Roundabouts

I’m not fond of roundabouts. I’m more of a four-way stop kind of guy.

Last week, I was approaching an intersection in Reno. Of course, it was a roundabout, so I stop and wait for a car already in the roundabout to slip on by me. However, the red Ford comes to a complete stop a few yards to my left.

The stopped Ford’s driver is an elderly lady, her hands on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 position. I get her attention and firmly motion for her to move on through. She sees my hand waving and smiles at me. She gives me a friendly wave back as if we are parishioners at the same church. Her Ford does not budge.

A car behind her slams on the brakes, and the young driver honks menacingly. A pickup truck creeps up to my back bumper.

This is my new year of joy and kindness. I smile and wave back at her and slowly move into the roundabout. I roll down my window and encourage her to follow me. I’m now the friendly, lead car. All the other roundabout drivers are going nuts with frustration and anger. The Ford lady and I are sporting big smiles. 

It’s going to be a great year.