Providence and the Chevrolet

It’s been years since I set memory on the old green-ish Aqua Chevrolet that belonged to my Dad. When I was growing up this cool ride was always dependable, always cranking up when the other newbies failed us. It saved my school attendance record many mornings , sometimes a terribly cold ride up the road with the non-closing door swinging open and laughter emitting from teenage classmates as I entered the dreary school halls , sleepy from long nights of dance rehearsals and hours of homework. It even got me to my first Valentine’s dance in middle school and served as a doghouse for a timid Collie named Lady!

My Dad sold the old truck as we cleared out the old and migrated into newer areas of life , yet it always crossed our minds. Dad passed away in 2004 and my Mom and I moved back to our original town roots. Lots of memorabilia has been with us for years, and after a quick sale of my Grandmother’s place where we had it all stored , all it it took was a move to stir up the past.

This time of my four-ties, as I go through the items , it is quite different from being a teen. As I look through our family history and photos, I see more questions emerge, thirsting for knowledge of my past family. Who were they? What did they like? What are my roots? It’s a different view and an interesting one, like searching through a treasure chest for surprises.

This morning was a little rough on the rise, our car not wanting to start due to a drained battery. We waited in despair, being hot and tired, when a stranger asked if we needed help. I spoke truth and asked could he jump us off, but he instead said for us to check the cable. He emerged with a claw-like tool that he used to scrape the old build-up off and wiggled the wires a bit. “Try it again” he said, but with no luck. “Needs a new battery.”

“Ok” I thought and spoke , the entire time thinking how to pay for it. Part of me was saying that’s somehow I know this leading somewhere. My anticipation was proved as a family of three walked up to us asking if we needed help, right as I started to put the hood down. I looked over and gave a thumbs up to the man who had begun the process. He smiled. “See lady, there are good people here n the world.” I admitted that that was true.

I thanked the stranger as he finished his breakfast and waited for a jump from the next assistant. This man explained alternator and battery differences to me and recognizing diagnosis of the car. It only took a second and we were good to go, but still in need of that big battery. It’s sort of like life when you just need a jumpstart. I rested a what’s next rest in the driver’s seat while my Mom hugged and thanked his wife. In the meantime they were plotting a very nice surprise. He came to my door, “Ma’am, would you like to follow me to O’Reilly’s and buy you a new battery?” . Thanks I thought. It truly was a blessing that I could not refuse. One of those kinds. I politely replied yes and agreed to follow him to the shop. Leaning over the battery in progress , we all asked each other’s names. “Who was your Dad?” He said. “Tyler McGlamry who had the McGlamry Bicycle shop downtown, you know him?” . I always use the shop as introduction, my family’s two generation claim in Cordele. “Yes I do, I bought a truck from him. I wish I had not sold it. It’s in a museum!”

I felt so much peace and really a lack of surprise mixed with joy, because I know how much God surprises us with these kinds of things. The truck was and had been a mystery. Its like something was solved. We found it! Years later and we found it! And how special for it to be in a museum. It’s been like finding past treasures. As I write this I do believe that we also found where my Dad sold his piano around the same time. But that’s another story to get excited about.

The move from Grandmother’s has been trying. We are currently without a home, on waiting lists and such, but also in a trial. It’s a test of courage and faith, stamina and such, but all within a warm bubble of God’s love. He is our caretaker, and I enjoyed the day today as I felt His protection of peace and care. He provides and nothing that is happening to us is by accident. Seek and you will find. Ask and you will receive. Everything from Him is a treasure. This I am learning again and again.

We will continue the journey and grow strong. I will update our story. In the meantime, I’m so excited we found Dad and the truck!

Thanks Dad!

~ McGlamorous