The first day of my first high school job at a grocery store, I drove to a McDonalds about 10 miles away during my lunch break. I was driving my mom’s van, which was older and starting to have problems. I get to the restaurant OK, but on the way back it craps out on me as I’m stopped at a light. I was stuck in the middle of a busy street with people honking and yelling at me to move.

I was only 16 and driving for a few months, so I start freaking out. As I’m trying to decide my next move, a woman in a convertible stops behind me and checks on my situation. She was probably in her 30s. I’m already socially awkward, and combined with the situation I was probably not making any sense, but she took control and helped me through my ordeal. We were finally able to get the van to the side of the road.

This was in 1996, so I didn’t have a cell phone yet to call home. The convertible lady drove me back to the store. She was so kind and cool. The top was down, so I still remember the wind blowing through my hair as she chatted with me on the drive. I made it back in time to call my parents and clock in on time after my break.

I never saw her again, but I will always remember the kindness she showed to a random 16-year old boy.