It is wonderful when our car works. The mechanic solved Anna's ills without any advice from us. We are such long time friends he actually delivered the van to our driveway with a gentle reminder to clear off her windshield.
"The wet leaves fell down inside the engine, and sat there long enough to cause the struts to rust. Never seen that before. But she's alright now."
Wheels. What a luxury. Easy to take for granted until the squeaking starts. I think I will spring for a car wash.
Mind you there are still other small inconveniences to deal with. A nibbling intruder managed to chew through both the hose for the dishwasher and the ignition pilot in the oven. Which means we are washing by hand and taking muffins next door to a neighbor's oven. Annoying, to be sure. But John has been looking for solutions online.
In an effort to exercise gratitude, I gave my attention to things that currently work. My hands in the soapy water, I smiled.
"The washer works! So does the dryer. The heat is on, and the new windows keep it in."
"The computer works!" chimed Benjamin. He is a fan of the internet.
He has inherited his father mathematical prowess. He enjoys it. Not just knowing the answers, but searching for them.
I thought about my renewed exhilaration in having a working car. In Benjamin's stable mental health. I suppose it would have been possible to relish those miracles without having lost them. But then again maybe not.
