Would you jump my...
By firecracker
@sacmom (14192)
United States
September 27, 2009 1:35am CST
truck? 
That's what I was in need of today when I went up to the store. After I put the groceries in the back I got in my truck and started it up. Nothing happened. It was completely dead. I tried a few more times. No luck, I was stranded. That is, until a couple (possibly husband and wife?) parked their car in the space in front of me.
I didn't beat around the bush. I asked them for a jump...and the woman jumped. LOL It's not what I wanted, but I guess I had it coming for asking it that way. They asked if I had jumper cables so I took a look in the back, but there weren't any. I even looked inside the cab and behind the seat, but they weren't there either. "Great", I thought to myself. "They must be at home."
Unfortunately they didn't have any on them either. But then the man said he'd go home and get theirs. The woman said she would go shopping while he was gone.
After waiting maybe 15 -20 minutes, the man drives back in the same spot. The woman comes up from behind with her shopping cart. All of us laughed a little about what great timing they had. LOL
After hooking both vehicles up, the woman starts up their car. I get in the truck and try to start mine. It was a little sluggish at first, but it started up! Yea! I was so grateful to them for helping me out. I thanked them and headed home.
So, would you help someone if they were in need of a jump...for their vehicle? Why, or why not?
That's what I was in need of today when I went up to the store. After I put the groceries in the back I got in my truck and started it up. Nothing happened. It was completely dead. I tried a few more times. No luck, I was stranded. That is, until a couple (possibly husband and wife?) parked their car in the space in front of me.
I didn't beat around the bush. I asked them for a jump...and the woman jumped. LOL It's not what I wanted, but I guess I had it coming for asking it that way. They asked if I had jumper cables so I took a look in the back, but there weren't any. I even looked inside the cab and behind the seat, but they weren't there either. "Great", I thought to myself. "They must be at home."
Unfortunately they didn't have any on them either. But then the man said he'd go home and get theirs. The woman said she would go shopping while he was gone.
After waiting maybe 15 -20 minutes, the man drives back in the same spot. The woman comes up from behind with her shopping cart. All of us laughed a little about what great timing they had. LOL
After hooking both vehicles up, the woman starts up their car. I get in the truck and try to start mine. It was a little sluggish at first, but it started up! Yea! I was so grateful to them for helping me out. I thanked them and headed home.
So, would you help someone if they were in need of a jump...for their vehicle? Why, or why not?15 people like this
52 responses
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
27 Sep 09
It is always nice to meet kind souls who are prepared to help out. If I had jumper leads in the car I would like to assist although these days one must take care because you never know when you stop if the people are trustworthy in other words if I felt it was safe enough to do so I would most certainly help!
3 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
27 Sep 09
It sure is Paula. That is very kind of you to offer to help others like that.
I don't blame you Amber. However, what if the woman was a bodybuilder and had muscles like a man? Would you still help her out then? (Sorry, I just had to ask! LOL)
1 person likes this
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
29 Sep 09
it would depend if it was a female or older peroson well ok 99% of the time i would help a stranger out in a parking lot.
if they are on side of the road i might have to think about it since where i live crime is high and never know
i helped this guy to open his car once and he handed me money i told him not to worry about since it was christmas but return the favor by helping someone else out
3 people like this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
27 Sep 09
Yes I would help if it was it a lighted area or daylight or make a call for them to get more help. I don't carry jumper cables but that's a good idea to buy and put in my car before the start of winter here. Will be doing alot of driving this winter back and forth to our daughter's house which is about 20 min. from our house. Would hate to get stranded on the highway in the middle of no where. Was very nice of the strangers to help you.
2 people like this
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Nope, didn't know there were portable battery boosters. What I do is replace the battery every 3-4 years just to be safe whether the car/suv needs a battery or not. It might be costly but makes me feel safe since I drive quite a bit after dark alone back and forth to our daughter's house. I do have a gauge on my suv that shows the battery level.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I wish I had one on my husband's truck. 
He ended up replacing the battery yesterday after he got off work. The battery was pretty old (about 4 years old), so we were due for a new one anyway. Now the truck starts up great! As for the portable battery booster, I ended up returning it. As much as I would like to have it for emergencies we just can't afford to get both right now.
He ended up replacing the battery yesterday after he got off work. The battery was pretty old (about 4 years old), so we were due for a new one anyway. Now the truck starts up great! As for the portable battery booster, I ended up returning it. As much as I would like to have it for emergencies we just can't afford to get both right now.@sacmom (14192)
• United States
28 Sep 09
It sure was!
Did you know that they have portable battery boosters, that don't require the use of another car at all? After I found out I made my husband go get one so that we can keep it in the truck, just in case, as I never want to go through that again!
Happy mylotting!
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Oct 09
Yeah, I would...no problem. Except, now you mention it. I haven't seen my jumper leads for a long time and I have no idea where they are.
Where I live, it's common courtesy to stop and inquire if folk are ok if they are stopped on the side of the road. It's a long way from anywhere out here and one day it might be me in need of help. The first day I traveled out here to check out my house, I broke down. The first guy that went passed stopped and took a message to the next town for me. Every single car that passed, probably 6 cars and trucks or so, stopped to ask if I was ok. My friend drove out about 40 minutes later and fixed my car - the thermostat was broken - and I was on my way again.
It doesn't hurt to help someone if they need it. Sure, in some instances it could be a bit risky but you evaluate the situation before you act and hopefully things go ok.
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
4 Oct 09
That's cool that everyone was willing to stop like that. It's too bad it's not the same way here.
Happy mylotting!
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
27 Sep 09
I've done so many times and always carry cables in the trunk of my car.
I buy a yearly membership from AAA and I've used it at least once a year, which pays for it right there. Did you know that they have portable units to jump your car or truck, no other vehicle needed?! 
I was pleasantly surprised!
I'm glad you ran into that nice couple. Now write a little blurb to your local paper about the incident and maybe they'll publish it and inspire people to think there is still good in this world.
I was pleasantly surprised!
I'm glad you ran into that nice couple. Now write a little blurb to your local paper about the incident and maybe they'll publish it and inspire people to think there is still good in this world.2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Hi dragon. Actually, I did. But only after I looked up jumper cables yesterday, to see what was available. After finding some online I showed them to my husband and he ran up and got one at the automotive store. Only problem is, I did a search on the one that he got and it has some negative reviews on it. Worse yet, there's nothing positive at all about it. I sure hope it'll do what it's supposed to do as I don't want to be in the same predicament as before.
I hate to admit it, but I don't know the first thing about sending in a blurb to the local paper. I've never done it before so I wouldn't even know where to start. 
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Find your paper online and send an email to the editor or if they have an online comment section put your experience there. Be sure to tell your kids, if you haven't already, they'll be pleased to hear there are good people out there. If they listened to the news they wouldn't think there were!
2 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
27 Sep 09
If I could then Yes I would because I know how it is t o be stranded and needing a jump. I have had to wait hours before waiting for a jump. So if it is within my power to jump someone's car,van or truck I do so. Cause it is no fun..And worse when you have groceries or kids needing to get home. I know alot of pople don't like helping strangers..but look at it from their point of view..would you want them to help you if it was you stranded and needing your vechicle jump started?
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
28 Sep 09
You're right, it's no fun at all. I'm just thankful that neither of my kids were with me that day. Because not only was it not fun, but it was hot out as well. Hey, at least I forgot to buy the ice cream. Otherwise it would have never made it through! LOL
I don't know if it's so much that people don't like to help strangers, it's probably more that they are weary it might be a trick. And with there being so many horror stories on the news who can blame them? It sure is nice to know that some people are still willing to take a chance when someone is in need of help, otherwise those that are really in need of it could wind up with no help at all.
@patgalca (18366)
• Orangeville, Ontario
27 Sep 09
I have an emergency kit in my car which includes jumper cables. Not too long ago I parked at a store where one of the employees was leaving and couldn't get her car started. Not only did I help boost her car, I followed her home to make sure she made it... she didn't. She pulled into another parking lot and I asked her what was wrong. She said it seemed sluggish and she was worried about the upcoming upward slope. I told her to keep going; I would follow her. I ended out having to get out and push her (not something I could do on my own, I assure you). Some idiots were impatient and whizzed on by while four men appeared out of nowhere and helped push her up the hill. I continued to follow her home and then told her exactly what I thought was wrong with the car because the same thing had happened to me. I told her to make sure the mechanic checked that. The next time I saw her at the store she said I was right. My bad experience (I had taken the vehicle to the mechanic a couple of times for this problem because it was happening repeatedly) helped someone else. My knowledge helped her from having to go through multiple stallings by getting the problem fixed the first time.
All things happen for a reason. And helping other people not only makes you feel good, it's just the right thing to do.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
29 Sep 09
It's wonderful that you were able to help this woman like you did. Sometimes things really do happen for a reason. 
@embattledsparkle (1072)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Yes I would give someone a jump who needed it and have this year. I've also been helped in the past as well and I am grateful for the people who gave me a jump. Now there are a few cases I would not give someone a jump. If it was late at night and the area was deserted or if it were during the day in a deserted area. As a woman and a mom, If I were alone, I have to pick my safety first.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I can't say as I blame you. I do the same as I'm a mom too.
@mzz663 (2772)
• United States
28 Sep 09
I've needed a jump before and I've helped people that needed one. If it's the daytime and I'm in a busy place, yeah, I would. In a place that's mostly secluded and dark, I'd really have to think about it. I've called people that were close before that I knew could help in certain situations. I have a really good vehicle and roadside assistance now but still keep the jumper cables in the back just in case me, one of my kids or someone else needs a jump. I've even used one of my road calls for a stranger with 3 kids, she locked her keys in her car and it was cold outside, she wanted to know if I wanted something for it, I told her no, just see if you can help someone else sometime. I believe that, what comes around goes around and one day, me helping someone else will come back around to me if I need the help.
2 people like this
@jsitko (1169)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Hi Sacmom,
Yes! I would have helped you out too. Fortunately my cables would be in my vehicle. I have helped many people I have seen stranded and so has my husband.
There was this one time a lady and her maybe 2 year old daughter were off to the side of the road with their hood up. I stopped to see if I could help, her radiator over heated and she need water/fluid added. I did not have and antifreeze with me, so I called my husband to see if he was home and could bring either water or antifreeze to help her out. No hesitation from him, he got the jug and was there with n 20 minutes. He also made sure that it was going to run and that there were no leaks anywhere. He explained to her that she had a clog somewhere and she need to get her radiator flushed. It helps that he was a mechanic and always willing to help.
This lady wanted to pay us for our time and the antifreeze and we said there was no need. I actually saw her a few weeks later at the grocery store. She bought a bouquet of flowers and gave them to me in the store as a way of thanks. I was so surprised and thanked her. We stood there talking for about 30 minutes and we finally exchanged phone numbers. A friendship began to grow! We have been friends for about 5 months now.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
30 Sep 09
That's pretty cool that a friendship came out of it. Thanks for sharing!
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
27 Sep 09
oh my naughty mind sacmom, when I first read your title of your
discussion. anyway If I drove which I don't , but if I
did and someone asked me to jump start their car, I would
certainly do so at once. Why would I do it? Because what goes
around comes around, when you help people, you usually get helped yourself when you need it most, it is true, what goes around '
comes around.
2 people like this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
27 Sep 09
I do not own jumper cables myself, and I don't own a cell phone either, so I'm not normally in a position to offer any help. Besides that I'm usually alone with my kids, usually just the youngest 2 as the older 3 are in school. So it's rare that I can offer help, especially since I'd have no way of protecting my kids if the person needing help were a predator who only pretended to need help in order to lure innocent victims in. If I can help from a safe distance I will try, but it's actually never come up. I won't stop for a stranded motorist, because I truly cannot be of service even if I weren't afraid for my own safety. I've had plenty of people stop to offer me help over the years. I've broken down and people have offered me rides, or allowed me to use their cell phone. I do appreciate it, and hopefully someday I'll be in a position to pull over and offer a phone call from my cell phone.. once I get one.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
29 Sep 09
I agree. Us women should always think of our safety first whenever we are alone or with our kids.
@gracefuldove (1668)
• Malaysia
28 Sep 09
You really got the poor woman to jump. If I were her, I would have asked you-how high? Anyway, jokes aside, it is good to check our batteries regularly. It it is maintenance free, it still has a life and must be replaced when the time comes. For the conventional ones, ensure that the battery water is sufficient. Also, throw them away after a year.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
29 Sep 09
Hey, I didn't make her do it. She did it all on her own. 
LOL
Turns out the battery did need to be replaced. My husband got a new one and it works great! The truck starts with no problems now. 
LOL
Turns out the battery did need to be replaced. My husband got a new one and it works great! The truck starts with no problems now. 
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Hi Jody! Well, you have a good excuse. I'll let it slide...this time! 
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
Hi, sacmom
I probably wouldn't because I do not know if I have jumper cables and I do not know how to jump a car. I am helpless when it comes to those things. I only know how to drive (I do it well too!) and clean it. Other than that, I just call my husband or my father.
It's nice to know that there are people like that where you are. The guy willingly went home and the woman did not mind shopping alone.
I probably wouldn't because I do not know if I have jumper cables and I do not know how to jump a car. I am helpless when it comes to those things. I only know how to drive (I do it well too!) and clean it. Other than that, I just call my husband or my father.
It's nice to know that there are people like that where you are. The guy willingly went home and the woman did not mind shopping alone.@sacmom (14192)
• United States
27 Sep 09
Hi Rainegurl. You're not alone, I'm helpless when it comes to these sort of things too. Hopefully that'll change soon though!
I agree. It sure is nice to know there are still some good Samaritans out there.
Happy mylotting!
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
27 Sep 09
Oh yes. I have been there before and if I saw someone in a parking lot that needed a jump..sure. I think that we should be caeful when doing so because that's the way that some criminals lure us in, but I would do it anyway because I know what it's like to be stuck.
2 people like this
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
28 Sep 09
That's very true Jen. We do have to be careful. I guess I looked innocent enough to these people for them to help me like they did. That or maybe they just felt sorry for me. Whatever the reason it doesn't matter to me, I'm just thankful that they were able to help me!
Whatever the reason it doesn't matter to me, I'm just thankful that they were able to help me! @sacmom (14192)
• United States
28 Sep 09
That is very nice of you to be willing to help out like that.
@happybear (56)
• China
27 Sep 09
if my boyfriend and I face the same situation,I am sure we would help you.My boyfriend is a warmhearted sunshine boy,he like to give a hand to others who needs help.we used to help a drunk person to find his home in a very cold night last winter,ect.hah,we feel very happy after helping others.
2 people like this
