$162 worth of Grace

When driving it is common courtesy and law to stop at a stop sign. No California stops, no look and drive thru: you are simply to come to a complete stop. Tonight I was driving down the rainy roads of this city, and through the corner of my eye I glimpse the flashing blue and red lights. Confused I pull over and open my window and casually I ask?
“What did I do?”
“You ran a stop sign”
“I what!?” and so the conversation went on. For the life of me I can’t even remember not stopping, or even going through the intersection. I told him this and he told me the ticket would be $162. All I could think of was –
“Man at least I could have done something worthwhile, like sped to get somewhere on time. – and - where in the heck am I going to get $162!?” The policeman came back a few minutes later with some more questions. Handed me my license and registration and said
“I’m not going to give you a ticket,” stunned I thanked him profusely and went on my merry way complete with a goofy smile.

The best part of it all is - he (a very handsome man) knelt down by my window so he was just able to make eye contact casually lingered with a sweet little smile – the smile almost would have made the ticket worthwhile.

I AM SO THANKFUL
I DEFINITALLY DO NOT HAVE $162