I've been robbed before, but never from right under my nose. And so it happened on a quiet road on the university campus in our adopted West African city. Our country was at one of its lowest points economically––ever. There wasn't much to buy to eat, and there was rarely gas in the station pumps. In fact we never found it except the time I remember the Gardener spending a day and a night in a gas line. I think he got maybe a half a tank.
But hope springs eternal and the Gardener was always hopeful that one day we'd find gas available (called "petrol" there). And he wanted to be ready, so he drove around close to "E" and carried a geri tin of petrol in the back of our pick-up truck. He also carried some empty ones ... just in case there was extra gas (there's that hope!)
So one day I drove our double cab pick-up over to the university to buy some eggs from a chicken farm there. Sputter, sputter. The car went dead. Just as I was thinking some not-so-pleasant thoughts about the Gardener and his
"Let me try," the kind young man offered. I got out to let him in the driver seat. He got it started and promptly drove away. And didn't come back for a l-o-n-g time. Standing there on the tree-lined college campus road, I felt very sick to my stomach. I thought our truck was gone for good. While he was away he rifled through the glove compartment and must have thought more seriously about what he was doing as he did bring the vehicle back. So I guess I was only temporarily robbed––but it was one of those moments etched in memory. I skipped buying the eggs and tore home, ran into the meeting my husband was in, and immediately burst into tears. I guess the stress had been great.
And I insisted that I learned to syphon. From then on whenever I took the truck, I first syphoned to a quarter of a tank. It's amazing how much more secure I felt once I had developed that (choking) skill.
(not my photo)
How scary!
ReplyDeleteOh my. How terrifying! At least you know how to siphon gas. Something I've never done. I'm sure I'd swallow it by mistake. Gag! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Dotsie
ReplyDeleteI'm stressed just reading about your driving around near 'E'. I don't let my tank ever go below a quarter as I'm so scared of running out in the middle of nowhere.
Thank heavens the fellow had the sense to return your truck to you and I hope he apologized.
Judith
What a story!
ReplyDeleteI think that many of us manage to keep our resolve until the traumatic moment has passed...then we dissolve. I think that you handled it great! Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteOh my! This is why God has never called me to such experiences. I'd still be at Shady Acres. ☺ All I know of syphoning is watching men choke on gas and spit and spit to remove it from their mouths. Nasty thing to have to learn to do.
ReplyDeleteWe humans are capable of so many things - what has to be done, has to be done. God gave you the strength to do what you needed to do. Moment by moment strength for moment by moment trials.
ReplyDeleteDid you swallow any gas? Did you have gasoline breath for days?
Wow. You've led an interesting life. Can't imagine that. That's a skill I hope you never have to use again!
ReplyDeleteThis waa hair raising story, Dotsie! You were so brave. Life can change in a split second and I know God was watching over you.
ReplyDeleteGasoline makes me sick to my stomach --I can't tolerate the smell-- so I never fill up my tank,thankfully my hubby does it for me.
Podso,
ReplyDeleteThe strength of a woman is never truly known ~ until put to the test. Sounds as if you passed with flying colors (in my book), dear friend!
Fondly,
Pat