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I cannot count on my fingers and toes how many times I have been in distress on the side of a long,scary, deserted road, that you see in horror movies. Luckily, I had a father who cared enough to ensure my safety in such situations.

My first membership to AAA was purchased by my father. He had bought me a reliable car, but just in case I ran out of gas, or a tire blew, he could save himself the trouble of getting out of bed to come to my rescue, and know one of those tow truck Knights in shining steel would be my hero.

My first experience with these tow truck hero's was in 1980 when one such night, around 11:30pm my Nova Spirit of America just died.

Cell phones were not around back in the olden days, so I went to the nearest house, tears in my eyes, pulled out that laminated lifesaver called the card, and dialed AAA. I was home, with my car in 45 minutes. That experience changed my life forever.

My husband and I always kept AAA plus, as we were the parents of five kids and could not always afford reliable cars. I don't think a year passed that we did not use all our tows. I always knew though, my kids would never be stranded as I was.

When my husband passed away from a car accident, the first bill to come in was our renewal notice for AAA. By now, I had two teenage drivers and myself. I payed the bill for all of us on AAA plus and added additional life insurance coverage, just in case.

On a rainy afternoon in early fall, my oldest called me at work. Her car had stalled out in a "puddle" (more like a lake). I was just about to tell her to call for assistance when she informed me not to worry, a tow truck was on its way. She beat me home, car in tow.

My next to oldest daughter is an original dare devil. I had taken a trip to see my family out of state when I received a call from the Sheriff's department. My heart sank, but was quickly revived when the Deputy informed me that my child had been out mud bogging and had sank her truck past the wheel rims, mud was in the floor board he told me with a chuckle. I asked why she hadn't called, he asked me,"Would you want to call your mom with this news? Have no worry, AAA is on the way, and she'll be safe at home before you know it." He went on to say," If more parents put just a few dollars toward AAA, they would have more piece of mind that their kids have an out."

Finally, just the other day, I was taking my son to school, and we were in a hurry. I didn't bother to look at the gas tank, which was empty. We ran out of gas half way between home and school. Once again AAA came to my rescue. They towed me to the nearest gas station and put six dollars worth of gas in my car for free as that is one of the benefits of having AAA plus. Then towed my car and an embarrassed mom on home.

I have no one to fall back on when things like these come up since my husband is no longer available to us. It's just me and the kids, and we can't always be two places at once,but with the knowledge that AAA is at my childrens beckoned call, I have an assurance we are not all alone.

Learn more about this author, Sharon Smith.
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