This past Wednesday (February 25), I rode with Tim Bass and got pictures with fellow artists and Governor Brian Kemp and Mrs. Kemp.
I plan on putting much of my artwork in Tim’s gallery in Folks ton soon.
A s soon as w e could leave, w e headed back towards South Georgia. After getting just a few miles into Atlanta traffic, Tim’s car started skipping.
We were finally able to find an O’Reilly’s. A man was coming out the door who said he could check it for us. He had the tool in his truck.
He put it on Tim’s car, read the signal and said the No. 3 spark plug and coil pack was bad. He told us if we followed him to his shop right down the street, he could fix us right up.
While Tim was getting the parts, I talked with Vital. He said he had moved from Boston 20 years ago because he hated the cold weather.
He also said he drove a school bus for disabled children. He added he had a couple of small used car lots in Macon and right there in South Atlanta.
We followed him to his shop and he pointed us to pull around the back. He had cars scattered all around and he reminded me of my grandaddy so much.
I remember grandaddy fixing tourist’s cars that were broke down near his garage in Nahunta and sending them on their way. It took Vital about 15 minutes and he had Tim’s car running like a new one and closed the hood.
He said, “You are good to go. Get home. God Bless and have a safe trip.” We tried to pay him, but he didn’t want any money!
Tim made him take $20. I gave him one of my books and he shook our hands and we headed to South Georgia.
All he gave me was his first name and phone number, but I called him back Saturday and said, “Vital, you were a blessing to us Wednesday. Thank you so much!”
• Wayne Morgan is freelance wildlife photographer and author.
