Dead. It was dead and could not be revived. So there I was, alone in the middle of Franklin Street, stuck and not knowing what do. My cell phone didn’t work either. I felt totally helpless, unable to contact anyone about my dire, disastrous dilemma.
That’s when a police car pulled up beside me. Flashes of headlines declaring police brutality flashed before my eyes, along with kindergarten teachings, “Policemen are our friends!” Which of those opposing truths were true?
Oh, where is my common sense when I need it? Where are the years of learning and wisdom I’ve collected through trying times? Where’s my mommy?
“Are you alright?’’ He asked.
“I’m all right,” I answered, “but my car isn’t. I can’t make it move.”
The heroic policeman, traveling all by himself without a backup, bravely opened his car door and approached my car. I may have been slightly fearful, after reading news headlines lately, but imagine how scared he might have been: What if I were hiding a dangerous firearm behind the dashboard and drawn it before he had a chance to protect himself from my murderous inclinations? Heaven forbid,I might have gunned him down before he was able to reach for his gun.
How could he have known what dangers he might have faced when he confidently walked toward my stranded car? I might have just robbed a bank and been desperate to escape before being caught. Or maybe I was hiding a body in the trunk of the car. Maybe there were fabulous stolen diamonds under the floor-mat: you never could tell.
Despite my over- active imagination, the policeman kindly , considerately and single handedly pushed my ailing car toward the curb. There at the curb I was out of danger of being run down by an oncoming garbage truck making its rounds, or a bright red car- racer being wildly and uncontrollably driven by a drug-induced person intoxicated with his mistaken sense of road-ownership.
The kind policeman offered to call my husband with his own cell phone, since mine was inoperable. A road repair was arranged. The policeman left me to attend a policeman-type meeting, the battery was recharged, and everyone lived happily. ever after.
Moving about without restrictions or burnt out car batteries is a thing of beauty and something to be aware of and appreciated. Policemen are our friends!
MorristownMemos 
Comments on: " FEAR ON FRANKLIN" (19)
I beat you by two weeks, my blog, ‘The Day The Pilot Died”. I’ve been on both sides of those calls, Retired Trooper that I am. I always get a charge out of those situations.
Yes, you’re right. I checked out your blog and sure enough, you had a similar experience as I did. ‘GlaD YOUR STORY TURNED OUT WELL TOO.
So glad that you’re safe. Trust and goodwill have grown so rare these days.
Thanks for your good wishes, my friend; that’s why it is so valuable when you find someone who is above the ordinary and sincerely interested in helping.
What a good story. I agree with Jerry, about the counterpoint.
Thanks, Jacqui. As you know, there are many ways to tell a story.
I love a story with a happy ending.
In Los Angeles with extreme road hazards due to such ridiculous traffic, police officers offering help to stranded drivers have been seriously injured and even killed by reckless drivers. Yet they come to the aid of anyone needing help, despite the risk. I’m so glad you shared your story. Glad you were spared more distress, and also glad to have a chance to consider the police officer who came to your aid!
Thanks, Debra. Nobody has any idea what adventures might befall them when they get behind the wheel of a car.
Both you and the policeman were lucky to have met friendly souls along the way.
Absolutely right! We all take too much for granted…
Of all the people who could potentially stopped to help, my first wish would be the police or fire department.
… but you are so right. They’re out there everyday and THEY don’t know what they are getting into when they stop.
Glad it worked out well. I would have been having a coronary!!
You’re right, Joanne; how lucky that neither of us had any negative intentions.
🙂
I always thought policemen were our friends. To witness it close hand all you have to do is be caught in a hurricane and see these brave men and women protect and serve.
I totally agree, John. I have always felt grateful knowing that the police department is here and ready to help in any emergency.
😀
Nice story and a good counter point to the police storys that get the publicity. Really enjoyed it.
Thanks so much, Jerry. Police need a good publicist.