I have respect for the law. I really do.
But the pickup line at my daughter’s middle school transformed me from law-abiding citizen to rebellious renegade.
Molly usually took the bus home, but on this particular day, I decided to get her. Drop-off was fine, but pickup was a nightmare.
You sit in an endless line until a whistle blows. Then they allow a certain number of cars to pull up to the orange cones. The kids have about two minutes to find their parents’ cars before the whistle blows again and the next group of cars moves forward.
This is NO problem, of course, because middle school girls never get distracted. They are laser-focused on finding their mommy’s car.
Not.
If your child doesn’t see you, you make a loop and go through the whole fun-filled process again.
Well, the first time I went through the line, I spotted Molly, but she was completely oblivious.
So … I made my way into the very long line for the second time. This time she SAW me, but I was in the far lane and they wouldn’t let her cross over to me because other cars were still moving.
I sat there motioning like a lunatic (unaware that she was not allowed to go). Then the whistle blew and I was holding up progress. Which prompted the safety patrol people to go whistle-happy. And they began yelling at the crazy lady who’s just trying to retrieve her firstborn.
Did I mention that it was also raining?
As I passed through the line the third time, I went rogue. I pulled into the parking lot and motioned for her to come over.
She sprinted across the pickup line and jumped into the car. She got quite a welcome.
Me: Why weren’t you looking for me?! Do you know how many times I’ve been through this line?! But noooooo, you’re just chatting with you friends, not even paying attention ….
I was still in mid-rant, when Mr. Security Officer knocked on my window.
Officer: Ma’am, what you just did is UN-ACCEPTABLE. The line is there to keep the kids safe.
Me (in a huff): Yeah, well, I tried your line and it didn’t work so well.
Officer: Well, that’s the way it works around here.
I said something else equally snippy and rolled up the window.
Molly: Wow. You were rude. I’ll take the bus next time.
On the way home, I felt that awful feeling of regret. I apologized to Molly, but I knew I needed to tell the Officer I was sorry, too. I prayed for an opportunity.
A few mornings later, I saw him in the drop-off line and rolled down the window. He actually mock-shielded his face when he saw me. I must have made quite an impression.
Me: I acted like a jerk the other day. I’m really sorry.
Officer (smiling): Well, I’ve been known to act like a jerk now and then, too. I won’t hold it against you.
Molly: Awww… that was nice of you to apologize to him. You did the right thing, Mom.
As a parent, I try to set a good example. But I don’t always get it right. Our kids don’t either. But I can always make it right. And I can show my kids how to, too.
I truly think they often learn more during our “sorry” moments than our superior ones.
Still, I’m relieved that Molly has moved on to high school and has track practice after school. I think it’s safer for all involved.
22 Comments
Pick up lines are ridiculous! You did the right thing!
{Melinda} Seems like there should be an easier way!
What a beautiful example you set for her, and how wonderful that you were able to ease your conscience a bit as well. Thank you for sharing your lesson with us.
Happy Sharefest. Have a lovely weekend.
{Melinda} My conscience bothered me badly. Love the piece that comes with confession and redemption!
I. hate. pickup lines. Although I’ll say ours is the polar opposite of yours. I’ve complained forever about how I wish our “monitors’ were a little stricter. Parents park the car, get out, let little Timmy out with a full blown conversation.. turn left which causes gridlock (never mind that “no left turn sign”.. you go right ahead!) and just have a general disregard for anything that resembles courtesy.
Stopping by from the SITS Girls!
{Melinda} Yes, it’s as if all sense and common courtesy go out the window the minute that enter the school parking lot. Lord, give me patience!
Thank you so much for stopping by! I’ll return the favor!
Oh how I HATE pick up lines!!!! I was right there with ya the ENTIRE way… so I absolutely understand the “mood” you were in by the time you got Molly and the Officer in your presence! Ugh. Good for you for doing exactly what you needed to do…what a great example you are to your children and to the officer!! We all lose it from time to time…to time to time… I love how you put that:
“As a parent, I try to set a good example. But I don’t always get it right. Our kids don’t either. But I can always make it right. And I can show my kids how to, too.
I truly think they often learn more during our “sorry” moments than our superior ones.”
LOVE that. SOOOOO true!!! 🙂
{Melinda} Experiences like this are always humbling for me, Chris! And humble is a good place for me to stay! 🙂
I can SO relate! I was talking to the trash department one time about the twice annual unlimited pick-up (normally we only get 2 bags per week) which I had missed because I misunderstand the instructions about when it took place. The lady I was talking to was not very helpful or nice and she was making me more and more angry. I told her their brochure didn’t make sense and should be re-written so that it was clear. I saw my daughter slip away while I carried on this rant. I knew I was getting out of control but it was like I had left my body and was watching from a distance but I couldn’t stop me. Finally I said to the lady: “Fine. Thanks for nothing.” and hung up. I’m normally not a difficult person but she just pressed my buttons. But then I realized I had set a terrible example for my daughter! So I went up and apologized for my bad behavior. I wasn’t able to apologize to the clerk – I wish I could have.
We’ve all done it at some point. Right? It’s not just you and me?
{Melinda} I can get really irritated at completely nonsensical directions — and then when the people giving these directions make me feel like I’m the crazy one, it can kind of put me over the edge. I don’t think we’re alone in this, Patty! 🙂
Have I mentioned how much I love you two?? Thank you for the smile and the invitation to be real and honest. Got your message on FB, too. Thanks for thinking of me. I’m wearing a little thin, but I guess that’s where Jesus shines through, no?
{Melinda} We love you too, Laurie! 🙂 Yes, His power is made perfect in weakness. That’s when “perfect” is a good thing, right? 🙂
Oh girl… BAM! That one hurt. I have conversations with other drivers all the time, even though they don’t know it. But… my kids do. Thanks for this Matthew 5:14-16 reminder to be an example!
{Melinda} I know. I always hate it when I’m the one act juvenile! It stinks being the grownup sometimes, doesn’t it? Being an example is hard and humbling work. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by, Carey!
OH, haven’t we ALL experienced that! I think elementary and middle school are the worst, lol! Too funny…my son also runs track and doesn’t get picked up until 5:30…no waiting there, lol! I love your last line…”they learn more during our ‘sorry’ moments than our superior ones”….so true!! Thanks for sharing…have a blessed week! 😉
Michell @Prowess and Pearls
{Melinda} Being a car at any time tends to test all my self-control, Michell! 🙂
Hey, stopped by your blog yesterday to leave a comment and I noticed that the “Name/URL” option is no longer there. Because I’m self-hosted WordPress, I can only comment on Blogger blogs using that option. Would love to keep commenting, so I thought I’d let you know, as other bloggers may be having the same issue. 🙂
First of all, that is the craziest carpool line pick-up process ever! It isn’t like y’all are outside airport security for goodness’ sakes! 😉
Secondly, I am SUPER impressed you apologized. Totally being the bigger person there! 🙂
{Melinda} Everyone who I have ever told about the school’s pick-up process has had the same reaction: “That is total insanity!”
The last line made me giggle. 🙂 I know how you feel about those lines and rules. Seems like things get a little too insane with them, but I digress. 🙂
It’s so great that you got your chance to apologize and show your kids the right way to handle things when you’ve messed up. Not easy, but worth it!
Thanks for sharing this. Great reminder!
{Melinda} Apologizing is so hard, especially when you know you’ve made a complete fool out of yourself, but I know I always feel so much better after I have.
Yes, the rules are a bit insane. I realize that they need to maintain order, but I don’t always understand the militant attitude. We’re just trying to pick up our babies! 🙂
The quickest way for my patience level to drain is going through a carpool line. I know it’s not anyone’s fault but it is always mass chaos. The thought of having to pick up my high schooler makes me break out in a cold sweat. I think you are 100% right about them getting more out of the lesson when we are the ones having a “sorry” moment.
{Melinda} Molly gets a ride to school now with a neighbor most days and I do not miss the drop offs! I have more “sorry” moments than I’d like, AnnMarie, but at least it’s learning experience for my children! 🙂