Everday Miracles: Strangers in Need

Driving in downtown Miami is usually an adventure for me because 7 times out of 10, I will end up with a flat tire near some alley littered with soda cans that have been used as makeshift crack pipes.

Last week Tuesday was one of those times. No, not the crack pipe thing--the flat tire. And, of course, it was on my way to give my presentation, The Top 5 Reasons Why I Blog, to Janell Agyeman's workshop: Paths to Publication.

As I was getting out of the car in the Miami Dade College parking lot, my wife saw the tire and she grew a bit worried. And who wouldn't be? This is Miami, after all.

I didn't want my wife to panic and I didn't want to be overly nervous before the presentation, so I told her we'd worry about fixing the flat after the workshop. I could almost hear my mother's voice in my ear: "One step at a time, Geoffrey. One step at a time."

And, besides, I told myself, it was only half-flat.

We took the elevator up to the fifth floor where we were met by Janell, who introduced me to the participants. As soon as I began, they began asking so many questions that I've now created the syllabus for a three hour workshop for writers who would like to start their own blogs. Practical advice about some of the things that I've done right and how to avoid some of the mistakes I've made.

The presentation was a success, but we knew what was waiting for us the parking lot. My wife and I dreaded every step back to the parking lot because we knew what awaited us. Our fears were justified. The tire was now completely flat. So much for optimism, I thought.

But then, I was proved wrong.

Sitting on top of my windshield was a brand new can of Fix a Flat and this note written on a paper napkin: "Saw your flat--thought you might need this...good luck"

Wow! I guess all the good karma I've been sending out on Facebook worked. Or maybe it wasn't my goodness, but my wife's. She teaches second grade in an elementary school, so she counts among the saints.

Either way, someone was looking out for us. And in Miami?

I pulled the nail out of the tire, inflated the tire with Fix a Flat, and drove home via Biscayne Boulevard rather than the I-95. I wasn't about to push my good fortune.


The night ended peacefully without me having to fight off crack addicts.

So, thank you to the good Miamian who helped me last Tuesday night. And, obviously, you are part of the "MDC family" which makes this even more special for me.

Thank you. Thank you, my angel, who ever and wherever you are!

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