Murphy's Law

                           Murphy’s Law

       As all of us know,  the above-named law dictates that the timing for something unfortunate to happen applies whenever the circumstances are most difficult to repair that untimely affliction or condition.

           We had just completed a seven-day, 1600-mile odyssey to our home in Estero, Florida. Tired with the journey, we settled in to await the arrival of a potential category-four hurricane (Helene)  out in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm was headed for landfall and maximum destruction in the Florida panhandle. We would but get some fierce winds and torrential rain storms, as the monster passed us by.

          On the day of the storms passage, we had a brief respite from the rain. The sun even peeked its way out for a few hours. This of course, drew us out from our secure bunker. We hit the gym for a visit, made it to a nearby Panera for coffee and even picked up a few groceries. It was in our parking space that Mr. Murphy asserted his dictum. The right passenger window was stuck in the down position and refused to budge. Thinking of the near horizontal rain storms about to descend on us, we worked the phones with a frenzy, seeking some help. No window would cause an untold amount of damage from the driving rain to the vehicle.

       The capable service Team, at Tamiami Hyundai in Naples, listened briefly. A top service agent, Linda Midlam thought for a second and then said “Bring it on in.” I don’t know if I created a land speed record in covering the 20-mile distance, but fortunately for us, the local constabulary were otherwise engaged.

       Linda and the service team, took us in, evaluated the problem and then said, “The fix will cost $1,250.” At that point, I would have acceded to Three thousand and the blood sacrifice of a close relative. The lads set to work, repairing the whole motorized structure of the door and window. Three hours later, they handed us a newly washed and repaired  vehicle. I signed the bill and thanked Linda Midlam and her team  profusely, for bailing us out on such short notice. I will send a missive to their CEO, praising them all for their quick, capable and rapid response.

        The bath-warm winds were howling around us at 50 MPH as we left the dealership. Parts of downtown Naples were already awash from Helene’s tidal surge. The traffic was light as we drove North to Estero. Everyone was getting ready for the big blow tonight. I thumbed my nose at the intrusive Mr. Murphy, as we glided into our complex in Estero. Sometimes Mr. Murphy wins. Sometimes, we do. We had beat him again with Tamiami Hyundai’s help.

         May the good Lord help those in Helene’s path.

                                              -30-

                                          (471 words)

                                       Joseph Xavier Martin