My commute from hell had a happy ending
It’s taken a while to post my personal commuting story—the power outage didn’t help—but here it is:
After leaving my office on Dupont Circle Wednesday at 3:30, it took me about five hours to get to the Rte. 50/S. Edison St. intersection, just before Four Mile Run. Waited through several light changes without moving and turned off the engine to save gas. Big mistake. The battery died and the car would not start.
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| No surprise: My street still not plowed |
A kind driver tried to jump start it to no avail. Oh, and it appeared to be a cell phone dead zone, so I had a tough time trying to get help. When GEICO and several tow truck operators predicted a six or seven-hour delay, I decided to abandon the car, unlocked with phone numbers inside, and walk to a store.
That’s when story turned from a nightmare to fairy tale. A kind angel named Susan Fischer urged me to get in her car and took me to her house near Seven Corners, passing dozens of stuck cars in her hilly neighborhood. We had a lovely dinner (homemade pea soup and fresh flowers on the table) and I spent the night in a charming, antique filled guest room (while my husband spent the evening at home without heat or light). A tow truck operator picked me up at about 6:30 the next morning, dropped me off at the McDonald’s on Rt. 50 and Patrick Henry. Eventually got a cab to take me to the entrance of my neighborhood and walk the last few blocks home. Lucky break – had the foresight to wear winter boots and a hat Wednesday morning. Lessons learned – when stuck in traffic for hours, turn off all electrical things in car; fill up gas tank when snow is predicted. Best outcome: restored faith in humanity. And the bursts of white and blue lightning were amazing!
One response to “My commute from hell had a happy ending”
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What an amazing story. And you are so lucky that kind lady came to your rescue.