The picture of my grandkids at the Lake Ray Roberts bridge at sunset looks so peaceful and tranquil. I saw the sun going down, and just decided to stop on the bridge to try and get this silhouette, turned out just like I imagined it would. However, not everything did, and it wasn't quite so tranquil, at least for about a half an hour. See, while we were busy taking pictures, Hannah decided she wanted her shoes, and so when she got them, she accidentally hit the lock button on her door, of course, not knowing that it would lock the entire car, with the keys inside, and with it running...no it is not Hannah's fault...it is mine. I am totally a safety first person, don't text while I drive, try not to even talk on the phone when I drive, and when my grandkids are with me, I consider it precious cargo indeed. But when she locked the door, she panicked. I told her not to worry, that I would get us some help and keep them safe. Mateo was trying to be the man in the situation, telling us both not to lean over the bridge or we might fall into the lake with the alligators and snakes. He was NOT happy about being on the outside of the car and sat down on the pavement between the car and the bridge, tucked into as tight a ball as he could possibly get. Hannah kept apologizing, and I kept telling her not to worry, that I would call for help. 911 does not consider it an emergency when you lock your keys in the car with it running, with children on the outside of the car. OH NO, only IF there is a child locked inside who cannot let themselves out, such as an infant in a car seat. OKAY, fine, well I'll call Wayne, he was at work, but surely he could come for a quick 30 mile jaunt back nearly to home from work, unlock my doors, and then run right back to work. Right, that was probably not the best idea.
Thank Heaven, I live in a small town, where I have the Chief of Police's personal cell number in my phone. Dick is amazing, and he dropped whatever he was doing on a Sunday afternoon, went to the station to get the tool, and came and unlocked my car door by rolling down the window with the long hooked wire he had.
Funny how a Sunday drive can turn into such an ordeal, but in the end, we were all safe and sound, and Hannah and Mateo were VERY glad to be back in the car, with the air conditioning and on their way to Duffie's house once again. When we passed over the bridge the next time, they both hid their eyes and shouted DON'T STOP whatever you do DON'T STOP~~ Hopefully they won't be traumatized about bridges for life!
Moral of the story, always, no matter where or when or with whom, keep your keys on your person, not in the car. God is good and He protected us and directed me to call the people who could help us out. I hope by sharing my story you will avoid this mistake. Hannah, Mateo and I wish you good travels, and a safe and happy rest of the summer.
