The Studio

Once in a while in your life, you have some experience that reminds you of your own mortality. It's one of those things that scares the daylights out when you're going through it, but after all is said and done, you're left feeling grateful for what you have. Today, I didn't have one of those experiences. But, I had an experience akin to that.

On the way home from work today, I was in a situation that reminded me of my vulnerability and my weaknesses -- limitations, both physical other. But when all was said and done, I felt thankful, slightly blessed, and filled with renewed faith and hope in humanity.

You would never guess from my description, but tonight on the way home from work, I got a flat tire. Strangely, I think that might have been the best thing that happened to me all day. I've always joked about the kindness of strangers, but I don't usually get to experience it for real. When I was pulled over with my flat, dialing furiously, it wasn't a friend who came to the rescue, it was a stranger named Ron. It was very kind of him to offer his time, but more than that, I felt that he was particularly conscious about making me feel safe and comfortable.

I quickly drove towards the firestones/sears on San Antonio. Unfortunately, firestone's closes at 6, but the guy on the phone at Sear's says that they were open until 8 -- it was currently 7:45 or so. Although he said it was probably too late to put on a new tire tonight, he said that they may or may not be able to squeeze me in if I got there in the next 5 minutes. I said that I would certainly try. When I finally got there, a couple of the service guys volunteered to stay after for a bit to put my tire on. They took exceptional care to cover my seat, cover my steering wheel, and put down paper mats before getting in my car to drive it 20 feet.

Overall, it wasn't such a bad exerpience. Certainly humbling. I can't do everything on my own, I'm not a super woman, I don't know all the things I should know. It just makes me human.

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day.
Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way.
It was getting late, and I was scared and alone.
But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.
Mama couldn’t see him, but he was standing there.
And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.

Chorus
Oh I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with a light of love.

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees.
There’s always been someone there to come along and comfort me.
A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand.
A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand.
And ain’t it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road.
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.

Chorus

They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places.
To guide us with their mercy, in our time of need.

Chorus

To guide us with a light of love.