A Miracle on the Road, By Joyce and Barry Vissell

FEATURED COLUMNIST A Miracle on the Road

By Joyce and Barry Vissell

Have you ever really needed help and it seemed like no one cared? Well, we just had that experience and it ended up in a beautiful miracle.

Barry and I had just finished a river trip on the Trinity River in Northern California. It was extremely hot as we were beginning our way back home after a very tiring day putting all of the rafting equipment into our truck and camper. It was 6:30 p.m. and I was sleeping next to Barry as he was slowly making his way up a very steep incline.

All of a sudden there was an explosion!!! The entire radiator burst apart and our windshield was covered in boiling radiator fluid. This was not the typical overheating some vehicles have with steam coming from their hood. This was a complete explosion. We were stopped dead on the shoulder of a very busy highway.

We called AAA right away and, for the first time that I ever remember, they were not helpful. They connected us to a number where we were put on hold for over an hour and, when the person finally came on, he informed us that they were closed. The nearest city, Redding, was over an hour away, and we finally paid to have our truck towed there. On the way, sitting in the truck with the young driver who grew up a few miles from our home, we ended up counseling him through a difficult situation with his new relationship.

We had never been to Redding other than to drive through. It is a small city known for excessive heat, and even on a late Friday evening it was almost 100 degrees outside. It seemed many of the shops were closed for the weekend but the tow truck driver knew of a place that was open Saturday so he left us there. It was now late at night and we got a bit of sleep in our camper even though it was 95 degrees.

In the morning, we discovered a handmade sign on the door of the shop that announced they were no longer open on Saturdays. We were stuck in a very hot parking lot watching the temperatures rise by the minute. It was supposed to be 109 that day in Redding. We did not know anyone in this town.

We held hands and prayed for help, asking that we could be guided to people who could help us, even though it was a Saturday.

Barry got on his cell phone and began calling the few garages Google said were open. One man said he could help and would call us right back, but never did and when we tried him again, he did not answer. Another man seemed helpful until I mentioned that our truck was a diesel. He told us he gets severe headaches even being near a diesel engine. Some of the people were rude. No one was kind or caring for the three hours we tried to reach someone to help as we hit one brick wall after another. The rest would not be open until Monday.

Meanwhile, in our camper, the heat was rising and Barry and I and our two golden retrievers were suffering with the sweat pouring down as the temperature hit 100, promising to go even hotter. We kept praying after each call that we made, but we were beginning to lose heart that we would be helped. Visions of enduring extreme heat in this parking lot for two more days were not pleasant. Plus, hotels might not be very welcoming to our two big dogs.

Then Barry looked at his phone and a new garage appeared with the Google message, “Now open.” He called immediately. A friendly woman answered the phone. I saw Barry smile and relax. This woman really knew what she was talking about. She got all our info, and searched for a radiator. There was only one available in the whole area that would fit our truck. She ordered it and told us to get a tow right over to them. So we had another tow with the same young man who said things were much better with his girlfriend after he followed our advice. Thus continued the miracle. The mechanic came right out to greet us in the tow truck and welcomed us to his shop. The radiator was being delivered to his shop as we pulled in to his parking lot. This mechanic was very quiet, and had a peacefulness that we could feel.

The woman, his wife, invited us into their waiting room, which contained all kinds of interesting things and a whole corner with children’s toys. She invited the dogs in and right away gave them a big bowl of cold water. We were the only ones there and, even though it was a garage with all of the garage equipment all around, it had a very peaceful feeling, like coming into a loving home. The mechanic and his grown son worked on our truck for over four hours, a few times having to drive to

The entire radiator burst stores to get other parts. Barry and I waited in this peaceful environment. I actually apart and our windshield was took a little nap in the waiting room as covered in boiling radiator it was so peaceful, something I would fluid. This was not the typical never be able to do in a typical mechanic’s overheating some vehicles waiting room. have with steam coming from Eventually, Barry struck up a convertheir hood. sation with the father as he worked on the truck. And slowly this sweet peaceful This was a complete explosion. man opened up to Barry about some of his mystical experiences with Divine Mother. He showed both of us the tattoos on his hands with the words, “Love, Acceptance, Honesty, Trust, Integrity.” He told us that he wanted to see these words as he worked on the cars. He added that he, his wife, and son try to help people in more ways than just fixing their cars and trucks. They want to help people by showing them love and caring. As they expertly fixed our truck, their love and caring were a soothing balm for us. Even the dogs were happy there.

Four hours later, our truck was ready to go again, and we hugged this very blessed family and thanked them over and over again.

We had needed help and for three very frustrating hours were trying to find the help that we needed. All the while, there was a perfect plan for us already mapped out. Our Divine Source did not just want us to have any kind of help, but guided us to the very best. And this family at Sequoia Auto Repair in Redding were truly like angels to us. Our prayers were answered beyond what we could have imagined.

If only we could always have the faith that our call for help will be answered, perhaps not in the timing that we want, but in the best possible way. n •••

Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors in Aptos. Authors of nine books, they are passionate about conscious relationship and personal-spiritual growth. Call 831-684-2130 for information on counseling sessions by phone, online, or in person, their books, recordings or their schedule of talks and workshops. Visit their web site at SharedHeart.org to listen to their new audio album of sacred songs and chants, available for download, or listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG ml4FDMDyI&feature=youtu.be

SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE WRAPS UP Featuring professional actors from around the country and inspired by deep local roots that go back more than 40 years, Santa Cruz Shakespeare stages bold productions of the plays of Shakespeare and other great playwrights that stimulate audiences’ senses and spark their imagination.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare performances take place in The Audrey Stanley Grove (or just “The Grove”) at Upper DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. •••

The Agitators: July 20- August 29

RII (Richard II): July 21- August 29 Tickets start at $25 For more info about SCS, visit https://santacruzshakespeare. org/season-2021/, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Due to limited capacity at the venue, people are encouraged to purchase tickets early. SCULPTURE IS: IN THE GARDEN 2021 On display thru Oct. 31 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden, 2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2021, is the 15th sculpture exhibit in partnership with Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden.

The jurors, Susana Arias and Jeff Rosendale, selected more than 100 sculptures created by 42 artists and collaborators.

Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, relax under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoor exhibit.

Admission is free. Visitors can see works created by:

Jamie Abbott • Cristy Aloysi • Susana Arias • Jeff Arnett • Nessy Barzilay • Michael Bashista • Lucia Bruer • Trudi Burney • Jay Capela • Lee Cavanaugh • Paul Cheney • Kathleen Crocetti • Sally Diggory • Franco Di Majo • Barbara Downs • Scott Graham • Leonard Groner • Roy Holmberg • William Hufmann • Kristen Kolbek • Marilyn Kuksht • Ron Lion • Lyn MacDonald • Mike McClellan • Kirk McNeill • Susan Megorden • Annie Morhauser • David Mudgett • Geoffrey Nicastro • Nancy Niles • Jeff Owen • Jane Reyes • Pierre Riche • Jewel Rogers • Mandy Spitzer • Judy Stabile • Richard Starks • Aaron Vanderkerckhove • Susan von Schmacht • Jenni Ward • Lea de Wit • April Zilber SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT LIMITS This new program from Community Bridges brings enrichment activities like yoga, art, music, tai chi, cooking, tech and support groups to seniors age 60 and up in their homes at no cost. To participate, you need an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone. To participate, view the calendar at https://communitybridges.org/SCWOL/ and find a class. That day and time, click on the link in the calendar to be connected. If you have a problem connecting, call Clara Munoz at (831) 458-3481.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD DISTRIBUTION Second Harvest Food Bank’s drive-through food distribution will continue operating at the county Fairgrounds 9 a.m.-Noon on the following Fridays: Aug. 20 • Sept. 10 • Sept. 24 Food hotline: 831-662-0991. ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES 10-week Online Session, Begins Sept. 13 Registration is now open for fall Italian language classes. Learn the language of “la dolce vita” with instructors who are native speakers. Whether you are new to the Italian language, totally fluent, or everything in between, the classes the Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by August 23

is offering — beginning, intermediate, advanced, conversation — are for you.

The online 10-week session begins the week of Sept. 13, so register to secure your spot and get the early bird discount, which ends Aug. 21. If classes fill, a wait list will be created. The price ranges from $175 to $225 for 10 weeks. To register see: https://bit.ly/Dante-Classes. For more information email: dantesantacruz1265@gmail.com CAPITOLA’S FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS Do you love eating outside while enjoying live music? If so, the Capitola’s Food Truck Friday events are perfect for you!

The events are Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. Upcoming events are on Aug. 27 and Sept. 24. EL PAJARO KITCHEN ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING El Pajrao Community Development Corp., which has a commercial kitchen in Watsonville for food entrepreneurs, will offer online training for free, with a focus on Spanish-speaking start-ups. The dates:

Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. Commercial Kitchen Incubator, program orientation, online .

Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Commercial Kitchens Incubator, program orientation online

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 6 p.m., Orientation of the Entrepreneur Program. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/el-pajaro-cooking.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays COOKING WITH GREY BEARS 1 p.m., 2710 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz or Online Join Cooking with Grey Bears live in-person or via Zoom — Your choice!

Chef Poppy DeGarmo is the instructor. To attend remotely visit https://us02web.zoom. us/j/92906805068. First and Third Monday Each Month SENIOR LIFE ONLINE 4 p.m., Online Meeting Join a local group of senior citizens for “Senior Life Online,” a free online (Zoom) program featuring a presentation by a local expert. View the full schedule at scottsvalleyseniorlife.org/currentactivities/.

Upcoming: Aug. 19 — Dan Haifley, Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation’s Secretary of the Board, will speak about the Monterey Bay Sanctuary: its ocean health, research and education programs.

To participate, you need an Internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone.

A one-time preregistration is required at https:// tinyurl.com/SVSLA-5. Questions? Call George at (831) 334-7763. Senior Life Online is sponsored by Scotts Valley Senior Life Association (SVSLA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to promote healthy living for senior citizens. Information is at http://scottsvalleyseniorlife.org. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday NAMI RECOVERY SUPPORT Mon/Wed 1-2:30 p.m., Fri 6-7:30 p.m., confidential Zoom meetings. National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Cruz County offers the “Connection Recovery Support Group,” a free, peer-led support group for any adult 18 or older who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition (no diagnosis required).

Groups are led by trained leaders who’ve been there. It’s confidential and drop-in friendly.

To attend, complete the registration form. You will immediately get an email with the Zoom link. You will need to do this only once, and will be able to use the same link for all groups in the future. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/nami-zoom-register.

If you are unable to register, do not have an email address, or have other questions, call the office at (831)-824-0406 or email anastasia@namiscc.org. View previous sessions at https://www.namiscc.org/ Tuesdays FARMERS’ MARKET AT RAMSAY PARK 2–6 p.m., Ramsay Park, Watsonville El Mercado is a new farmers’ market hosted by Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley.

There will be healthy locally grown produce, a veggie Rx redemption site, cooking demonstrations and wellness screenings. Sponsors include Lakeside Organic, Salud Para La Gente and Kaiser Permanente. Visit pvhealthtrust.org/elmercado for more info.

Wednesdays thru Sept. 1 CAPITOLA TWILIGHT CONCERTS ARE BACK 6-8 p.m., Bandstand at Esplanade Park, Capitola Village Aug. 18: Everyday People – Classic Latin Rock Aug. 25: Beggar Kings – Rolling Stones/Dance Sept. 1: Digbeats – Classic Rock

Third Thursday Each Month PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM 6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist, on the third Thursday of each month. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

Fridays MIDTOWN FRIDAYS Ongoing thru Oct. 29, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz (next to the fire station) Event Santa Cruz is hosting a Friday festival through the end of October. Called “Midtown Fridays,” the event will have a featured musical act plus food, artists, vendors, and more.

Admission is free.

Every Saturday ECOLOGICAL RESERVE TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH Tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.,1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville Volunteers lead walks highlighting the natural history of the Elkhorn Slough. Capacity is limited due to physical distancing requirements, and individuals must sign up on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Groups of six or more should call ahead at (831) 728-2822 or visit https://www.elkhornslough.org/ group-reservation/ to reserve a tour. For more information, visit http://www.elkhornslough.org/ esnerr/tours/

RED CROSS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS & BLOOD DONORS

The American Red Cross needs volunteers to help on the ground and blood and platelet donors to maintain a stable blood supply in the face of destructive wildfires.

“After several years of record-breaking wildfires, the Red Cross is already responding in dozens of communities and asks you to train now to be a Red Cross volunteer and help if the need arises,” said Jennifer Adrio, regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region.

The Red Cross needs new volunteers at disaster shelters to help with reception, registration, food distribution, dormitory, and information collection.

The Red Cross also needs registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to screen people in shelters for COVID-19-like illness. If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, paramedic, MD/DO or PA with a current and unencumbered license, this could be right for you. The Red Cross plans to open group shelters – hotels may be appropriate if the risk from COVID-19 Delta variant is high.

Last year, the Northern California Coastal Region provided emergency assistance to 2,524 families after 1,342 home fires and other disasters. Disaster action teams provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters. If you are team-oriented and want to help your neighbor, this may be the thing for you.

If you want to make a difference and are interested in helping your community should a disaster occur here at home or across the country, see redcross.org/ volunteer or email centralcoast.chapter@redcross.org.

Blood Donors Needed

Eligible donors can help ensure blood is available despite disasters by making an appointment to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donate in August will get a free 4-month special offer to Apple Music by email (new subscribers only). Details at RedCrossBlood.org/FeelTheBeat.

Ben Lomond: Aug 20: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ben Lomond, 9545 Lovecreek Road, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Santa Cruz: Aug 18 and 24: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Aug 26: Hotel Paradox, 611 Ocean St., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Scotts Valley: Aug 27: Four Points By Sheraton, 5030 Scotts Valley Drive. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Watsonville: Aug 27: Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St., noon to 5 p.m.