The moral of the story: Cars take gas to run

First, the problem was high gas prices; now the problem is beginning to be gas shortages. I have a few gas stories to share. Hopefully you will see that history can repeat itself but in a different manner.

Cars were not always able to give signals when the tank was almost empty. Well, maybe the signal was there, and I just thought there might be enough to get me to the point where I needed to be. Needless to say, I have run out of gas a few times in my life.

One summer, it was my task to take care of Daddy while Mama and my sisters spent time with Aunt Sug in Pasadena, Calif. My brother Billy was 2 and he was my helper.

On this day, Daddy and Billy had gone to Newberry. I decided to use this time to visit with my friend Gloria, who lived in the neighborhood. We went to a grocery store and passed the gas station, but I decided I would stop when I left the neighborhood to visit another friend.

As I traveled to the top of the hill, the car shut off and would not crank. I discovered what I did not want to know: I was out of gas. I walked to the gas station and asked if I could purchase gas and borrow a can. The manager said it would cost $5 to borrow the can. I told him that I only had $5 for gas, and I would return the can. He said he did not lend cans and he was sorry.

At that moment, Mr. Son Counts, who was sitting in the corner, spoke, "That's Buster's daughter. Let her use the can; she will return it." I did not see him until he spoke, and I thanked him for speaking on my behalf. I purchased the gas, returned the can and again thanked Mr. Counts and the store manager for the gas and use of the can.

When I told Daddy about the day, I learned the moral of the story: Always be honest, and it is good to be a chip from a good block. On the other side of the coin, remember that it takes gas for automobiles to run.

It seems as if I still push my car to the limit. It has become a habit that I run out of gas not too far from a gas station. Someone would come along and help me get to the station for gas. Then one day, my oldest child spoke up: "Mommy, it is embarrassing to run out of gas. We don't like for people to stop and see us parked in this manner." She was my wake-up call. Auto manufacturers had me in mind when they made cars with warnings as to the amount of gas left in the tank.

Gas issues are the beginning of transportation issues. I love riding the bus. I grew up in Columbia where I could ride the bus all over the city. Those were the days of tokens and transfers. What are my choices now? Suppose I decided to travel via golf cart. I would feel safe just in my immediate neighborhood. I can ride a bicycle, but could I handle the traffic on Ribaut Road, our busiest thoroughfare?

A scooter or motorcycle would not be vehicles of choice for me. So, what are my choices? I guess I will continue to check gas prices as I drive and try not to have, as my daughter said, "an embarrassing situation." I will pray that those who are in charge of gas, from the top to the bottom, will do the right thing by Americans.

Then, as I begin to travel, I will pick up a "pamper bag" with a beverage, snacks and reading material, just in case there is a long line at the gas station. Like it or not, this is a wonderful way to learn to be patient. Here are a few snacks to pack if you are waiting in line.

Port Royal resident Ervena Faulkner is a retired educator who has always had an interest in food and nutrition. E-mail her at features@beaufortgazette.com.