My son got a job in Grand Canyon National Park, I had a sister out there so I followed him in my car. A real Hooptie!!! I should have known better, but it was great on gas. This was in 2000. This was my last child at home so I was bawling the whole time. The empty nest syndrome setting in.
On my return trip I was coming through Holbrook, Arizona when said hooptie car blew a head gasket. I had it towed to Scotty's Garage Where it was diagnosed and discovered it would cost more to fix than the car was worth. Oh what to do???
I took up residence in a motel, They only charged me $20 a night. The small cafe next door was great and was reasonable. I was returning with my supper to the room and was crossing a street when a man yelled at me and pointed across the street. I turned and looked and there was the biggest Dirt Devil I have ever seen. To late to get out of the way. Got dusted, skinned my knees, dropped my supper. Started crying again.
Called about air travel, would have to take a taxi to airport, a long distance. Was informed to be careful that a serial killer had recently killed a taxi driver.Changed my mind. What about a bus? Walk forever to the bus station to check it all out. Needless to say it scared me more than the serial killer. there were some really scary people there. Now keep in mind I was a correctional officer at a mens maximum security prison. I was not a scary kind of person, really kind tough. So that says a lot.
My Dh was working on finances on his end. But being on call at work, could not take off or leave.
Went to a washateria to wash clothes and saw an indian man sitting with his head in his hands crying. I went to him and asked if he were ok. He told me his daughter had been murdered recently and that while home on the reservation for her funeral, his small trailer that he lived in had burned. We were talking about God and he said his Bible was burned . I told him I would try to find him one. I looked in the Bible at the motel and found who had placed them there and called them and asked if they could donate or sell me one. I added that I had no way to come get it. No problem, we will bring it to you, there was no charge. I gave the bible to my new friend.
I attended the Indian Hoop dances that were held close by. Amazing! Nearly got in a fight with an indian woman who was begging for cigarrets in front of a store with a help wanted sign hanging in the window, I was short on patience and called that sign to her attention.
The wrecker driver said he wanted to buy my car for parts for his wifes car. So I walked to the Ford Place and asked about a cheap truck anything to get me back to Texas.....Wheeled and dealed on a new ford ranger had to overnight paperwork to DH for his signature. That took 3 days. Finally had the keys about 5:00pm decided to leave early the next day.
I was packing the truck to go home and my indian friend walked up and handed me a gift. It was a small turquoise ring. Such a kind gesture. I made it home safely after spending a week in Holbrook, Arizona.
A couple of years later DH and I went to visit my son. I wanted to spend the night in Holbrook so I could show DH the scenes of the crime...LOL! Little did I know that I would get a little catch in my heart of fondness for that little desert town.
