Picking a Seat

It’s hard for me to believe that both of the boys already are old enough to ride the bus to school each day. I asked Creed some questions about Heath on the bus. Creed is used to riding a bus to daycare, but this is a new adventure for Heath.

First, Creed told me he doesn’t sit with his brother on the bus. He has a friend who boards shortly before he does, so second graders must stick together.

I wasn’t worried ... until then.

I thought about it the entire next day as I drove home to meet the bus. Heath ... just sitting there. Who does he sit with? What does he think about? Is he lonely?

He just sits beside somebody, he told me. He doesn’t even know the names. I asked him what he thought about on the bus. At first he said, “I don’t know.” Then, he smiled at me, “I think about you and how much I love you.” Oh, he so knows how to answer.

He told me he isn’t interested in making friends.

Creed claims that Heath does have friends on the bus and that he talks to him, as well.

Is this like one of those dropping the boys off at daycare instances. You know, the ones where they cry and hold onto their mother’s leg to make her feel terrible for going to work. Then, the moment she is out of sight they smile and start playing with friends. It’s a skill children have. I’ve seen many utilize this tool against parents to make sure they feel guilty for having employment.

I spent hours analyzing the bus incident. I decided Heath probably is okay or the bus driver would have notified me. After all, sometimes Heath does tell me it is fun to ride the bus. He never cries when he has to get on it. He smiles as he boards. He’s been waiting two years for his chance to get on a bus.

I also began to think about my bus riding days. It always seemed some of the best friends were those who sat beside you on a seat every morning and evening. I still miss some of my bus buddies.

Just as I was about to come to terms with my five-year-old son riding the bus, he threw another curve ball. He told me at dinner that same night that he was going to go into the army — “the camouflage army.” “Really?” I asked. “Yes,” he said. “But I might get dead cause it’s dangerous.”

Oh my! I can’t handle this. I’m just coming to terms with riding a bus.

Seeing is Believing

If you can see every time you open your eyes, that is a blessing. Those with good eyesight often don’t realize the benefits of just looking at something.

I went to the eye doctor last week. I’ve been going to the same optometrist’s office since I was eight years old. Yeah, that’s been a while. I used to hear the same news every year. “Your eyes are a little worse than last year.”

I refused the glasses until fourth grade. Then, it became necessary. When I turned 16, though, I didn’t want a car for my birthday. I wanted contacts.

Some seven years ago, I became introduced to night and day lenses. That means they can be worn for a month and then just thrown away. I prefer it that way. Now, every time I open my eyes I can see. I don’t have to search for glasses in the dark. I don’t have to try and fumble my way through the house.

The truth is that my eyesight is terrible. Last year my doctor told me that if I would have lived in early America that I would have been dead by now. It’s not exactly the message one expects when going for an optometrist appointment.

He thought of two good reasons why my life would have ended early. For one, I couldn’t see well enough to know if someone was approaching from behind. And, secondly, he thought some clan would love to have my scalp.

Nice. A year later, I still remember the conversation vividly. He always wanted to have these in-depth discussions about my demise in another time and place when I could barely see him. Once arriving at the eye doctor’s office, contacts are removed so tests can be done for glaucoma, etc. From that point on, everything is a blur — seriously. I can only see for about six inches and then it all fades off into continual haze.

This year I kept my glasses in my car so I would have them to wear after taking out my contacts. It seemed like a good plan, until I drove the truck that day.

So here I sit again in a waiting room, not even knowing if the people a few chairs over have made eye contact or given me any signs of nonverbal communication. I gave an uneasy smile entering the room and pretended to read the paper on my lap. I could see their fuzzy outlines, but that was it. Luckily, the doctor called my name.

This time, it was the previous doctor’s daughter. I told her the story about my demise. She laughed, adding that he’d tell me the same if I ever had a caesarean delivery in childbirth. Apparently, he likes to remind people of the wonders of modern science and technology by constant reminders that the option years ago could have been death instead.

While she didn’t continue with his stories, she did confirm that I do have poor eyesight. She asked for my contacts. I told her I thought they were on the other side of the room, but she’d have to tell me.

Soon, she returned my “eyes” with a fresh pair of contacts. If you want to convince me about the wonders of modern technology, just put my contacts back. For me, seeing is believing.

As I think about the potential scalping I might have experienced at the hands of an expert hunter, I realize that it could have been different. I’m sure my excellent olfactory senses would have alerted me to dangers. It’s not like I would wander to the edge of the corn field anyway ... unless a squirrel might have crossed my path.

A Toast to Fewer Canker Sores

A friend of mine called with a rather excited message the other day. Finally, her braces are removed. I’ve never really seen cards for such occasions. But it definitely was a moment that deserved attention.

“Have fun licking your teeth tonight,” I told her.

She said, “Oh, I have been. How did you know?” Really I have no guide. I never wore braces. Yet, I would expect that one would eventually miss running the tongue along the teeth. Do you think I could have found a card with the same sentiments? Or perhaps “a toast to fewer canker sores” inside a card?

Years ago I had a dream of becoming a greeting card writer. Of course, I never pursued it. I just think a niche market exists out there of strange card reasonings.

Picture it: “Congratulations,” the outside of the card notes. Inside: “For taking six years to complete a two-year degree. That’s a valuable education for sure!”

The other day I went to the greeting card aisle of a local store looking for a thank-you note to provide to my god parents from my cat. My family took a few different trips this summer that required us to be away from home for multiple days. They agreed to feed Darrell, our cat. I never found a card from him to them, so I improvised. I just wrote a message from the cat to them. I signed with a paw print. I thought about trying to get him to actually sign with a print, but decided he really wouldn’t be in the mood for such an experience. Probably one can find cards from animals. I would expect those do exist in some stores.

The options for greetings have improved. During my husband’s birthday celebration this year, the inundation of cards included one that had a redneck sitting on his porch saying, “Bigger is better. Think about it.” Inside: “Trucks, dogs, etc. Happy Birthday, big guy!” He even had a card from the perspective of a roll of toilet paper. Sitting on the countertop by the toilet, it has a speech block saying, “And you thought your job was bad ...” I adore such creativity. A friend sent me a note the other day saying, “We’ll be friends until we can’t remember how old we are.” Inside: “In fact, that may be now. What are we? 26? Around 26. Maybe 25.” Well, not hardly on that whole age aspect.

As I listened to a cd today, I heard a wonderful song entitled, “The Time In Between.” The thought crossed my mind that we should create a greeting card for church goers. “For the time in between ... Sunday services...” Inside: “May you behave the same as you do while being nice at church.”

A whole series of “For the time in between” could be created.

“For the time in between ... entering WalMart and leaving it...” Inside: “May you remember to abide by your shopping list and not be swayed by falling prices.”

“For the time in between ... lunch and dinner...” Inside: “May you remember that your body knows such thing as ‘sneaking’ food. It tells all.”

“For the time in between ... the first piano lesson and the first symphony...” Inside: “Remember that ear plugs aren’t a bad sign from family members.”

“For the time in between ... school is out and school starts...” Inside: “Remember it is the favorite time of year for children.”

“For the time in between ... starting a job and finding another...” Inside: “At least you are getting a paycheck.”

Oh, I could go on and on. Some, however, should probably not leave my mind. So for the time in between this and the launch of my card series ... imagine for yourself.

Back to Camp

I almost forgot what it was like to be a teenage girl. True, it has been quite a while. That reminds me of the upcoming class reunion I should help plan. No reason to say how many years.

Anyway, I spent a week this summer at camp, staying in the dorms with girls ranging in age from seven to 19. What an experience!

I used to say that girls are mean, especially teenage girls. They like to fight constantly. They like to judge one another. They rarely forgive, and never forget. I had to change my opinion.

The girls at this church camp were exceptional. Each age group helped the ones younger than it. They showed compassion on those who had less. They demonstrated patience with those whose mannerisms weren’t always suitable. And, most importantly, they requested forgiveness openly when they had frustrated one another.

The first camp rule was respect. One word. Simply stated. We should live each day of our lives with this as the number one rule to follow. Respect each other and each other’s belongings.

Any problems that resulted during camp were first sent through a mentor. All younger boys and girls had older teens to serve as their mentors. Talk about role models. If a problem needed to go beyond that mentor, it went before the entire camp.
It could have been as simple as cutting line on multiple occasions. As one teenage boy discovered, it resulted in an apology to the entire camp ... and the opportunity to lead worship circle that night.

Other apologies came from smacking someone when they wouldn’t listen, or threatening to stab someone’s hand at dinnertime with a fork. Of course, some were in jest but the idea was sincere. If in any way I have hurt your feelings, I apologize. If in any way I have publicly or even privately embarrassed you, I apologize. If we simply had a misunderstanding, I apologize.

Why do we find it so hard to say we are sorry or to admit that we are wrong? I saw the benefits of it last week. I saw masses of youth flock to an altar to say the same to God. The result was beautiful.

No, we are not perfect. Yes, we may hurt someone’s feelings each day. That is no reason to become calloused to our actions. It is not a permission slip to just keep on doing it because it is too late to stop now.

It is never too late to change. It is never too late to ask for forgiveness. It produces a refreshing attitude that one just has to share with others.

While I had little sleep last week, I didn’t even feel tired. The enthusiasm of the activities and the learning that was involved in this camp provided enough momentum to allow me to be fully energized.

I spent hours studying so I could teach others. The greatest lessons, however, were shown to me by those who some would have thought knew the least. We can learn so much in humility. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to serve these youth and maybe teach them a thing or two along the way. I can guarantee you that they taught me so much more.

Learning to Save

I thought about the responsibilities of parenting earlier today while listening to the radio. Apparently today is Teach Your Children to Save Day, a time when parents are encouraged to teach their children about saving money.

One lady told of her strict guidelines. Her children receive a dollar a week for every year of their age. So a seven year old would get seven dollars a week. From that money, she requires the child to put 10 percent back as tithes, another 30 percent away for college, and 40 percent is allocated for savings. That leaves the child with 20 percent “for fun.” What this means, though, is that the child only gets $1.40 per week to spend at will.

It is an interesting idea, but I am not capable of being that strict with my own funds. If I only had 20 percent of my paycheck left each week, I wouldn’t even have enough money to go to the grocery store, let alone pay bills.

I will agree, though, that teaching one’s child to save is part of that responsibility as a parent. Money cannot be simply thrown away or spent on useless items. It should be invested into something.

My elder son, Creed, is seven. Last year, he spent nine months saving money to buy himself a Nintendo DS. I gave him plenty of opportunities to earn money, but it was up to him to decide if he wanted to earn it and whether or not he would save it back for the video game player he wanted. It was a very good lesson for him. He didn’t always want to make his bed or put away his clothes. On those days, he didn’t receive any financial reward, just as most adults don’t when they decide they don’t want to go to work. And, sometimes, he decided to buy something with his money – like a toy he only played with a few times. Eventually, he began to realize that saving for something bigger and better that definitely had a longer life expectancy might be the right choice.

When the day came for him to buy his DS, I fronted extra cash to get him a game to play in it. He handed the money to the cashier himself and told the cashier just how long he had been saving. For that reason, he takes better care of that game system than what he would if he had not earned it.

Even his younger brother realizes the effort. For that reason, my four-year-old son is now saving for a DS. He doesn’t plan on waiting until he is seven to get it.

I decided to try this approach when thinking about the times that I earned money to make purchases in my younger years. I once saved enough pennies to buy myself a garment bag for traveling. On another occasion, I saved every bit of money possible to buy myself an expensive pair of tennis shoes. I soon realized the shoes weren’t worth the $130 it cost to have them as my own. I never again spent that much money on shoes.

As a society, we seem to believe that debt is okay and not saving is the norm. It isn’t the way to a successful future, though. Nor is it a way to be a good steward of money.

Recently, I was encouraged by Creed’s ability to use money properly. I guess the DS lesson continues to stick with him.
I sent Creed to the circus with $20 last week. He asked for the money so he could buy himself something. I granted his wish as a result of good behavior (the whole rewards system). I actually thought to myself after he had gone to school that I hoped a lot of the merchandise wasn’t over the $20 limit Creed had. When I picked him up that evening, he confessed he didn’t buy anything for his brother. I told him that was fine, as I didn’t even expect him to do so. He said he used his money on someone else instead. I questioned to find out more. He said he bought a tiger cub-shaped cup with ice cream in it for $10. When he realized someone else watching the circus only had a nickel, he bought that young friend the same thing he had. After all, he told me, 10 plus 10 equals 20. He shared half of what he was given with someone else. I was extremely happy with him.

I may not be strict in forcing him to save for college or putting 40 percent of his money into a savings account, but the objective of teaching him to be a good steward of money is definitely a productive one.

To Freeze or Not

A news report the other day declares that we are getting ever closer to cryogenics becoming a common choice for those who die.

Don’t bury me. Don’t incinerate me and then spread my ashes over the ocean or my favorite tree. Instead, freeze me until a different period in time.

I would never choose such an option. I just don’t have the same desire as Walt Disney.

But, as I thought about this story, my mind began to consider Jack on Titanic. It still bothers me that he froze in that cold water. Sure, his relationship with Rose most likely would have been short lived. He was her liberator. He helped her leave the riches of life to become what she always wanted. Part of her would always love him for that, but she might have just viewed him as a passionate rebound relationship and moved on to other men. Who knows? We never had the opportunity to see that part of their lives or even imagine it. Instead, he never left the ocean. His liberation was the boat and his moments of happiness with Rose.

All these years after that movie came out, I wonder if she could have saved him. The scene where she breaks his frozen hands from the driftwood on which she was floating in the ocean frustrates me. He might have been frozen, but the boat was there to save them. Why didn’t she drag his frozen body with her. He might have been able to thaw.
You see, I had guppies one time that froze when we left home for the weekend. Such is the joy of having a wood stove for a heat supply. Soon, when the fire goes out, everything becomes quite cold in the blistery winter temperatures. My guppies didn’t die. They seem to have just been dormant for a time.

I also froze a bird one time. Same situation. Heat supply gone. Bird freezes. Don’t call PETA on me. The bird lived. He seemed to be fine, until a cat tempted him to come a little too low to the ground. The cat did not have the bird’s best intentions in mind.

So, what about Jack? I would have attempted to thaw him. They could have had many more wonderful experiences together ... at least an opportunity for them. Regardless, I just didn’t like the part where she knocks his hands off the driftwood and pushes him down into the ocean waters to be gone forever.

Cryogenics ... I wouldn’t choose it ... but Jack could might have been a good candidate.

What We Say

Nothing can ever prepare one for motherhood. A book just would never be able to provide enough information to help one handle every situation that will arise.

I never expected I would have to tell my older son not to beat his brother in the head with a banana.

I never thought the words, “Don’t shine the pig’s butt in your brother’s eyes,” would ever be necessary. But, this morning on the way to school, I actually had to make that statement.

Sometimes I begin to wonder what is wrong in our little world. Today, I found sanity though as I listened to the radio. On K-Love the morning radio hosts asked listeners to call in with statements they never thought they would say.

The good news is that many other people, parents of course, make statements they wouldn’t expect.

“Don’t put that tortilla shell in your ear!”

We all have a list of items that we warn our children about when it comes to mouth, nose, and ears. They like to experiment. That’s how beans get stuck in ears, Legos end up in the digestive system, and blue PlayDoh must be pulled out of a nostril.

“No, no, please don’t lick the lizard!”
“Don’t eat deodorant.”

My children never had a strong attachment to deodorant, but I told them on multiple occasions to quit eating diaper rash ointment.

“Don’t blow your nose on people.”
“Don’t eat toe jam.”

“Underwear isn’t meant to be worn on your head.” I’ve found that the more I tell them that one, the funnier they think it is. They’ll both put underwear on their heads and run around the house as if they have now become mighty super heros.

“Don’t try to pee on each other.”
“Don’t lick the floor.”
Even worse ... “Don’t lick your shoes.”
For some reason, they’ll lick just about anything — sometimes even after they are told.

“Don’t blow Dorito breath in Mamaw’s face anymore.”

Obviously, many statements are expected and said nearly on a daily basis.

“Don’t lie down while you eat.”
“Chew with your mouths closed.”
“FEET OFF THE TABLE!”
“Hang your coats up.”
“Sneeze and cough in your elbow.”
“Don’t sniff; blow your nose.”
“Say ‘excuse me’ when you burp at the table or near someone else.”

It’s all part of this job with which we as parents are tasked. I never expected it to be as encompassing as it is. Children have a lot to learn. We, as parents, must do our best to teach them.

It also makes me glad for a song played frequently on K-Love noting, “There’s no such things as perfect people. There’s no such thing as a perfect life.” Good, cause we are far from perfect here.

Many statements must be made more than once. However, my sons figure out a few things the first time they do them.

Creed learned never again to try to swallow a plastic hanger after the one and only time he attempted it.

And, luckily, I only had to tell him once not to poop in a furnace vent. I did tell him more than once that it was time to stop pooping in his diaper and even that it was not proper to empty his diaper on the floor. (Thank God for disinfecting wipes!) The vent, well it just happened once.

Through it all, I will tell them every chance I get that I love them, even if they listen to that one the first time.

1977

I created a list of events from the year that I was born and the year that Todd was born to post with newspapers from those dates. It was easy since we were both born in the same year.

I found some facts quite interesting.

For example, on Apr. 21st the Broadway play “Annie” opened. It was the first of 2,377 performances on the big stage. It seems ironic to me since for so much of my elementary-aged years I could have been an Annie look-a-like.

Actually, I still remember my mother saying to me, “If you could sing better, we might make some money off of you.” Maybe so, but the first time I sang solo in front of a crowd — which I believe was at a church service in Pennsboro — I cried and didn’t finish my crooning.

Still, my mother made me “the Annie dress.” Some of you may remember it as being red and white. I even have that dress on in a family picture taken nearly a few decades ago.

It appears Annie was the best option for my birth year. After all, the Coneheads debuted on “Saturday Night Live” in January of that year. I guess I’d rather look like Annie.

The year saw a switch in politics from U.S. President Gerald Ford to Jimmy Carter. On Jan. 19th of that year, Ford pardoned Iva Toguri D’Aquino, better known to U.S. troops as Tokyo Rose, from her acts of treason during World War II.

It was a year of space discovery as well when Soyuz 24 launched two cosmonauts into space in February. A little over a week later, the first space shuttle, Enterprise, makes its maiden flight (carried atop a Boeing 747), over the Mojave Desert. But it wasn’t always about the world beyond our atmosphere. The USSR also performed nuclear tests in the same month.

Other activities included Alain Prieur jumping his motorcycle 65 meter over 16 buses, near Paris. Meanwhile, a Nova Scotia fisherman caught a 20.2 kg lobster — the world’s heaviest known crustacean. Dr. Allen Bussey made his name while completing 20,302 yo-yo loops; Sabra Starr finished the longest recorded belly dance (100 hours).

In the world of entertainment, Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” album released. The Rolling Stones made the news in a different manner as Keith Richards was arrested in Toronto and charged with possession of heroin with intent to traffic and possession of cocaine.

Future “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno debuted with host Johnny Carson. “Eight is Enough” premieres on ABC-TV.

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court allowed lawyers to advertise. Aren’t we all grateful for that? Also, in March Bank of America adopted a new name for their credit cards: VISA. Again, aren’t we grateful?

Vietnam finally handed over MIA to the United States. But it wasn’t about peace. The U.S. restricted citizens from visiting Cuba, Vietnam, North Korea and Cambodia.

The NBC News and Information Service (which operated 24 hours) ended on radio. The first personal computer, the Apple II, went on sale. Radio Shack announced the TRS-80 computer; within weeks, thousands were ordered. Television viewer discretion warnings began.

Regarding famous folks: James Earl Ray escaped from prison, and three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s rock band died in a plane crash. To the dismay of many, Elvis Presley died at the age of 42.

I also discovered that the Plymouth Horizon was introduced in December. It was the first American-made small car with front-wheel drive. Technical advances in drive technology had reduced the size and cost of front-wheel drive systems. Some 16 years later, it would be my first car to drive.

1977: when a new house averaged $49,300; average annual income was $15,000, and a gallon of gas cost 65¢.

Wow! Now if only I knew how well Annie aged ...

No Monsters Allowed

Creed looked at me two days ago and said, “I wish I was two again.”

I figured this comment was just a desire to forget about school and to spend his days playing with his former babysitting colleagues Aaron and Carigan. At worst, it was a statement made while he was angry at his brother so he was wishing for a time before Heath was born.

I asked to be sure. I found out I was wrong.

“I didn’t have so many aches and pains,” he lamented.

My six year old is already complaining about aches and pains! I had to laugh.

I reminded him of the benefits of being six. Not only can he run faster than a two year old, but he can also reach higher since he is taller. And, even better, he can go to the bathroom by himself!

He smiled. That seemed to satisfy his concerns.

This morning, as I tried to wake him to get ready for school, he told me he was getting too old cause he just can’t stretch like he used to do.

Where does he come up with this stuff? Yeah, he probably listens to us.

That’s why his knees ache from time to time, or his back hurts. You know it isn’t real when he complains that he is feeling fat. He doesn’t have an ounce of body fat!

It proves the point that they listen to us. They know our aches and pains. They know our concerns about ourselves. They know our weaknesses.

My children know my weaknesses as well as anyone. They also know my doubts and my fears. It’s a little disturbing. And it shows me that I need to “woman up.”

I don’t want to teach them a lifestyle of complaining. I’ll have to take the no monsters allowed approach.

The boys worry about monsters invading the house at night — at least that is their excuse at bedtime. Repeatedly they have been told that monsters aren’t real. But, just in case, I remind them:
Witches melt with water.
Vampires have to be invited into your home.
Werewolves only appear on full moons.
The boogie monster only picks on nose pickers.

I’m kidding about the last one, but it always makes Heath smile because he has a few issues with wandering fingers.

So out with the monsters, the complaints, and the fears.

In with the good thoughts, fun times, and cheers.

No Resolutions Here

I suppose many people who made New Year’s resolutions could be doubting their choices or even missing their goals.

That’s why I didn’t make any this year. It seems the ambitions to exercise more, be nicer, and eat healthier are rather unattainable when we set them before us as areas of obsession.

What I did find that sparked my curiosity is a list of statements one should read often so that maybe, just maybe, some of those thoughts will spew from the mouth when most needed.

The idea is to build up a child, to encourage and strengthen the little one. As I read over the list multiple times, though, I realized that age didn’t need to be a factor.

The basic premise is love, appreciation, acceptance, forgiveness, encouragement, and kindness. It is to learn the value of giving, the need to slow down, the joy of listening, and the hope of wishes. We all need to do better in these areas.

I applaud those who can spend January, February, March, and many more months on treadmills, at gyms, counting calories, and eating healthy. We should take care of our bodies. We should also seek to improve the lives of those around us.

Tell someone you love him or her. Let the person know that you will always possess that love.

Remind a friend of just how amazing he or she is. Share in the one-of-a-kind personality we each have. It isn’t just what we can do that makes us amazing, but who we are.

Know that crying is okay. It comes in moments of sadness, happiness, fear, and pride. Those of all ages can cry when angry, afraid or lonely.

Admit mistakes. Let those around you know that you can accept when you are wrong and that you will work to improve and fix the problems.

Forgive. None of us are perfect. We’ve all been hurt. Grudges only bring suffering to those who hold them.

Show pride in those who make good decisions and acknowledge that many choices are difficult to make. Especially encourage children when they make the right decision as it isn’t always easy to do. Many of us have knowingly made the wrong decisions as it seemed to be the easiest choice.

Understand that change is sometimes necessary. Allow others to have the freedom to alter choices.

Encourage kindness in others. Do something thoughtful and helpful for others as it will make you feel good inside.

Acknowledge good ideas and give credit. Show interest in how people arrived at their decisions.

Listen to others. Ask questions about them and what they have been doing and then listen to the answers. Have a conversation about someone besides yourself.

Talk about your hopes, your dreams, your wishes. Ask others about theirs. Believe that tomorrow will be brighter.

Surprise people. It can be with something very small. It can be for no occasion at all.

Stop rushing. Take time and watch as those around you begin to relax as well.

Let someone else choose the agenda for the day or even an activity to do.

And it never hurts to use manners and kind words when talking with others, to remind people that you miss them when they are gone, and to let friends and family know that you are willing to help them conquer whatever comes their way.

I wouldn’t be who I am today if so many people in my life over the years hadn’t followed these basic principles.

A Simple Trip

It was a simple trip to the grocery store to get some eggs. I had bananas pleading by their darkening color for me to craft them into a baked masterpiece. At the same time, I had a four-year-old boy begging for banana bread.

As the boys played a new game on the computer and Todd watched a television show, I decided to take just about 20 minutes of time to go to the store for eggs and oil — ingredients I lacked to create this fruity delicacy.

I noticed snow fall, but it seemed minor in detail. I spent a bit longer in the store than expected, about 15 minutes total. While the trip to town seemed uneventful, little did I know what the ride home would become. The snow, now heavier, covered the roads. Quickly I realized that they deserved careful driving attention due to apparent slickness. With my hands locked into the 10 and 2 position, I began to drive home, reaching speeds of just 35 miles per hour at the most.

About a half mile from my house, I started to slide. First one way, then another. I tried to correct, but couldn’t stop. According to the very nice driver and his wife in the car behind me, I nicked a guardrail which sent me sliding to the opposite side of the road and into a ditch. I smashed into the hillside, rolled the vehicle and on the second trip around decided to stop on the roof.

I hung there for just a second, realizing I first needed to find the door handle (a little tricker when hanging upside down). I kicked open the door and then put my foot above me to catch myself before releasing the seat belt and falling on my head.

I crawled out unmarked, unharmed. Considering the shape of my vehicle, I can only thank God for that protection.

While happy to be okay, I was frustrated that my car that I have babied for six years and just paid off not even two months ago was now totalled.

Everyone who stopped to help me that night — from passersby to emergency personnel — were simply amazing. I can’t say thanks enough to them.

It was a slick night. Even the ambulance slid a few feet once stopping. And after the wrecker stopped, it also began to slide toward the ambulance. Todd (who some of my friends have nicknamed Rescue Todd for his efforts to always try and help others) did just what our friends would have expected him to do. He jumped in the passenger side of the wrecker, climbed across, and steered it away from the ambulance and then stopped it. I’m glad he came to the scene to check on me.

As for the eggs, a fireman brought me one he thought hadn’t cracked all over my car and me. It was still in the right shape, but leaking. The groceries suffered a much worse fate than did I. About an hour after I made it home, though, my godparents walked over to our house with eggs in tow. I had to smile.

Sometimes in life we become frustrated with people and the world around us. We begin to think that so many are only concerned about themselves and that few still care about others. An evening like this — one that was just to be a simple trip to the grocery store — demonstrated the kindness of others.

Those living across from the wreck scene even gathered up any remaining things that had flown from one of the many broken windows in my vehicle and brought them to me later in the week. Some pennies, a broken necklace, a beaded chain made by the boys, a few drawings Creed had created, Heath’s whistle — all things that could have easily been overlooked in the snow and mud. Jackie Perkins put a small note in the bag “found this, thought you might want it back.”

Wow! From volunteer firefighters to helpful neighbors to strangers passing by to those bearing eggs as gifts — my faith in people, while never gone, is definitely renewed.