Relying on the kindness of others

We got hit with some snow today (6-8 inches). And I freak out driving in the snow. But I was scheduled for an evening shift. So I put on my big girl pants (metaphorically), put on my boots, packed a snow shovel and kitty litter in the car and grabbed some tissues for my relief cry when I got to work (all literally), and set out, about an hour earlier than I usually would.
My usual 12 minute commute took about 35, but (whew) I made it! However, since I left the house so early, I subsequently got to work about a half an hour before I could swipe in. Not to worry- I brought my book.
I was sitting in the parking lot with the radio on, and I decided that while I was killing time, I'd dry my gloves using the defroster. Genius, right? WRONG! All of the sudden, 2 beeps and my car turned off.
Double eff! The battery! Good thing I still had some tissues left over from my relief cry, because I needed them now!
Security at the hospital said that Engineering could jump start my car after my shift, I would just have to find the one lonely guy on at that hour. So I trudged up to the unit, still sniffling and fighting back tears. I should have just called out.
But, lucky duck me, one of my co-workers had jumper cables in her car!
So after report, we went outside in the snow and tried to jump my car. Easier said than done. First, my hood popper is broken, and it's just a wire now, and it took quite a bit of pulling to get that latch to open. Then, my battery only has the positive terminal showing. But that's ok, just hook the negative one to a metal part of the car. Well, we're charging and I'm trying to start my car. We see some progress, the interior lights flash, the dashboard lights flash, but nothing when I try to turn the engine over. :-(
Just as I'm about to call it quits and ask Andrew to pick me up at midnight, this group of people happen to be walking through the parking lot (strange, because the hospital is on a hill and not close to anything in town). "Do you need help? I know cars," said one stranger. I figured I'd try anything. Well, this guy might as well have been an angel! He got it up and running in like 5 seconds! After a few laps around the snow covered parking lot (where I did more sliding and skidding then I did on the way to work), I decided that the battery was charged and I could get back to work (like 40 minutes later!!).
My eyes still felt puffy from the stress (and crying) related to this awful start to the afternoon. I spent the next few hours hoping that all of the overnight staff would make it in, otherwise I would be camping out at work for the night.
Amazingly, all of the night shift made it in. Unfortunately, they were all reporting horrific road conditions. The senior nurse on my unit noted that because the census was so low, and because the other nurse on the unit had decided to spend the night in an empty bed rather than risking a drive home (only to return in 8 hours for a day shift), that 2 nurses would be more than adequate staffing and let me leave after bedtime meds. This meant that I could leave work an hour and a half early! I was so glad to be able to make the trek home and put an end to this stressful day!
I just wanted to post this story to express how appreciated a little gesture can be. On a crappy day, it can change someone's whole perspective! Thanks, everyone!