A happy holiday story

(Denmark - second happiest country in the world!)

It has gotten suddenly cold in Arizona (by desert standards) in the low 40’s in the evening and just 60’s during the day. This temperature change caused my tires to deflate and cause the emergency tire pressure light to pop on. According to the Owner’s Manual, a person shouldn’t drive with this emergency light on – the tires should be re-filled. As I have a fairly long commute, this alert signal was causing me no small worry.

I told the husband who took a look and said there was nothing wrong. That when he drove the car, the light didn’t even come on. I thought that was the end of it. The next morning, I start the car up to head out to work and guess who joins me…my lovely friend the tire pressure emergency light. Now what was going on? I decided, no matter the cost, I would have to take the car to the dealership – I use the car so much, it can’t be incapacitated.

That evening, after picking up baby, I drove straight to the local dealership. I hadn’t made an appointment and figured they would just schedule me for a service for the next day. I also didn’t relish the idea of dropping anywhere from $100-$1000 for this situation. We all know what happens when you go to the Service department at a car dealership (cue the cash register music). I drove right up to the service station and got out. Standing there was a service manager and a mechanic. I explained the circumstances. I was waiting for them to say, “we will have to take a look” and scheduling me for an appointment. Instead, to my utter surprise, the mechanic very kingly said, “oh your tires just need topping off. I can do that right now.”

‘Wow – what?!’ I thought. A simple solution?! And the dealership willing to do it, at no cost?! I couldn’t believe it!

10 minutes later I had the car and the tire pressure light was gone (and hasn’t appeared since). This was so nice of them, I was touched. Nowadays, I feel like there is less kindness, everyone is out for a buck. But Midway Nissan was beyond helpful to this overworked mom. I can’t say how immensely joyful I was by this gesture by the kindly mechanic (the next day I dropped him off some cookies).

It is these acts of charity that restores one’s hope in humanity.