by Patti Mcquillen

Created on: May 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 28, 2008

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!

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