This morning was one of those where little things slowed me down and were a bit frustrating. My suitcase fell down my front steps; I forgot something and had to go back around the block back to my apartment for it; a taxi pulled out in front of me; somebody took too long to go at the green light so we missed the light at the next intersection; an SUV sped up to get in front of me. These little annoyances are little indeed, but I still had to find a parking spot at work and it was already 5 minutes ’til my shift started. I was about to get frustrated until I reached the intersection at Market Street, where my light was green. I was following the SUV that sped by me to switch into my lane, and a few seconds before the SUV crossed Market, a red fan flew across, unapologetically running a red light… bad. The van’s light would have been red for a good while since the SUV and I were powering through, and I realized that, if the SUV hadn’t pulled in front of me, and I had driven a tad bit faster (which would be odd since I never ever ever speed… never), or if I hadn’t dropped my suitcase or forgotten something, that could have been me, t-boned in the middle of Market Street, my poor little Camry disabled and possibly totaled, and me left car-less at the very best, lifeless at the worst. (I am happy to report that the SUV was able to safely slow down in time. Fortunately there was no collision; unfortunately there were no police around.)

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, which means a lot more folks on the road and a lot more thought about those who have given their lives so that we have a country we’re free to drive around in. Philadelphia drives need to slow the hell down and stop being so angry and selfish on the road. We all have places to go, we are all a little late, we all have dreams and people who care about us. It’s better to be late than dead, a little slow than not moving at all. Can we please show some brotherly love to our fellow city drivers?

I’ve been working on accepting situations and appreciating the lessons and the growth that occurs in uncomfortable and unhappy times of life. This morning, I finally got it. The little moments that frustrated me, slowed me down, and that I didn’t understand why were happening to me in the moment may have saved my life.

Perhaps that was a little dramatic. I probably would have survived, but my car probably would not have, and I don’t have collision coverage with my insurance so I would have been car-less and condemned to traveling on SEPTA for the rest of my time in this city, which would be like dying, or at least a bumpy, smelly, loud, and at times violent purgatory.

Safe travels this weekend, y’all! ~CkB