Oops!
by adustyframe ~ August 5th, 2008James has had a fear and distrust of police since the day they took his Daddy saying, “He’ll be right back.”
I really wish they hadn’t lied to him. I have never encouraged this fear and Lee is adamant that James must learn to respect and obey authority but still it persists.
This afternoon, I picked James up from a science club at the park and rec department.
As I was backing out of our parking stall, a van was backing out a couple spaces in front of us. I stopped because we were going to be driving in opposite directions and the row wasn’t very wide.
Instead of reversing out of the stall, the van backed straight into the car behind it. It pushed that car into the vehicle on the other side.
Apparently no one was in the driver seat, but the van definitely had some speed so we’re not sure what was happening.
I parked and waited for the police to arrive since I had seen what happened.
Another witness came over and we all made small talk while waiting.
When the police arrived, they talked to each of us. When it was my turn, the officer asked what I saw then asked for my ID.
He asked for my phone number. I said, “902″ and James said, “1076″.
The officer said, “Hey! Did you grow long hair in the past 30 seconds. Is your name Lizzie!?”
He was teasing and James giggled. We finished up and as we left the officer pointed to James and said, “Nice to meet you, Lizzie!” and winked at him.
He laughed and said, “Hey. He was nice.”
I told him that police officers are nice and that the only time they don’t seem nice is when someone does something wrong. I told James that if we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, they are our friends. I reminded him that we’ve seen things that don’t seem nice, because Daddy chose to do something wrong.
I think that James understood it finally today. He talked about the nice police officer several more times today. I’m sure the other parties involved in the “great van incident” would have preferred it didn’t happen, but I’m pretty glad it did.
Anything that removes a fear from my little boys life is something I am thankful for.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
YIKES! That was NOT a good word choice on the officer’s part to say “He’ll be right back.” Poor guy. I can understand how he would have a hard time with this. I’m glad he met “officer friendly” today!
August 6th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Oops, is right! I’m sorry there was an accident involved (fortunately not involving you and James!), but I’m happy that it provided the opportunity for a positive interaction with the police for James.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:02 am
I really enjoy your blog and have been reading ever since Money Saving Mom recommended your blog. I just started my blog and I have added you to my Blogroll. I am so glad things are going better for your family.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Maybe James could tour the fire and police stations one day–that is always fun and offers a great opportunity to see the firemen and policemen in a different way!
August 6th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I’m so glad God provided an opportunity for James to see police officers in a different perspective.
And, as someone who works in auto insurance claims, THANK YOU for staying as a witness. If more people would do that, my job would be a lot easier.