Walking On Water

Years ago, when I could still carry my youngest daughter, Abby, in a backpack, I took her to the zoo. It was a typical Friday adventure for us. It was my day off and I often tried to use my day off as an opportunity to take her someplace different. She was never at a loss for questions, comments, or any exploration. She was only two years old at the time; small enough to carry and old enough to engage in a conversation (of sorts.) This trip to the zoo took place on a hot and humid summer morning. We finally arrived at the penguin house, which was air-conditioned penguin, and a wonderful relief from the weather outside. The penguins were always fun to watch, but even more so with the air conditioning and respite from the heat. When we had seen enough, we headed toward the exit and the heat that awaited us outside. Just as we were ready to leave, I heard the rumble of thunder, a flash of lighting, and a sudden downpour followed. We had just gotten to the exit, which was surrounded by glass windows. We could see how intense the storm was and could tell it would a while before we could go outside. With many others, we stood by the doors waiting for the storm to pass over us. When it finally stopped, I started to move but was stopped in my tracks when the fire alarms went off. My first thought was to wonder how there could be a fire in a building full of aquariums and water. We were surrounded by the noise of sirens, and emergency strobe lights were flashing all around us. A first impulse was to run outside, but the storm wasn’t letting up. Then, I remembered I had someone little in a backpack and turned around to make certain Abby wasn’t panicked by the noise. She wasn’t. Then I saw it! The alarm pull was right behind me, next to Abby and the backpack. I had a funny feeling that I knew who could have pulled the alarm, as little hands are always in motion and exploring. I had leaned right next to an alarm without even thinking about that. Now what? Had anyone noticed? What should I do? The only response that made sense to me was to casually follow the crowd outside and move as far away from that building as I could. I didn’t know for certain whether or not she pulled the alarm. I did know she was too young for being handcuffed and questioned. But my heart was thumping like so hard, I was sure others could hear it! Even if she had pulled that alarm, nothing would change other than a lecture and embarrassment for me.