I always know where the exits are located.
I don't sit with my back to the door in a public place and
I make it a point to remain aware of my surroundings at all times.
From the time my firstborn was toddling around I began teaching him
how to stop, drop, and roll and how to cover his neck if a dog attacks.
Yes, I know – they have a pill for this affliction.
Yet, I've traveled at every opportunity both near and even half way across the globe
I don't live in fear – I simply like to be prepared!
That same uber sense of awareness which gives me the confidence to embrace adventure
translates into parenthood a bit differently.
If I'm not extremely careful – I can become a wee bit over protective.
(shhhhhhh – don't tell anyone)
That's my firstborn baby boy
Within a few minutes – he started shivering all over
I realized his temperature was rapidly rising
I pulled Tylenol off the shelf for him and immediately headed back to try to get my car
The word “seizure” went through my head
I asked an employee for help – as panic started to set in
I pulled everything out of my cart and told them I had to leave
“we were having an emergency”
I carried my son quickly to the car
(To this day, I use a fake name at Walmart because I'm certain
they think I am a crazy woman )
I didn't get even a full mile down the road when I looked in my rear-view
in time to see his little eyes roll back in his head
He began to seize violently, I'd never seen anything like it
I couldn't breathe
Moms know, when you see a potentially life threatening situation with your child
the rest of the world STOPS turning
I managed to get the vehicle to the side of the road while dialing 911
It's as clear as if it happened yesterday – every word from my mouth . . . . .
I went from talking to the 911 operator, to talking to my son, to praying right out loud
and then back through the same cycle several times over.
“Dear God help my baby!”
I bowed my head and thanked God for the opportunity of being his mother
With the Lord's help, I may manage to survive my three after all!
I want you to know true peace in your life – I want you to live that out loud with your kids
I'll be practicing these principles right along with you – I may need some reminders here
and there along the way – but I'm convinced, there is no better place for us to be than in the
center of His will
– no matter what that may look like!