I recently took my car in for repairs.
Like always, I took five minutes to remove any important items from my car that I would need or, in the very rare chance, would compromise my safety. (Yes, I watch too many crime documentaries and, as a result, am extra super dee duper careful.) For example, I removed my house key from the key ring that I would leave in the mechanic’s drop box, as well as the important paperwork (insurance documents that contain personal info) from the car’s glove box.
My husband thinks it’s a little over the top, but I’m okay with that. At the end of the day, I feel safe. Don’t even get me started on the fact that he accidentally left our garage door opened all night years ago. I still remember that conversation the next morning.
Me: Greg, someone could have come into our house!
Him: But, DID they?
Me: But, they COULLLLLLLD have!
I probably didn’t sleep well for several days after that incident.
Back to my car repairs, as I removed the envelope containing my registration & insurance, a $20 bill fell from the paperwork and onto the floor of my garage. Seeing this happen brought a huge smile to my face.
Let me tell you why…
When I began driving as a teenager who styled my hair with enough White Rain that my locks literally did not move when I turned to check both ways at a stop sign, my sweet grandmother shared an important piece of advice. Words of wisdom that I still use today. What was it?
‘Always keep a $20 bill in your glove box.’
I’ve done this for 31 years. My clever grandmother explained that should I ever forget my wallet or my purse, and be low on fuel, I would have money to cover the expense. Of course, she also shared that I must remember to REPLACE that $20 if I use the money in a time of need, otherwise, it defeats the purpose. I have always replaced the money, except that one time two years ago when I did, indeed, forget my purse, found my gas tank on E (‘FUMES’ would be more accurate!) and quickly found myself with one less $20 bill than I had hoped.
Yes, I had spent the $20. Probably on something useless, like concessions at a ballgame, instead of taking the time to drive to an ATM. Thank goodness for amazingly generous co-workers who came to my rescue and count on me for on-air material. (No, folks, we don’t make this stuff up.)
THIS IS MY LIFE.
As I picked that $20 off of my garage floor & placed it in my wallet, I was reminded of how grateful I am for my 96-year-old grandmother and her useful advice over the years. She is a bright lady who worked at a factory when she was younger and always has a life lesson (or six!) to share. I have since passed down my grandmother’s practical advice to my own son as he began driving.
