There was a winter a few years back where the cold was colder than I ever remember. This was back when I lived in Waukesha and worked at the translation company. It was a 25 minute drive to work so I relied on my car to get me there every day. But the temperatures dropped so low below zero that winter, my old Kia Rio had trouble starting some days. Basically, the battery froze and the only way to get it running again was to disconnect it and thaw it inside. That didn’t help me get to work on time. My boss, apparently didn’t think that was a good excuse to not be at work and personally drive to my apartment from the office to pick me up. But those days, and that Kia are past.

I ride the bus now. My job is still quite walkable. Same thing for Ellie.

My brother-in-law, Joe, lives across town. He’s starting to have similar troubles with his car. I had to jump it for him last night. That’s good! At least it’s jumpable. But he’s also better off than I was because when I had car troubles, the only person I knew in two was still a good drive away and I felt I tapped into his kindness one too many times. Joe lives closer to me and I’m happy to help because I’ve been there.

In perfect worlds, no one would have a car that struggles in the cold and everyone would have a dozen people ready to help them. Since our world is far, far from perfect, I think the best we can do is to be wiling to help where we can, as often as we can and expect nothing in return. Lord knows you’ll need someone at some point to help you out too.