Guardian Angels Incognito

A Sudden Emergency on the Freeway

My two-year-old son Matthew and I were driving downtown on the freeway several years ago when I was suddenly overcome with what I’ll call a dizzy spell. I slowed down and carefully pulled the car onto the shoulder of the freeway. I played it cool because I didn’t want Matthew to panic.

Desperate Options and a Fence Too Tall

As I surveyed the situation, my only hope was to carry Matthew through the deep freeway grass to a nearby fence. If I could hop that fence with Matthew in my arms, I would try to walk to a business park that looked about half a mile away. This all happened before cell phones, so the hike to the fence seemed like the best option. (I definitely didn’t want to hitchhike with my son—especially not on a busy freeway.)

I told Matthew we were going to take a walk and look at the fence. He was totally on board. Matthew always loved an adventure, and he still does to this day as an active thirty-something adult. With vertigo and a small child in my arms, it was difficult to walk, but we made it to the fence. Once we got there, though, I realized the fence was higher than I had imagined. There was no way I could get over it—especially not with my two-year-old in tow. Honestly, I don’t think I could’ve done it even by myself. So I just stood there, wondering what to do next, praying like a madman for some ideas. It was a beautiful, blue-sky summer afternoon.

An Unexpected Savior: The Food Truck Driver

As I stood there contemplating our next move, a large food truck—almost as big as a semi—pulled over on the shoulder. I wondered why. Did he break down, too? I thought I should go check. Once I could see the driver, he motioned for me to come over to the truck. I still wasn’t thinking clearly and wondered why this guy was so enthusiastic. Meanwhile, I was still wondering, How the hell am I going to get home?

Turns out he had surmised my situation from the road, saw us at the fence, and pulled over to see if he could help. I must say I was a bit shocked and still didn’t know if I could trust him but what else could I do? He said his company was just over the hill and he’d give us a ride so I could call my wife from their office. Still a bit stunned—and literally stumbling a bit—I accepted the ride.

Safe at Last—and a Worsening Condition

Before long, we arrived at the food warehouse, and I called my wife to explain the situation. Matthew and I made it home safely, thanks to that truck driver and my wife. As the day progressed, though, my vertigo got worse and worse. It got so bad that I had to crawl on all fours from our bedroom just to get to the bathroom. Once back in bed, I was only barely dizzy if I held my head perfectly still. But turning it from one side to the other felt like I had just gotten off the Tilt-A-Whirl at the State Fair—I was that dizzy.

Gratitude That Lingers

Funny thing is, I didn’t fully realize how important the truck driver’s kindness was until a few months later. I actually sent his company a Christmas gift with a note for the driver, again thanking him for his kindness.

Reflection

We'd like to think that don’t need other people—until we do. And once we do, we might find ourselves completely at the mercy of other human beings. I thank God for that truck driver, and I’ll never forget his kindness, which happened thirty years ago.