Sunday, November 16, 2008

More Thanks for Anonymous People

The next anonymous person I'm thankful for is the woman who found my 18-month-old nephew on the street while I was supposed to be watching him. There are really not a lot of details to make a good story and truthfully, it still haunts me and hurts to think about.

I was babysitting Jaxon while my sister was in town. She had gone to a meeting. All the big kids were outside playing and I was working on the computer (and, quite honestly working on the class calendar for the month -- not surfing the internet) and supposedly listening to Jaxon play in the other room. Several times I felt I should check on him but put it off trying to get a few more items completed on my project.

My doorbell rang and I opened the door to a woman holding Jaxon and of course I immediately knew she'd rescued him and I had horribly neglected by responsibility to my sister. She asked if he was my child, and in my shock and gratitude I stumbled out an explanation of Yes, kind of. My sister's. I'm babysitting. I thought I could hear him. Where did you find him? Don't answer that. Obviously farther than the safety of my home or even my yard. I thought he was right here... I thought... What if...? Thank you! What's your name? Thank you. I'm so sorry...

She was kind and the mother of children. She knew how fast they can get out. She was happy to help. It can happen so fast.

So again, no judging. No ill-will. Just kindness and understanding. She handed me "my" little boy and was on her way. She rescued Jaxon, she rescued me.

6 comments:

BDM said...

There are so many moms & babysitters that would never admit to having made the same type of mistake, but they would be quick to judge. I am thankful for the ones who understand.

BDM said...

bdm is actually me.....signed in as my husband (Julie).

Camille said...

I am loving all your thankful stories. It's helping me see the things that I need to be a little more thankful for too.

Jennifer said...

I appreciate your stories of gratitude. So often we feel like titles are what matter - attorney, doctor, ball player, pianist - but your examples reminded me how important it is to reach out to others and help in any way we can. Helping others is certainly the most rewarding!

Bekah Nugent said...

Busted! Matt read this post. I never did end up telling him.

He responded of course, much like i did, "I'm just glad he was okay."

Bekah Nugent said...

That last post was from Bekah.