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Julia Sims: Lockdown
Imagine getting a series of texts that read: "We've got Will in the cafeteria" and "Will's fine. He's with us."
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By Julia Sims
Imagine getting a series of texts that read: "We've got Will in the cafeteria" and "Will's fine. He's with us."
That's what happened the other week when I was driving home from work in Chapel Hill.
I pulled off on an exit and tried to call one of the friends who sent a text. No answer.
Then I got another text from a different mom saying Will's school was on lockdown. (Being in the news business, I was able to find out what was going on fairly quickly. Police were searching for a suspect, who had been involved in a police chase).
My husband happened to be working that night and I was working late, so I had cobbled together a plan for Will to attend a school event. A few moms said they would get him from afterschool and make sure he ate. Another mom would bring him home.
I don't think anyone imagined a night on lockdown! Fortunately, everything was fine and everyone was safe.
Those texts, though, definitely got my attention ... and raised my blood pressure a bit! But, they also made me think.
First: Thank goodness for technology! Sure, there are many days when I think cell phones and text messaging have done more to harm communication (and face-to-face interaction ) than help it. However, on that night, text messages kept me informed and let me know my child was fine.
Second: Thank goodness for a community of caring moms and friends! So many parents (some who weren't even a part of my plan that night) looked out for Will. They made sure he was safe. They kept him within arms length. And they kept me from worrying.
Having a good network of parents and the support of so many "mom friends" has gotten me through many so many difficult and stressful situations over the years.
The phrase is old and often overused ... but, it really does take a village, and I'm so thankful for mine.
Julia is the mom of a grader schooler and a reporter for WRAL-TV. She appears here monthly.
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