Day from hell, but with an angel on my shoulder

My guardian angel was working overtime today. I was running a little behind to get Pickle to the specialist this morning and while trying to merge from Interstate 35 onto Interstate 30, I ran over something in the road. I heard clicking and couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Then, I looked in my sideview mirror and saw something circular fly off the tire - then, I heard a loud pa-pow and I feared that I blew the tire. Thank God, I was in the right hand lane. I pulled over, but the overpass is so tight, I couldn't even open the door if traffic was going by. So, I timed it, got out and saw that the tire was completely flat. I was terrified. I had the 12-year-old and 4-year-old with me on the itty bitty shoulder of the overpass. I don't even know how to change a tire.

I wanted to panic, but knew I couldn't. I knew Army of Dad was in no position to help on the other side of the Metroplex at work. So, I knew who to call: Daddy. He was on the golf course, so he wasn't going to be there any time soon. Then, I called the Kia roadside assistance line. While on the phone with them, a Fort Worth police officer pulled over. He said if I'd get someplace safe - i.e. off the overpass - he'd change it for me.

So, there I am. Driving on the rim of the almost 2-year-old car. All I could think was that Army of Dad was going to kill me for ruining the rim, but what choice did I have? I knew we weren't safe. Officer Henderson was awesome. He did it all - with sweat pouring off of him because of the humidity. He admonished me for stopping on the overpass and cautioned me to value my life more than the rim of the car. He knew what I was thinking. He reminded me that AoD would want me and the kids home safely more than he is worried about the car.

I was panicked, but had to keep it all together for the kids. Once we were all safe, then, I sort of lost it. I was thinking about the Carrie Underwood song, Jesus, Take the Wheel, and how it was a close call. And, maybe it wasn't, but it was real freaking scary. I've done stories on whole families being wiped out from a tire blowing while driving down an interstate. Suddenly, getting to the doctor on time didn't seem so important. I was so proud of my kids. They were taking it all in stride like we do this all the time. Pickle thanked the officer several times and he was very gracious. He has helped improve my opinion of cops right now. There are some honorable ones left.

Here's to you, Fort Worth Police Officer Henderson. Oh yeah, thank you Guardian Angel and Jesus, too.

Angel of God, my guardian dear
to whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this day/night be at my side
to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.