I used to own this gorgeous 2002 cherry red Ford Ranger, with a 7 foot bed. (The kind of bed people would ask you to move their couches.) Bought her as a fleet vehicle for ten grand back then.

She was a beautiful truck. Sadly she met its end about 5 years ago, but I had her for 17 years. Miss her every day.

Anyways, there were occasional problems with her, but she always recovered. Whether it be cylinder rebuilds, or radiator replacements, it was always a good day to drive her around.

So, one time the ranger decided to start dying on me while driving on the freeway. Not the best time to start loosing power. I coasted her off the freeway and parked in the lot for the ferry to San Francisco. I call Geico for a tow truck to help me out. Not sure if I am going to have to take a cab home.

From here on out, I can only describe the scene as horror, mixed with joy, love and amazement.

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[SCENE]

EXT Parking Lot: Larkspur Ferry, circa 2013, night

Andrew is waiting for a tow truck to arrive. It’s dark, and some of the parking lot lights are flickering. The lot is entirely empty for the day. The SF fog is starting to creep in.

All of a sudden, from the northern entrance, a massive yellow tow truck tears around the corner. Blaring what is most certainly Cherry Pie by Warrant.

The truck drives past Andrew, makes a huge u-turn, only to stop just beside him, save 10 feet.

The door swings opens. And out of the truck comes the most dangerous, gorgeous man Andrew has ever seen. Dressed in denim overalls, with long flowing hair balding on top, he walk up to Andrew in an extremely confident strut.

The man looks at the car, extends his arms and exclaims in a way only a middle aged, balding, tow truck driving, Brad Pitt look alike could.

Man

So, what’s the trouble with this beautiful machine?

Andrew

Uh, it just seemed to loose power, then died here in the parking lot. I can’t start it and…

The man cuts Andrew off, as if to shush him, by turning around and walking with purpose back to his truck. He turns slightly as he is walking and asks:

Man

Hey, I got some Pepsi’s in the back. You want in?

Pointing at Andrew with a finger that seemed to be a foot long.

Andrew

Na, I’m cool but thank you!

Man

Cool.

The man rummages around in his truck, grabs something, and seemingly satisfied, turns around with a 4 foot pipe. Brandishing it in his hand, he walks quickly towards Andrew, his head tilted slightly down, with his hair dancing around his purposeful eyes.

Man

So, guess what. I can fix this. Pop the hood.

Andrew is scared shitless at this moment, but figures out how to comply. He figures this is it. He is going to be beaten to death by a balding Brad Pitt. He takes a step back, fearing for his life.

The Man arrives at the car, and flips his hair back in an Elle Macpherson fashion. Gazing into the engine.

Man

So, your alternators on its way out. Belt dust and debris most likely. It gets caught inside the brush.

If I am right, I can get you home. If not, I’ll take care of ya.

Right now Andrew is pissing himself. He is most certainly going to die.

The man lifts the pipe above his head, and slams it down upon the alternator, as if he was working with a finely tuned feather.

Man

Ya. Okay.

He hits it again. The parking lot echoes with chaos of metal upon metal.

The man stops, lowers the pipe, and look up at Andrew, as only a tow truck driving Brad Pitt can.

Man

Try it.

Andrew is frozen, but manages to get out a few words.

Andrew

The car? Try the car?

Man

Ya dude. Try the car.

Andrew jumps into his seat, and turns the key. The car rumbles to life.

Man

Give it gas man! Beat that beast!

(He actually said that.) Andrew smiles and knows he is going to live now. He gets out offering to pay the man in cash, thanking him profusely.

The man declines.

Man

Na, that’s cool. Don’t worry about it. Just here helping people out. You take care now.

The man gets heads back to his truck, throws the pipe into the back, flips his hair again, (this time like Cindy Crawford) gives Andrew one last look as if to simply say ‘later’, and drives off into the night.

[/scene]

Since then, I had a whole new appreciation for tow truck drivers. There are a bunch out there just wanting to help. This was one of the greatest people ever, and I got to meet him for 5 minutes.

Best five minutes of that year.

Maybe ever.

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This post is dedicated to the loving memory of big red. Her is her last known picture just before I parted ways with her.