Life lessons from a nail-biting ride

PENNSYLVANIA (US), where we lived for a few years, had its share of fond memories and some scary ones too. One morning, we were getting ready to visit our friends in Philadelphia. Avi, our one-year-old son, had to be forced into occupying the baby’s car seat, which he hated and I dreaded. Although he loved car rides — zooming past trees, watching clouds race — he loathed being strapped. Unlike his older brother, he couldn’t press his face against the window. Every ride began and ended with a dramatic flailing of arms, and anyone in the parking lot would think that he was being kidnapped.

Om, the older sibling, climbed into the car with a book and a backpack of his brother’s toys. Smiling knowingly, my husband said, “Anyone can see how much you care for your brother. The toys… they are just to distract him so you can read, right?”

Grinning impishly, Om replied, “Maybe.”

An hour later, we reached our friend’s home. Their dog Bruno bounded around the living room in excitement. The house echoed with its barks and the kids’ giggles.

After lunch, we began the drive back home on the I-76 expressway. It was a warm afternoon. Avi was sleeping soundly, while Om was engrossed in his Harry Potter book. I noticed that my husband was unusually quiet and looked up from the crossword puzzle I was working on. He was not keeping the usual safe distance with the car ahead. Being a cautious driver, he was tailgating the vehicle, something he never did. He was calmly manoeuvring the car to the last lane of the highway and not making sudden movements.

I asked,” What’s wrong?” He answered reluctantly, “The brakes aren’t working.” My heart dropped.

The speed limit was about 55 miles per hour. Obviously, he did not want to worry me. I felt a lump in my throat. I looked around and saw a steady stream of vehicles cruising along.

Om looked up from his book and asked his favourite question, “Are we there, yet?” I nodded.

He remarked, “Did you know Harry’s friend Ron is scared of spiders, just like me?” At this instant, Avi woke up and mumbled, “Water”. My hands were trembling when I handed him the ‘Winnie the Pooh’ bottle.

I noticed that finally, my husband had found an exit from the highway. He brought the car to a stop after grazing a tree. I looked at my family and whispered, “We are here! Now!”

Later, we found out that the parking brake was not fully disengaged. This small oversight had made the brakes slippery. We also realised how important it is to appreciate the little things in life — the giggles, the quiet strength of a loved one at the wheel and even a child’s tantrums.

We called for a tow truck and the kids enjoyed an unexpected adventure ride that became the highlight of their day. It definitely wasn’t just another ride!