Most people would not have enjoyed this:

Yesterday, as I drove down a major, high-speed-limit highway, a tire flew clean off my car. I had to wait more than two hours for significant help--largely because my auto service organization mis-guessed my location, even though I'd walked about a half a mile so I could read the closest mile marker and exit signs to the representative.

It was Saturday afternoon. The only spare I had was the "donut" that came with the car. And I was more than a hundred miles from home.

My auto service organization could give me the name of only one tire store. It was none too nearby, and closed at 5 p.m. I had called for help at 3. By the time a tow truck arrived, it was going on 5.

My auto club (let's call it Country Car Club) rep, Mike, told me I'd be charged for extra mileage to get me from my destination to the tire and auto center--even though the location mistake had not been mine.

"Mike," I said, "I gave you folks enough information to help you figure out where I was. You've kept me waiting for hours. Several tire stores are closing before I can get there. None of this is my fault. Much of it is your fault."

He called back a few minutes later to say they'd take care of the charge. Thank you, CCC. (By the way, every CCC rep I spoke with was as kind as could be: Linda, Paula, Sarah, Mike and, later, Michael.)

When I left my starting point at 1:20 p.m., it was with the expectation of arriving at about 4:30. I didn't get home until 10.

But I told you, it wasn't a horrible day. In fact--no fooling--quite the opposite.

Why? Well, that was due largely to the efforts of the tow truck driver, Paul S. of Rainbow Garage in Newbury, N.H.

Paul put me at ease (inasmuch as possible) immediately with his gentle manner. With a very light touch, he cupped my shoulder and spoke kindly. (He later told me he does rescues--diving into water or descending cliffs--where, I imagine, that kind of demeanor serves him well.) He offered me a choice of music, a charge for my failing cell phone, and told me to make myself comfortable.

We needed to "rescue" another car along the way, and that took us through the gorgeous Sunapee, N.H., area and some astonishingly lovely scenery. It happens to have been a warm and sunny day. Blue sky, puffy white clouds. Paul stopped to allow a mother turkey and about a dozen baby birds across the country road.

When we arrived at the auto and tire center, I think Paul asked the fellow in charge to see that I was assisted quickly. (By then, it was about 7:30 p.m. on a summer Saturday, so the place wasn't terribly busy anyway.)

The rest of my trip was mostly uneventful. (I did have a hard time finding my way back to the highway, and that's where Michael of CCC lent a big hand.)

Other acquaintances I made yesterday included kindly Ken at the tire store (Ken has a grown daughter in Washington state, and a regional accent I could listen to all day) and two New Hampshire troopers who, in turn, had stayed with my car awaiting help. I don't know how much appreciation police officers receive, but I was glad for the assistance of officers Anderson and Presby.

The trip was fatiguing, but, in its way, fascinating. In any case, my points (in case they're too hard to pick out!) are:

Do what you can to make a bad situation tolerable for yourself or others. That's what Paul did.

Stand your ground. Argue--politely but firmly--when you know you're right. That's what I did.

Graciously concede when you know you're wrong. As Mike did.

Whenever possible, stay calm.

Look for the good in a situation. Me again. And always travel with snacks.