Years ago, I was driving a rental car on Highway 2, north from Calgary, and headed toward Red Deer when the vehicle suddenly died. I pulled over, contemplating my next move, when a pickup truck pulled in front of me and stopped.
I had a short-lived pang of uneasiness, but a laid-back fellow sauntered over and, through my window, asked me to pop the hood. He said he'd have a look.
photo by Paul H
He quickly came back to my window, said I needed a small part, and that there was a garage just up the road.
In no time at all, it seemed, he was back. He popped in the part, asked me to try the motor, which purred, closed the hood, and told me I was good to go.
I wanted to pay him. I asked him how much for the part and his time. He graciously declined my offer, got in his truck and was on his way.
I am warmed by that memory every time I think of it.