There was a thud, as my driver side tire met the cement and metal curb. Slowing the speed, I was able to steer the car further right and actually managed to drive for a few more minutes.

Then we heard it. A low hissing sound. The sound of air escaping from the left front tire. The GPS said we were only five minutes away from my cousin’s house. Maybe, we could make it.

But then the car started to limp and bump. The rim was scrapping the road. The air had left that front tire.

We slowly limped and bumped to the side of the road, about 400 feet from the intersection and into the right turn lane. The road, Archdale, near the intersection of Martin Luther King was not well light. I turned on the flashing hazard lights and cautiously opened the driver door and stepped out.

Wow! The tire had shredded! The rim held 2 inches of tire, and the rest of the separated tire appeared to be suspended in mid-air! We survived that?!!

Willie dials AAA, as I provide the confirming identification numbers. There’s a little delay in confirming our information for we are outside of our primary AAA area. “About 30 - 60 minutes for the repair truck to arrive,” said the sweet southern female voice.

Next, we call Larry, my cousin Marita’s retired Colonel husband, whose male mentoring scholarship program, Willie had come to Durham, NC to speak for his Saturday program in the first place!

Within minutes the Cavalry appeared…my family that is! Cousin Marita’s son, LaMell (my 2nd cousin), was first on the scene – checking with a critical eye to see if we were injured. He was prepared to take me and our luggage to Marita’s home.

Next, Cousin Michael (Marita’s baby brother), turned the corner in the pickup truck. He wanted to know if we needed assistance with Marita in the passenger seat. Finally came Larry, who stayed with Willie until AAA arrived.

After LaMell brought in the luggage, he asked what refreshments he should take to Willie while he waited for AAA!

Overwhelmed with kindness! I have not seen this many friendly family faces since the last relative funeral – over a year ago!

Not withstanding, seeing the shredded tire and realizing how blessed we were to have made it safely to a stop, my heart was touched, for so many family members were concerned and willing to come in the middle of the night to our rescue!

What started as an opportunity to encourage young Black boys to dream big and their parents and attendees to support their success, ended up being my long overdue opportunity to fellowship with my family!

This was my opportunity to experience grace being extended to me. It took my breath away.

There was a car to drive – newer than the one with the shredded tire I had driven; daily prepared meals; a private bath and queen-sized bed; and people who seemed to anticipate my every need. I even discovered that my cousin and I share similar mannerisms, speech patterns and even colloquial expressions! Marita’s dad and my mom were brother and sister. And my mom had introduced Marita’s dad to his wife!

Be the Cavalry

My shredded tire created an opportunity. This opportunity allowed me to spend time with my first cousin; to humbly accept their generosity; to experience how they rally around and support family; and then to use their model and pay it forward with the same excellence and love they’d shown me and Willie.

Look for opportunities to give with a heart to serve and a spirit of excellence like my relatives – Larry, Marita, LaMell, and Michael.

Overwhelm them with your kindness and care. And then, they can pay it forward because of your example!