E is for E-ikes!

I knew I only had a few dollars to tide me over to payday, so when my gas tank was getting low, rather than fill it up, I only put in enough to get me through - what cash I happened to have in my purse. I happily went on my way secure in the knowledge that I would fill it up later. Then I ended up having to go extra places due to one thing and another. Using more gas than just what it takes to get from home to work and back. Drew had materials due at the library, I ran out of eggs and made a trip to the store - you know, all those little things that make life so busy.

So I was headed to the east side of the city for a medical test when I suddenly, grace of God, happened to look at my gas gauge. Yikes! Talk about going on a whisper and a prayer! I was on Jefferson Road before it turns commercial, sailing along meadows and railroad tracks and horses contentedly munching grass. The traffic ahead of me was going an agonizing ten miles under the speed limit.

Lord, please help me not to run out of gas before I get to a gas station! I do mental calisthenics trying to think where the nearest gas station is. I know if I just stay on this road, there is one a few miles ahead. Can I make it that far? I have no way to know and there is nothing I can do but keep driving and get as far as I can. I grip the steering wheel tighter as if that would somehow make the gas go farther. I sit at attention, knowing I need to be in the left lane, but if I run out of gas, that isn't a good place to be.

Minutes tick by. I get three red lights. Finally, up ahead, I can see the Hess station green and white sign. I have only yards to go. Oncoming traffic is heavy. Please don't let me stall out waiting to turn! I glance at the red needle. It is well below the E. I see a small opening and I take it, quickly turning into the station and halting before the first available pump. Made it! Thank God.

As I fill the tank, I can't help wondering if my forgetfulness is chemo related or just old age. No matter. Crisis avoided and I will make my appointment OK.