Chrismas Present/Kharma? Helping others on the road.

[Tman]

All of us at the shop got an Xmas prestent today. You see, we helped a tourist/rodder out of a jam last spring. He was traveling through in a group with two rods. His broke down and had a shot powersteering rack. He happened to pick the one parts house (out of 8) that our state Goodguys rep runs. The rep (Billy Martin, a real Goodguy) sent the group our way. Well, we did what was right, fixed the car, installed a new rack and charged them for the parts only,wholesale. Nothing big for us, we just did what we would like to have happen to us a couple thousand miles from home. So, today we get a present from Larado Texas. Every one of us in the shop got a cool rodrun Tshirt from that area. The boss got a Serape and a neat Mexican blanket for his roadster. The guy we helped has sent thank yous, sent a blown up pic of our ugly mugs with his car and now this little care package. Made us all feel good and got the boss a little flustered. I never hope to break down but if I do in Larado Texas, I know Paco Martinez is a friend. Thanks Paco.

[Rocky]

That's pretty cool. Makes me feel all warm and squishy inside. I think almost everybody has a story like that, whether it's when the broke down or when they received help. Mine is when I broke down in Springfield, Illinios in 1987 with a worn U-joint in my 48 Pontiac. I drove it into town from the KOA campground and filled up with gas...asked the gas station guy where I might find an auto parts store. After he found out I wanted to change my own u-joint, he offered the use of his jack and a corner of the parking lot. Said I could use his tools and his vice to swap out the joint and even had his kid drive me and my brother to the auto parts store! Turns out, the old pontiac u-joint was a very common part used in many farm machines and they had a bunch of 'em in stock. 45 minutes later we were back on the road again and the shop owner wouldn't take any money for using his stuff.....most people are willing to help a couple travelers in an old car.