Weird couple of weeks

  The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of craziness. Topping the crazy was the addition of a cat to our household. Believe me, I didn't want another crazy in this apartment. The boy wanted one. All for him. To make matters worse, it's a kitten. I wanted to adopt an older cat. Instead we got the emotional equivalent to me- a needy kitten. She's very adorable and sooo loving. But, when she wants to brush against my face in the middle of the night, I feel a murderous rage. I haven't slept well since she arrived. Luckily, she lets the child sleep. I'm the focus of her attention. If I don't pet her, she bites my nose. She is me in cat form. This is karma. Or Sparta. I can't decide.
  With the holidays approaching, I had car problems, of course. Driving home from work, I hear a dragging sound coming from the car. I pulled over to the nearest gas station. My exhaust pipe was hanging from the car, dragging on the ground. So, there's me, in dress, under the car trying to tie it with a string. Needless to say, that didn't work. When I emerged from the car, a middle-aged, black guy approached me to help. Saying he didn't have wire, he couldn't do much. He offered me a ride, which I declined. He then asked if I "party". I don't know what the hell that meant. I replied with "I'm a mom." He told me I was beautiful and wished he could have helped. I walked home with blackened hands and twigs in my hair.
  Believe it or not, things got better. I phoned a good friend to see if he was around to ride me from home back to the car to get it towed. He wasn't, however he listened to me sob like a maniac. He offered his help and said "You're not in this alone." Those were the most beautiful words I could have heard. I felt like a weight had been lifted. Since Bob died, it has been a daunting task doing this alone. Just thinking about it terrifies me. I've been so stressed and scared, but I haven't told anyone. I need to be strong. When I heard those words, I broke. This friend has been so supportive. For the first time in months, I felt relief. Those words were the equivalent of a million hugs. I'm truly indebted to him for everything. So, I was able to get my shit together. A tow driver from Stickles towing met me at the gas station. He wasn't just a tow truck driver, he was an angel. He said I could drive it to the repair place, without needing a tow. He was going to strap the piece under my car, but he didn't have his strap on him. He offered to follow me there, since I was nervous. He, then, drove me back home. He refused to take any money. I told him he was an angel. That night, two men restored my faith in humanity. I had some Christmas presents stashed away already, so it didn't ruin the boy's Christmas.
  Work has been crazy due to that time of year. I have my yearly cold and sled dog cough going on. I can deal with it because I have peace for once in a long time.