Monday, June 04, 2012

Mommy Mistake = 911

Ok, guys. I've not posted lately because I've been trying to decide whether or not I wanted to blog about my most recent major incident with Brody.

I struggled with the decision to post or not to post, because of the pure humiliation and embarrassment of what happened over two weeks ago. Plus, I needed a little time to try to begin to forgive myself.

As parents, we are all bound to make mistakes. We are only human and aren't perfect, no matter how hard we try. So before you read this, I want to express how embarrassed I am to share my story. However, I chose to write about this incident because I have some dedicated readers out there (and on my best day, I had nearly 260 views on my blog from all over the world) and I do feel an obligation---a good obligation---to write about my trials and triumphs as I explore my new life as mommy.

I started this blog so people can read, laugh and share our journeys as parents. But I also decided to start this blog, because I wanted people to really learn from my mistakes. So, here it goes...

About two weeks ago, Klay and I met my mom at Walmart to buy flowers for our garden. We are no experts on plants, so we inquired mom's help. We were about to check out when Brody got fussy; it was time for him to eat. Klay told me to just head out to the truck and feed him because we had to get home ASAP to drop of the plants before heading out to Dallas for my doctor appointment.

I complied and took Brody out to the truck. I unlocked the door, put his car seat in the truck (but not in the base) facing toward the driver's side passenger door because I was going to walk to the other side to feed him.

I'd forgotten that Klay's new truck has an autostart. So proud of myself that I remembered, I started it up to get the truck to cool down a bit faster. I grabbed my bags and sat them in the truck and shut the door.



Uh-oh, I thought and started yanking on the handle to the LOCKED door.

Ok, so I've NEVER once locked my keys in my car, and the first time I do it, my three-month-old is in the backseat.

I immediately start panicking. What do I do? My phone is in the car. I can't call Klay or anyone for help. Decision time: do I leave my child in the locked car that was running, though the keys weren't in the ignition, to go get Klay and get help or do I stay there until Klay and Mom get out to the car? Luckily, I turned around and saw Klay heading out the doors and over to the car.

I start hollering at him to hurry and get over there and then quickly tell him what happened. His immediate reaction: "I'm breaking the window."

A week before, when Klay first got his truck, he was looking at the manual and found the number for OnStar. He told me, "OnStar can unlock your car remotely, if you just call this number." I said, "Put that number in your phone cause it'll be good to have."

I told Klay to call OnStar first. The car is still running, and Brody has AC, but it's not going to last forever. As some of you probably know, autostarts eventually shut off if you don't put the key in the ignition.

Mom comes out, with a Walmart associate who's helping her carry out five trees she bought, and I run over and tell mom what happened. I ask the Walmart employee if they know if they have someone in the auto/mechanic department that has something they can jimmy the car door open with. She runs in to seek help.

Meanwhile, I'm bawling and hysterical. I can hear Brody crying and I can't get to him---THE WORST FEELING EVER.

Klay gets mad because OnStar is no help, saying something like we aren't in the system (it's not a new truck, we bought it used). THEN, the truck cuts off.



I'm saying "call someone, call someone!" Mom, then, dials 911.

Now I really have the water works going. I'm sobbing and so distraught, I start throwing up in the parking lot. Klay starts looking around for a rock to break the window to his new truck, when four managers from Walmart come outside, along with a Walmart mechanic. They immediately start working on jimmying the lock.

A few minutes later (I'm not really sure how long this took cause it seemed like forever), the fire department arrives and they give it a go. Brody is now calm and looking around like what's going on guys? He's interested in watching all the people surrounding the windows trying to get into the truck.

Finally, they are successful and unlock the truck. I'd say it took them at least 7-10 minutes to get in the truck. I told mom that the whole ordeal had to of lasted 30 or more minutes, but she seemed to think it was less, saying it just seemed longer to me.

When I got in to my baby boy, he was cool as a cucumber. Smiling at me as though he wanted to let me know he was ok and not to worry.



Klay and mom hugged and thanked everyone for all of their help and rapid response. I tried my best to pull myself together to thank everyone, but I was still a mess. Felt like I deserved and earned the title as the "Worst Mom of the Year." So, special thanks to Terrell Walmart staff, managers and employees and Terrell Fire Department. We are forever grateful!!!

I did end up making it to my doctor appointment and my blood pressure was 142/108. That should tell you what kind of state I was in.

So, here I am, telling all of you about this horrific incident. I never want anyone to have to go through that. I've been so upset with myself for allowing that to happen. I could have understood if I'd been rushing, but I wasn't. It's taken me a while to truly TRY to forgive myself. But I figured the best way to start forgiving myself is to write about it and try to prevent others from doing the same thing.

As a parent, brother, sister, grandparent or friend to any child, please learn from my mistake. Every time you buckle a child in, think of me and Brody, and ask yourself "where are my keys?" If your rushing to get somewhere, slow down, make sure they are buckled in right, and that you have the keys on you at all times. Thankfully, it wasn't crazy hot outside that morning, but summer is almost in full-swing, and it's getting hotter by the day. So, keep your keys on you!

Wishing you many more successful days as parents/grandparents and no days like this incident,

Cassidy

9 comments:

  1. Ah man, Cass this had me laughing and crying! You aren't a bad mom! Everyone makes mistakes! Put a spare key under the truck :)

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  2. Leslie BuentelloJune 04, 2012 1:45 PM

    You are not a bad mom. Ask around and see how many of our parents did the same thing. I bet u find alot. Lol The tears, throw up and high blood pressure proves u are not a horrible mother. Ur human. I think your. Great mom just from reading this. Go easier on yourself. Your doing great! :) ps thanks for sharing!

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  3. aww baby girl, dont be so hard on yourself. You really didnt do anything that couldnt happen to anyone, even the best most experienced mother. I know this was scary as hell but it wasnt your fault. Trust me, ive made plenty of mistakes that, if there wasnt someone there with me, probably would have turned tragic, but were not perfect, were mommys. The only way we learn is by making mistakes. Everyone knows you love that sweet baby more than anything and those who question that just dont know you at all. So please forgive yourself and know that your doing an amazing job as Brody's mommy!!! Give that lil man a kiss for me, I cant wait to meet him!!!

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  4. Oh, honey, I feel so bad for you. I am so glad that you got help so fast. Please forgive yourself and just learn from your mistake. Thanks for sharing your lesson. I love reading your stories......Mrs. Garrett

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  5. Thanks so much!! I'm trying. It's hard and will take time forgive myself. It was such a rough day and a day I'll never forget. Your comments and you sharing the blog really means a lot and is helping me deal with this! Thanks again!

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  6. Thanks, Lisa! It was scary, and one of those things I never thought I'd do. Thanks for reading and offering me those kind words. It means a lot. Can't wait to meet your little ones too!

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  7. Thanks, Leslie. That means so much. I'm trying to deal with this and start to forgive myself. And your kind words truly help. PS. I'm glad that you're reading!

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  8. Cass, I can tell you that from the little experience I have with raising a kid that it happens to the best of us. I have had tons of freak out moments like yours and I probably will have tons more to come. The most important thing is that your baby is okay and you had people around you to help you through this terrifying experience. I love you guys so much and I love reading your blog (it makes me feel like I get to be a part of your lives even though we are so far away) You are awesome! Love you!
    Tay

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  9. Julianne GarciaJune 05, 2012 10:03 AM

    Ohh I did the same thing in Terrell too when Jaedyn was about that age! The Terrell fire department had to be called also. I felt like a horrible mother and was so embarrassed, but yet Jaedyn was just sitting in the car looking at me through the window...I was acting like I was playing peek-a-boo with her to keep her calm! Luckily it was a cloudy day so it wasn't that hot. My mom told me they left me in the car in the garage for about 20 minutes when I was 2! Lol We have all been there so do not beat yourself up about it :) you are a great mom!

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