When Push Comes to Shove

Recently I was driving home after a short trip to my pharmacy when I approached a red traffic light. There was a city bus to my left beginning to make a turn onto this narrow street with cars parked on both sides. It was obvious that the driver of the city bus was going to make their turn, regardless of what I or the driver of the car in front of me had to do.

Almost before I had time to contemplate what was happening, the car in front of me started backing up. And, of course, I had to back up, too. The problem was that the car kept backing up, seemingly oblivious to whether I would continue to back up or not! Now let me tell you that I am not very proficient at backing up. My family will tell you that when I back into my garage it is a major endeavor!

As our two cars continued our Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk, all I could think was “This car in front of me is going to smash into me . . . “ Miraculously that didn’t happen. And no other vehicles pulled up behind me. The bus made the turn. The car in front of me finally stopped backing up. And I was able to continue to drive home, although very shaken.

We never know when we are going to encounter a “Push Comes to Shove” situation. And it’s probably not something we can practice for. If you have a routine you follow to prepare for such an event, let me know!

A Surprising Dance
Connie Carlisle Polley, 2025
ConnieCarlislePolley.com
NonnyDay.com