Today's Quote

I don't know if when you link in the quote to the right will be the same, and I've never seen it before... I think Mike is playing with me. It says, "teach her how and when to call 911". OK, I have to say I smiled. And I shouldn't. OK, I should. No, I shouldn't. Really.

I suppose philosophically the quote could merit alot of important discussion. But all I can think about is a couple weeks ago my poor neighbor almost getting caught in the shower by the firemen because I called 911 on her when her elderly mother came to my door saying the garage was on fire. I asked her twice and she swore up and down that there was smoke and flames. Now she is not the fastest walker in the world, and I'm thinking (you know how a million thoughts can cross your mind in a split second) like how long did it TAKE her to get here; and should I go check? yes!!! no - the whole thing will explode as soon as I look. yes - the dogs might be in there, no - I ought to just call 911 before the house catches on fire. I call 911 and they ask if anyone is in there. I say no because I think not. But then she says she can't find her daughter. OK, that panicked me.

So then, hearing my friend may be in trouble, I decided to bypass the garage and while giving info to the operator (who gives me a lecture not to put myself in danger) I sprint through pouring rain --- (wondering if lightening struck the house and that's why the garage is smoldering? but thinking I didn't hear any?) --- and it's right about then that I start to question the wisdom of not going with checking first so I mention to the 911 operator that maybe the mom isn't mentally all the way with us today and she should let me look first.. oh, no it's way too late for that! I reach the locked door and I'm pounding on it for all I'm worth, rang the doorbell a dozen times, and nobody answers, the little dogs are going beserk, but seeing no smoke, hearing no alarms, I HAVE to check the garage.

It's open. Huh. The other dog is looking at me like I'm crazy. Oh geez - damage control time! I tell 911 I see no sign of fire at all. But I can't find my friend. I run all through the downstairs yelling for her. I kick off my muddy and soaking wet slippers and dash upstairs. I pound on her door, frantically yelling her name at the top of my lungs. I finally open her bedroom door and hear a "WHAT?!?!?!" I can tell she is getting out of the shower so I'm all "Oh my gosh - get dressed!!! 911 is coming!"

(Note: Mike says I should include HER response of "*&#%@*!!!!! Nooooooo" followed by death threats and such....)

From there it was all a bit of a nightmare. 2 big firetrucks with firemen fully dressed for a rescue. A few police cars. I was sent to head them off. I went out and told the first responder it was a case of dementia. Our two mothers stood in my doorway watching the whole thing. The policeman shot me a look and spoke into his mike thingy and said, "there is no fire, I repeat no fire". My mom and I ran our errands with an elderly mother on time out for a few hours but I'm not sure I am totally forgiven yet. Oops my bad! I was only trying to save someone and their puppies too!

Never tell me there is an emergency - I am a highly trained first responder preschool teacher who lives on the edge of danger. I run for ice packs on a daily, if not an hourly basis, 3 times a week. Bloody noses, concussions, and split skulls don't faze me. I once splint a broken arm with frozen peas and blueberries from the freezer. I will admit choking kids scare me though. Whoa now that is SCARY!!

I have not, however, called 911 on a neighbor in the shower before. I'm pretty sure she's not ready to laugh about it yet. Not like my other friend who called 911 on her husband thinking he was the escaped convict in her house and he had to come out with his hands up! Now THAT was funny!!!