I Am Grateful

Traffic at a standstill, sirens behind me. I glance back and see multiple lights flying. Strange feeling knowing both lanes are stopped. In the next moment an old flat truck with a kitchen stove strapped on, flies past on the shoulder, pylons flying. Four police SUVs in close pursuit, one cutting impossibly through the stack of cars to fly down the other shoulder.

Calm follows the storm and we creep past the construction, opening from 1 to 5 lanes and back to 80 for several miles.

Flashers ahead, ease off and then blue lights on the horizon. Roll to complete stop for 15 minutes. I count 8 more police cars that fly by. Creeping again. Lights on both sides of interstate; mass of police cars all aimed at center rail. Truck facing the wrong way crumpled against the rail.

I’m delayed to my grandson’s birthday party. Someone driving that truck has been through some hell to choose to risk all those lives and cause this chase; several someone’s put on the uniform and with little warning but probably no surprise found himself or herself risking their lives and worrying about my safety in the midst of a massive Adrenalin rush; someone was delayed in the midst of their own crisis.

Poor me? Shame on me. I hate lessons in patience. Now back on the road and full speed ahead to celebrate trains and dinosaurs with an amazing four year old.