Dear Editor:
I would like to share a recent experience that surely showed me there is still much kindness shown in these troubled times.
I was driving to Fort Erie on the Friday night before the long weekend and my vehicle broke down on the highway in Hamilton. A cloud of smoke came through my vent and the car stalled. I had my eight-month-old granddaughter in the back. I could only envision a car accident about to happen.
I was towed back to Fergus and suggested they leave the vehicle parked outside of Canadian Tire as my regular mechanic in Guelph was on holidays.
When the garage opened on Monday I explained what happened. After the vehicle was assessed they were quite surprised that I did not have any codes or lights on my dashboard warning me of any problems.
Oil had spewed all over the manifold. There was no exhaust coming from the muffler. It had overheated beyond a normal level for the catalytic converter.
My fear was that the transmission had given up the ghost. I was concerned about the great cost it would be or that maybe I was about to lose my vehicle, my independence.
I returned to Canadian Tire daily for five days to see what progress, if any, was being made. I was assured by Brett that he and his apprentices were intrigued by this challenging car. “It is like a puzzle and we will solve it. We will look after you,” he said.
By the third day they discovered my resonator pipe had broken and fiberglass had exploded into my muffler, blocking it completely!
Normally a dealership would say, “You need a new exhaust system and muffler.”
These apprentices knew I was a senior and my pockets are only so deep. They attempted to snake the fiberglass out, then vacuum it out and eventually blew it out which sprayed their walls. Brett said “the boys really enjoyed this puzzle, they have never seen anything like it!”
Now Brett presents me with the bill. I just cried. I did not know how to thank him and his co-workers. The bill was very fair.
Their kindness, patience and perseverance will never be forgotten. Because of them I am able to maintain my independence as a senior and I will be forever grateful. Because of them, grandma still has her wheels!
Thank you, gentlemen.
Peggy Williams,
Fergus