At the beginning of the new year, I took my car to the mechanic because we felt a vibration when driving and accelerating. Of course, when you hear “axle” or “transmission,” it’s like the beginning of a nightmare. Transmission issues alone can empty your wallet faster than you can say, “What’s the damage?”
We decided to take it in first thing in the morning after prioritizing our schedule. After the service was done, the car drove differently. The vibration shifted from the front to the back, and thankfully, the transmission seemed fine. But today’s blog isn’t about the car itself—it’s about the service.
The shop I went to was a small, sole proprietor mechanic shop. You could feel the personal touch from the moment you stepped in. It didn’t have the corporate efficiency of a chain repair center, but what it lacked in polish, it made up for in vibes.
The owner was warm, personable, and went out of his way to make us feel at ease. And here’s the thing that stood out to me the most: they were white. Why does that matter? In today’s climate, where so much of the narrative around race dominates every corner of life, it was refreshing to feel like none of that mattered in this space. It wasn’t about Black or white—it was about good people providing honest, quality service.
For me, that’s what America should be about: hardworking individuals supporting one another, thriving and surviving despite our differences. The owner treated us with respect and integrity, and it left an impression on me.
It’s easy to get caught up in the noise—the division, the stereotypes, the labels. But this experience reminded me of what truly matters: human connection, honesty, and the hustle. That’s the essence of America, or at least what it should be.
Now, let me address something that might feel like a tangent but ties back to this story. I’ve got mixed feelings about politics in this country. I’m not here to write a dissertation on the Republican or Democratic parties, but I’ll say this: I respect hard work. At its core, that’s what keeps us moving forward, and it’s what I thought about during this visit to the shop.
At the same time, I believe in opportunity and creating paths for people to succeed, but sometimes too much assistance can hold people back. The key is finding balance, a sweet spot where effort meets opportunity.
Anyway, I digress. Shoutout to the Auto Repair Center of Oxon Hill for not only fixing my car but also reminding me that good vibes, hard work, and human decency are alive and well. You’ve got a new loyal customer in me.
For anyone reading this, here’s my takeaway: sometimes, life reminds you in small ways that despite the noise, there are good people out here just trying to make a living and help others. That’s what it’s all about. That’s America.
Until next time,
Calcie – The Social Dad DC
SOCIAL DAD DC 