Back in 1987, my mom drove a rusty Renault Encore that looked like it had seen better days—decades ago. It was compact, unappealing, and constantly on the fritz. I was old enough to feel the embarrassment of being dropped off at school in that clunker, so I insisted she let me out a full block away to save face.
Since we didn’t have much money, taking that jalopy to a mechanic was out of the question. One night, after a long struggle with her unreliable car, she stumbled upon an infomercial and decided to order a set of DIY auto repair books. She was determined to become her own mechanic.
By the end of summer, my mom had transformed into a self-taught car expert. She learned how to change tires, oil, and even tackle the emergency brake. She jumped the car multiple times, replaced belts, brakes, spark plugs, and even the clutch. By the time fall rolled around, we were amazed at how many times she saved that Encore from the scrap heap.
Just before the new school year, she received exciting news: the university was interested in her for a temp-secretary position. If she landed the job, it would mean financial stability—no more worrying about groceries or bills. The university was a 25-minute drive away. But the real question was—would the Encore make it?
The day before her big interview, my mom sat at our electric typewriter in the dining room, practicing speed-typing drills and reviewing dictation skills. By afternoon, our neighbor dropped off a stylish navy dress and beige pumps for her to borrow, making sure she looked the part.
On the morning of the interview, she rushed us through breakfast and dropped me off at school a whole 45 minutes early to avoid traffic. She was anxious about the car breaking down.
While I was at school, trading stories about sunburns and who had the best Madonna lyrics down, I couldn’t shake off my worry for my mom.
Later that evening, she shared her day with me. She arrived 15 minutes early for the interview and made a great impression on the HR lady. The questions were predictable, and she felt confident—she’d practiced them all.
After the interview, as she walked back to the parking lot, the Encore let out a horrible noise, and smoke billowed from the back. The muffler had come loose! Without hesitation, she kicked off her borrowed pumps, grabbed a floor mat, and knelt on the asphalt to reattach it.
The HR lady noticed and approached her, asking if she needed help. My mom looked up, smiled, and said, “That’s very kind, but I can handle this myself. It just takes some grit and determination.” And guess what? She got hired on the spot!
That car finally gave up a few months later, but I was never embarrassed by it again. I learned a valuable lesson from my mom about resilience and getting things done, no matter the challenges.
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Summary:
In this heartfelt story, the author reflects on the lessons learned from her determined mother, who, despite financial struggles, taught her the value of resilience and self-reliance. Through her resourcefulness, she not only saved an old car but also secured a job that brought stability to their lives.