So I'm standing over the kitchen sink this morning, washing my cereal bowl, when I hear a loud rap on my front door. I see no cars in the driveway. What the heck, I think. I peer out and see a teenage girl (15-16) standing there shivering. She comes inside with a duffle bag, backpack and purse. My vexation is only beginning.
"Could you drive me to my father's house in Lafayette? I'll pay you gas money." Boy, something like this has never happened to me. I attempted to draw out her story. She had walked two miles on an icy country road headed for her destination 20 miles away! It was cold and windy. And, although she wouldn't admit it, she was running away from her mother. I tried to pull a story out of her.
Calm and determined, she filled me in with sketchy information. No, she hadn't fought with her mother. She just wanted to be with her father. He didn't know she was coming. I suggested we call each parent. No phone (I didn't buy that.). I still didn't know what to make of this, but I told her I couldn't and wouldn't drive her to her dad's (aiding a runaway). I asked her about school--she was skipping. Somehow I talked her into going to school. I called the principal with a brief explanation, drove her home to dump her runaway bags and get her books, and took her to school.
The poor girl was really confused. She began to realize her mother would worry, and that she loved her too much to leave. I recommended (to her and the principal) that she talk to the school counselor. She didn't want her mother to be called (at work). I could relate to her situation, and told her that two of my children wanted to move in with their mother during their senior years. I was hurt, but permitted them to go. She seemed interested. And as she left my truck to walk into the school, she smiled and said thank you. I'm still a little shaky over the whole incident.
28 comments on Early morning surprise!
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You are a kind sweet man Randy, how very lucky this girl chose your home to come to. I shudder to think what could have happened to her had she ended up somewhere else!!
Hi Denise! Thanks for the compliment. I just didn't want to drive 40+ miles round trip! I just checked on your post, but can't get connected. If you write "No title", it won't come up. You need to edit it before we can read what goody you have to tell us!
Holy merde!!!
Thanks for the tip, I have added the title, you should be able to see it now! And I am sure it just wasn't the thought of the drive that made you do what you did!!
Well thanks, Barb. I haven't heard "the rest of the story". I got to thinking I could get into trouble for taking her home and to school!
Wow Randy what a frightening situation to be in. You did good.
Thanks. I hope I did the right thing. (see above comment to foysjoy)
That was very quick thinking on your part. You defused a situation that had the potential of a catastrophy! Kids never think of the possible dangers, but rush head on.
I have to admit, my mind was working in high gear. I'm pondering whether I want to call the school to see what has transpired, or just remain out of it.
It's amazing the situations that fall in our laps. You handled this all very well.
I worried about the consequences all day. I think I did the right thing, but you never know. Thanks for the support.
Glory! Talk about staying level-headed and defusing the girl's youthful impulsive action plan. Great thinking, Randy! Poor thing could use some supportive counseling. I so hope she gets it.
Thank you. Just as I was dropping her off at school, I invited her to come back to my house this summer for some ice tea and conversation. I really felt sorry for her--she was so forlorn.
Wow Your a great kind person. Thanks for adding me as your friend.
I appreciate that. And you're welcome (although I didn't intentionally "befriend" you).
She was lucky to have you Randy. You were great with her and said all the right things. Good Morning to You!!! I'm sure not what you were expecting but you were obviously the person she needed.
Some would say "Divine guidance"! But you know I wouldn't be saying that! Thank you for your nice words.
Wow, what a morning. You done good!
It's a little quieter this morning! I enjoyed reading your comments to the big bad Blogster machine (Jonathon). Creepy situation. I keep switching back and forth with greasy, time permitting. Being retired keeps me pretty busy!
I know you wouldn't say it but I would!!!! It really could who have been someone else that wasn't as wonderful as you were with her. It really was divine guidance.
I am just thankful that it was your door that she came to. Poor confused child...you did all the right things and I'll bet she was frozen. You have such a kind heart.
I wish I could describe the look on her face. Mine too, for that matter! It was all quite surreal.
What an interesting morning. I'm glad it turned out okay. I could have been a very sticky situation. Annie :o)
I'm still waiting for a phone call that asks, ''What's the big idea taking my daughter for a joy ride?" Then I get hauled into the police station or something. It'll be another month before I breath a little easier.
You're right Randy; you could have gotten yourself in a pickle by your act of kindness. What if this confused girl had said you made a pass at her or some sexual advances? What if you'd had an accident with her in your vehicle? I'd have phoned one of her parents or the sheriff's office.
So far, so good. Believe me, all those scenarios occured to me. I think contacting the school sufficed. I think 32+ years of teaching middle schoolers with no incidents or accusations would be testament to my intentions.
(Added comment:Where minors are involved, you can't be too careful.)