Business flight across China leaves man stranded

Reading this article brought back bitter, painful memories, because I.. I'm also a survivor.

Last spring I drove my parents old '86 Landcruiser from Denver to Portland. On the third day of the trip, just across the Oregon/Nevada border, the car wouldn't start and I found myself abandoned in a little town named Burns. Burns, Oregon!—it still chills me to say those words out loud! With the aid of some helpful locals I managed to get the car to a mechanic, where I damn near had to fight to let them fix the car. I suffered every indignity imaginable: coldness, hunger, boredom.. By some miracle, I found a diner where I was able to purchase a meal, and then, wandering lost through town I happened across a motel—with a DSL line. <nearly breaking into sobs> That DSL line probably saved my fricking life.

With the help of a new alternator and the kind of courage that can only be found in the face of severe adversity, I bravely drove the rest of the way home to Portland. I may have survived, but some part of me died in Burns, Oregon.

Everyone who helped me: I'll never forget you!

(Any Hollywood studio execs interested in optioning the rights to this gripping tale of survival please contact me.)