It was late September and a swift, sharp rain hammered down upon northern Aroostook County. It was a day designed for a book, a fleece blanket, and a hot cup of my Grammy McIntyre’s Red Rose tea, with just a nip of cream. It was Saturday and despite my longing to succumb to the will of the rain, I found myself driving to Presque Isle, my eyes in sync with the movement of the car’s wipers. Not a good day to be on the road, indeed. I turned my defroster up and my radio down.
The Cadillac sat in the break-down lane, its pewter color lost in the mid-morning mist. I am reluctant to admit that I nearly continued upon my way but as I approached, I could see the silhouettes of two well-seasoned ladies who were obviously in the midst of an adventure. I pulled up just in front of them, checked for traffic in my side mirror, and stepped out of my car. With my head down, I walked to the driver’s side of the Cadillac. The lady behind the wheel rolled her window down part way, her eyes nearly closed to avoid the furious raindrops that continued to fall around us. “The car stopped and I can’t get it started.” She was nearly in tears.
At the time, cell phones were a rarity. “Do you want me to go to a service garage and get help or is there someone I can call?” I asked. We were nearly into Presque Isle and pay phones still roamed the earth.
“Oh, would you, dear?” she said. “You are the only one who has stopped to help.”
Ultimately, the service station attendant I found was able to get the car started and the ladies followed him to his garage, where a minor adjustment remedied the problem. The ladies and I exchanged names and hugs under a grumbling sky as I bid them farewell and God bless.
The rain eventually stopped and an anxious sun slid out from behind the lingering storm clouds. I thought about the two lovely damsels in distress as I drove home on that wet, slick road. They were most likely sisters, chatting in that familiar sister language as they journeyed to Presque Isle for lunch, serious shopping and exploring! Though they did not anticipate a ferocious rain storm and an uncooperative Cadillac, I hoped the remainder of their day would become just one of a million sweet memories.
As time goes on and I transform into a well-seasoned lady myself, I realize that I have become more cautious; more thoughtful. These days, I would probably think twice before driving to Presque Isle in the midst of a tumultuous storm and I am not sure I would dare to open my car window so quickly to a stranger.
I aspire to grow older graciously, embracing the gray hair, wrinkles and forgetfulness. Despite the changes that come with age and the tragedies of this world, I hope I never lose sight of God, love, laughter, adventure, and the ability to trust.
Editor’s Note: Belinda Wilcox Ouellette lives Connor TWP with her husband Dale and their Goldendoodle Barney. They are currently working on building a home in Caribou. You may contact Belinda online at: dbwouellette@maine.rr.com.
