Things That Happen When You Go Out Of Town

If you’ve been a parent long enough, this will happen to you too.

Imagine enjoying a leisurely vacation morning spent working out then digging a fork into your favorite breakfast, huevos rancheros, while slowly sipping your much anticipated first cup of delicious, golden brown and hot coffee.  You are with your closest friends and you can’t, at the moment, fathom being any happier. You are having the best morning ever, almost.

My friend, Susie, is never without her cell phone and sometimes that bothers me particularly when it rings during a peaceful, quiet meal together. That is exactly what disrupted our breakfast Friday morning.

Sue’s eyes flew wide open as she listened. I could almost hear what the girl on the other end of the phone was saying but I definitely could tell she was worked up. I assumed it was Sue’s daughter until she handed the phone across the table to ME!

“Mom, I’ve called you and Dad like seven times. Why don’t you have your phone with you (because I didn’t anticipate needing it)? I’ve been in an accident.”

OH CRAP!

My question is this. What’s with kids wanting us to be immediately accessible to them at all hours of the day or night? Parents out there with young kids, listen up! This doesn’t change as they get older. The problems just get bigger and more difficult to work out. This, I can promise you!!!

As soon as she heard my voice, she calmed down. Although, she’s not the kid that gets her undies in a bunch often; that’s the other one! She’s generally calm, cool and collected. I wonder whom she takes after?

Here were my immediate questions….

Where? On the Eisenhower Expressway heading into the city (which is one of Chicago’s biggies).

When? Friday afternoon just before rush hour. Oh, oh!

How? A five-car chain reaction.

Are you hurts, is anyone hurt? Thank God for a sturdy SUV and only one injury. Addy was in the car too? Poor girl!

Which car? MY CAR! Why were you in my car? This question has lots of it’s own questions.

What's the damage? Scraped bumpers and a few broken reflectors. No harm done and drivable (none of the other cars were so lucky!).  Again, thank God for a big and safe SUV!

WHOSE FAULT? Phewwwwww! The lady behind you started the whole thing. My girl does not need any more driving issues!

(The car that hit her and started the whole chain reaction. Not good!)

I do believe this made the news!

A pile up on one of Chicago’s major expressways that closed down all four lanes with five cars, three police cars, two ambulances, and two fire truck for two hours just before rush hour. YIKES!

If I were a motorist on the Eisenhower Friday afternoon, I’d be fit to be tied. If you’re unfortunate to be “stuck” between exits, you’re totally hosed until the accident is cleaned up! Oh, and it was about 95 degrees, too.

You also always hope you DON'T get a call when you're out of town.

AND you always hope your children never make the paper (sports and academics being the exceptions) because, in our community, it’s usually the Police Blotter for unsavory behavior.

AND I’m so happy my kids have my best friend’s phone number, too!

AND that Sue is never without it! I will never mention it again.

As a side note: I find it very interesting that whenever my kids are in a pickle or they’re having a problem and no matter who answers the phone (meaning dad), they always say, “Can I talk to Mom?” 

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