After a magical summer spent exploring Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, it was finally time to head home. Leaving is always bittersweet. It’s hard to say goodbye after being surrounded by family, laughter, and having (most of) my kids under one roof again. That last night, we soaked up every minute—playing pickleball and soccer with family—before heading to bed for our early morning flight.
Ben took us to the airport, and thankfully, the flight went smoothly—except for Xander making Christopher take him to the bathroom five times, with only the last trip being for an actual emergency.
Nathan met us at the airport and helped us load up the van for the long 10-hour drive home. But just under two hours in, things took a turn. Christopher noticed the engine temperature rising rapidly, and a warning light confirmed it: the car was overheating. He pulled over and discovered a leak in the coolant reservoir.
We tried everything—added water, bought coolant—but the engine still wouldn't stay cool. After some frantic searching, we found that only a dealership had the part we needed, and of course, it was twice the price. The dealership was 45 minutes away and closing in less than an hour.
We called to buy the part and hoped they'd leave it somewhere safe for us to pick up, since we’d have to “baby” the car all the way there. But Doug from the parts department had a different idea.
Once he heard we had kids in the car and the engine was in bad shape, he said, without hesitation, “You’re not going to make it to me—I’ll come to you.”
Doug had just finished a full day of work, but he offered to drive 45 minutes in the opposite direction of his home to deliver a part to complete strangers. He told us to take the kids to a McDonald’s to stay cool and fed, and said he’d be there within the hour.
We were stunned. Who does that anymore?
True to his word, Doug showed up—smiling, helpful, and asking nothing in return. He didn’t just give us a part. He gave us the ability to get home safely. His simple, selfless act was more than just kind—it was deeply Christlike.
We managed to do a patch repair at an AutoZone, and finally rolled into our driveway at 4 a.m.—exhausted, grateful, and a little in awe.
This morning, Doug texted to check in on us. Can you believe that?
The world needs more Dougs—and I want to be more like Doug.
That moment will stay with me forever.
What Doug didn’t know was that the blessings didn’t stop with him. Looking back, I see so many little mercies that showed me the Lord was watching out for our family:
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Doug was the one to answer the phone.
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The part was miraculously in stock.
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An AutoZone was off the very next exit we could safely reach.
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It was open until 9 p.m.
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We had a safe, comfortable place to wait for Doug, where the kids could rest and play.
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And the car? The patch held all the way home.
What could’ve been a disaster became a story of provision, protection, and kindness. The Lord truly had His hand over us the entire time. I'm so thankful.
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