"Look, it's a barge", he said with delight. We couldn't
see the broad
Mississippi River that ranged just in front of our campsite but
we sure
could see the happy lights of the barge slowly heading south.
"They go all
the way to the Gulf", he said. The last clank of the tow
bars released our
Beloved Elephant to level ground. West Memphis. And not exactly
under our
own steam.
It was close to sunset. Anahata was driving, I was at
the table
tapping away on the computer. Suddenly the engine sounded as if
something
had come unglued.....and Anahata in panic told me she had no power.
I
helped her coax BE to the shoulder of the highway. And picked
up the trusty
cell phone to call the trusty Good Sam Emergency Roadside service.
Within
minutes they had dispatched a tow truck. White Motor Company.
Our White
Knight Benji, most adorable young man, fresh freckled round face,
short and
well built, white overalls, certainly knew his business. And
his
experienced eye told us the sad tale. "Looks like the transmission
is
blown". He pointed to the tell tale drippings and went about
preparing our
baby for the hoist. Fortunately for us I had just made a reservation
at the
Tom Sawyer Mississippi River Camp. And even though it was more
than 30
miles away Good Sam was going to have us towed where we wanted
to go.
It was a cushy ride, nice to have someone else driving
for a bit.
Night had thoroughly descended. As we followed the directions
to the camp
we passed through an area that was so industrial it was scary.
Even Benji
got nervous. We crept through, past a sign that said "No
Exit"....and then
industry gave way to huge towering trees and the deepest forest.
An elderly
fellow drove up, "Ben waitin' fer ya" he chuckled as
he examined our
situation. "We got you the spot with the modem, he can drive
right through
and drop you on the level". Ker plunk. Right here by the
side of the ol'
Mississip.
Benji knows some mechanics in town and who knows what
will happen
tomorrow. We must be in Atlanta to teach by Friday night. It is
at least a
nine hour drive. We will probably rent a car, pile our piles in
it....leave
our BE to be tended.
Hey. We need some prayers. Big time. Maybe the problem
can be fixed
up easy like and we can still get to Chattanooga to pick up Jessica
and on
to Atlanta with all our parts intact.
For tonight, we are amazingly comfortable, had a fabulous
meal and
are both tap tapping away.
Hey, I should tell you about our other adventures. While
I am at
it. Yawn. Nah. Too tired. Big day tomorrow. I'll catch you up
soon.
The Power of Prayer
Ok Tara Troupes. You did it. Healed our BE. Miraculous. The
entire
transmission was rebuilt, the housing replaced in one day. We
were on the
road to Chattanooga by 7:30 PM. We didn't get there till three
in the
morning. But get there we did. And the next day Jessica, my niece,
climbed
aboard and we toodled on to Atlanta to lead the Tara introduction
to around
forty gorgeous Taras of every age and hue.
Thanks for pulling us through. I heard from so many of you who
sent all
kinds of prayers and good wishes, some engaging in various rituals,
burning
candles and invoking a little known Hindu saint who specializes
in healing
automotive problems.Hari OM.
Sending Waxing Moon Blessings Your Way.
Prema and Anahata
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