foot of snow on the ground). I stopped.
I backed up a little and got out to offer them a ride. I tried to show the woman my driver's license (so she'd know who I was), but she couldn't have cared less. She was freezing in those clothes and jumped in the car before I could suggest she get in the backseat. The boy squeezed in next to her and the three of us were packed in pretty tight in the front seat (with her in the middle). I’m not sure why (my GF), but that made me a little uncomfortable.
She told me she was a college senior and worked at a local restaurant—that was her uniform. The place closed early due to the snow, so she’d picked up her little brother from a friend's house on her way home. They were walking because her car slid into a ditch.
She gave me directions to their parent's house. It was about 5 miles—that would have been quite a hike in the snow in those heels. As I drove into their driveway I tried to think of the right thing to do next. If she'd been wearing regular clothes with heels, I think I would have carried her to the porch. But once again I could hear my GF saying “don’t you dare!” This time she won, so I stayed behind the wheel and let the girl walk. Chivalry, like anything, shouldn’t be taken too far. LOL
Supposedly I forgot to tell my GF/wife this story for about 10 years. One day we were reminiscing about that day and suddenly I could feel heat coming from her direction. She was staring at me and swore I’d never shared that with her. I really thought I had. But I had an excuse—something serious happened that night. So that became the big story. I’ll share that in part II.
She gave me directions to their parent's house. It was about 5 miles—that would have been quite a hike in the snow in those heels. As I drove into their driveway I tried to think of the right thing to do next. If she'd been wearing regular clothes with heels, I think I would have carried her to the porch. But once again I could hear my GF saying “don’t you dare!” This time she won, so I stayed behind the wheel and let the girl walk. Chivalry, like anything, shouldn’t be taken too far. LOL
Supposedly I forgot to tell my GF/wife this story for about 10 years. One day we were reminiscing about that day and suddenly I could feel heat coming from her direction. She was staring at me and swore I’d never shared that with her. I really thought I had. But I had an excuse—something serious happened that night. So that became the big story. I’ll share that in part II.
Have you been on either side of a conversation about having shared (or not shared) something significant???
Hahahahahaha, I've already been on both sides of the story, and I'll tell you: it never gets pretty, no matter what side you find yourself on!
ReplyDeleteAnd the French Maid girl was crazy to hop into some random dude's car, btw. But hey, I don't know snow, so I can't tell how freaking freezing it must've been!
The message I get from this is that I'll be holding the short end of the stick, the losing end, no matter which side I'm on. :)
DeleteThe girl might as well have been barefoot that day...and I guess walking through snow would be like walking through shaved ice.
Hey! I have an honest face. What girl WOULDN'T hop in my car??? :D
And: WOW, I'm the first one! That never happens!! =D
ReplyDeletelol, our time zone difference finally worked in my favor.
DeleteOnce again you have shown your true colours - you are a gentleman to the core of your being.
ReplyDeleteIn our family I am famous for always forgetting to tell one person about an important event or piece of news. It is the consequence of having five children (and now three kids-in-law). It's hard to keep track of who knows what. :-)
My grandma did her best to steer me that way, so I hope I don't let her down.
DeleteThat's too many. Perhaps you could set up a telephone tree (or whatever it's called) so you only have to tell one person and the message gets passed along.
I've never picked up someone in my car like tha tbefore, but then again I guess depending on where you live. Definitely no french maid though, more like homeless people on the side of the highway than anything!
ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't pick people up, too risky these days. I'm glad someone agrees with me that it was pretty odd to see a French maid walking through the snow out on the highway! :)
DeleteHaha, why didn't the girl bring a change of clothes. If I had a semi weird uniform for work, I would definitely always bring a change of clothes with me! I'm too scared to pick up people in my car, maybe because I'm a girl. Or because I watch too many horror films!
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I mean this as no insult to that girl, but she just wasn't as smart as you. She assumed she'd only be going from the house to the car and the car to the restaurant...she learned that was a dangerous assumption. Now that everyone has cell phones, I'm a little more leery of stopping.
DeleteOh Rick, you're too kind as usual and probably saved the poor girl's toes
ReplyDeleteMy grandma gets the credit, she was big on looking out for people.
DeleteYou are too kind, people walking on the side of the roads...well you are taking your chances.
ReplyDeleteAt least they weren't hitchhiking...they were walking along a stretch of highway where no one ever walks, even in good weather. So I knew they were in trouble.
DeleteThat's so nice of you and your GF. How could she forget this story? I can't wait to hear part 2.
ReplyDeleteI prolly would have asked my hubs to stop since the girl was also with a little boy. My heart breaks to see children in need! They better not be playing to my heart strings though (like the lady out front of Whole Foods with her little boy asking for money. Shame on her for exploiting that child!).
DeleteMy GF was only with me in spirit when I encountered the two walking (and in my mind she didn't want me to stop).
DeleteI understand about the lady in front of Whole Foods. I see her clone going from car to car on the subway exploiting her (someone's?) child. Your comment about kids in need confirms my belief you have nothing to worry about when it comes to the number of them you could love.