7 of 85

Write now Article Tools

The flat tire thumped as we made our way to the nearest parking lot. I teetered between calling my boyfriend for assistance and showing my two daughters the importance of changing a tire without help. The sky looked fine and the sunshine gave me a wave of confidence. Being a single mother offered me many chances to show them important lessons.

I jumped out of the car, confirmed the flatness of the tire and proceeded to meet the challenge of changing a tire. I would be a superhero mom in less than fifteen minutes. At least that was my plan. To this day, my kids laugh when they see someone changing a tire and I try not to recall the day I will recount for you now.

Like I said, it was sunny and clear until I used the jack; thus raising the wrong end of the car. Yes, after explaining the importance of using a jack carefully, I looked at the flat tire and realized I raised the end with the good tires. The smirks began right there and then. I let the car down and placed the jack at the correct end.

The first drops of rain fell while I corrected my mistake and as I flattened myself next to the worn out tire, they grew in size and intensity. We were all glad a tree nearby provided protection from the weather. After several minutes, the drops ceased to fall and I reached for the tool, whatever you call it, that helps remove the hubcap.

Thirty-three minutes later, it popped off and flew through the air. It landed in a thick patch of squishy mud. Oh well, I thought. Who needs hubcaps anyway? My kids did seem impressed with that stunt!

Next came the bolts that refused to budge after another forty-two minutes. I knew my times because my younger daughter kept me current as she hollered, "Mom! Another two minutes wasted! That makes thirty-nine now, and counting." This continued until I somehow managed to loosen the bolts, which was when the rain fell again.

This time, it did not bring a cool, refreshing breeze. No, it brought a hot and sticky feeling that dampened our foreheads and clothes. I thought if insects came too close to us they might become a permanent part of our skin!

After about ten more minutes, I managed to change the good tire out with the bad one. I had a real tire instead of a temporary one because my grandfather always insists I have a real one with me. I finished securing the tire, lowered the jack and went to the trunk so I could put away the tools and bad tire.

Another thing he suggested I do is take the bad tire and get it repaired. This works well because I have a tire warranty now. Yes, it has come in handy! Feeling for the edge of the lid, I pushed. Nothing happened. I reached for my keys and felt an emptiness that startled me.

Where were my keys? Looking around for my kids, I spotted them splashing in the mud. Great, I thought. I am late for a lunch with a former co-worker who could help me find a job, my kids are a mess and my keys have gone missing.

I discovered the answer to the latest part of the tire dilemma. The keys were locked in the car! Standing by the driver's side window, I looked up and searched for a miracle. None appeared and I dialed the number for my boyfriend. Playing superhero mom would have to wait for another day.

I called may lunch date and rescheduled. He laughed long and hard while looking for another date in his book. I made a mental note to find humor in the situation too. A whoop of joy sounded my answer. Running over to the mud puddle, which seemed to grow by the minute, I jumped in and landed on my backside. Mud oozed in my shoes and my clothes.

I really did not care; the laundry trip that night took care of the mud. Who needs to be a superhero mom anyway? Not me I think as I sit here typing this vivid memory!

Learn more about this author, Patti Mcquillen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Funny parenting stories?
We want to hear your view. Write now!