Running on empty (running blind)

Running into the sun, but I’m running behind.

— Jackson Browne

There are several gas cans out in our garage. One has gas mixed with oil to operate the summer power weapons. One is the straight non-ethanol gas that the mower and the snow blower like. The other four are for me. Well, they’re for my car.

They sit out there, waiting to be called upon. One is full, the others are for backup, just in case. They’re waiting for my call to my wife from some deserted country road or maybe a parking lot somewhere nearby. Eventually. I will be in my car on the side of the road, and the gas tank will be empty. It’s what I do. It’s who I am. I am fuel-challenged.

It’s understood that most people who drive motorized vehicles don’t have this experience. Many people, I’m certain, will read this and have never run out of gas while driving, ever. Apart from the obvious embarrassment, it doesn’t really amount to much. When it happens, your vehicle will be going zero miles per hour. But if it does happen with any regularity, like a nickname, it will be something that gets remembered, and it will stick.

Maybe it was my 40th birthday? I got three gas cans as presents. These weren’t gag gifts. Three people who cared about me thought my having an extra gas can was a good idea. They were thoughtful, utilitarian offerings. They were heartfelt expressions of genuine concern. Yes, most people have never been given gas cans for their birthday either.

I’m remembering about a dozen fuel-challenged escapades. So, just guessing,........

© Finger Lakes Times