Slowly–Quickly

Everything happens for a reason.

Slowly we walked into the grocery store.  I quizzed Davey about the name of the store.  He told me what it was and followed it with, “I so smart!”

Slowly we made our way through the produce department.  Brocolli.  Romaine Lettuce.  Cherry Tomatoes.

Slowly he ate the piece of cake that was out for sample.  “Mmm Cake,” he rejoiced.

Slowly I went through my list.  I made an extra turn or two, enjoying the fact that it was just me and my little happy boy.

Slowly we made our way to the check out.  I chose the lane with our favorite clerk even though it was the one that had an extra wait.

Slowly we conversed about our day’s activities and what would be on our plates for dinner.   “Enjoy your dinner, David,” she enthusiastically commented as she handed me the receipt and mentally pinched his cheeks.

Slowly we walked to the customer service area so that I could get some money back for a coupon that I’d forgotten to redeem.

Slolwy David flirted with the on-duty manager.  He blew her a kiss and I caught that twinkle in her eye that said something like, oh how I miss that stage.

Slowly we asked our other favorite clerk for a blue balloon.  Unfortunately the helium tank was empty.  “No worries,” I soothed.  Before leaving though I found a penny; it must’ve been my lucky day.

Slowly, at the back of the van, I put the bags in.  Davey was in the shopping cart still and when all was said and done I walked over to the cart corale where I turned around upon hearing, “Oh SHIT! Oh SHIT! OH SHIT!”

* * * * * * *

Quickly I realized that the woman cussing was trying to stop her Ford Explorer.

Quickly she realized she had no braking ability.

Quickly I realized that I could have very well been in her direct line, with David in the cart, had we not proceeded through the store so slowly.

Quickly I caught my breath and asked her if she was ok.   Then I sat in my van for a second looking at the wreck and then at my son seated and smiling in his seat.

Quickly the whole experience—from walking in to the store to walking out—replayed in my mind.

Everything happens for a reason.

Slowly
(That is my van on the left.)

Quickly

This whole thing reminded me of that scene in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button when Benjamin is telling about when Daisy got hit by the car.

You never know how a few extra minutes waiting so you can talk to your favorite grocery check out clerk  will effect you. You never know when picking up a lucky penny will truly prove lucky.  You just never know…

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28 Responses to “Slowly–Quickly”
  1. Oh my goodness Mishi. I am so thankful that you took things slowly. My heart started racing quickly as I re read to make sure David was out of harms way. xoxo

  2. 06.29.2009

    So glad everyone was ok, that is super scary. Lucky penny, indeed.

  3. 06.29.2009

    And slowly, I let out a good long breath.

    Phew . . . that’s all I can say. Phew . . .

  4. 06.29.2009

    oh my.
    extra hugs tonight…

  5. 06.29.2009

    I am so happy you guys are okay. That is very scary. Strange how a day can unfold…

  6. Jeez woman. Leave it to you to make me realize how fortunate I am and to take TIME.

    SO glad you guys are both OK.

  7. 06.29.2009

    It’s amazing the miracles that happen when we’re busy drinking in the moments. Who knows what tragedy was averted simply because you took the time to be. Amazing.

  8. 06.29.2009

    So glad you are OK. Very scary to think how fragile it all really is. No wonder we try to keep it out of our minds.

  9. 06.29.2009

    Whoah. Dang, woman. Talk about a close call!

    Live each moment to the fullest, eh?

  10. 06.30.2009

    Wow! That is way scary. I’m glad you took things slowly. Because everything could have changed so quickly. Hug that boy extra tight tonight.

  11. WOW! first off. I’m so glad you both are okay. Secondly, what a great post. I love how you wrote it. so creative. and….I JUST saw that movie yesterday.

  12. 06.30.2009

    wow.

    or … in other words … holy crap!

    glad you guys are ok.

  13. 06.30.2009

    So glad it all worked out the way it did. That you guys are safe. That’s all that matters

  14. 06.30.2009

    Oh. wow.
    Try to move more slowly ALL THE TIME from now on, k?

  15. 06.30.2009

    This took my breath away.

    So glad you guys are ok.

  16. 06.30.2009

    Phew!

  17. 06.30.2009

    Oh my. Thank goodness everyone is okay! That is so so so scary. Your guardian angels are watching out for you!

  18. 06.30.2009

    Oh my goodness!! I’m so glad you’re both safe!! What a difference a moment makes!

  19. 06.30.2009

    Brilliant story. You are so right, Mishelle. So right.

  20. 06.30.2009

    Holy moly!! Glad you’re both ok

  21. 06.30.2009

    Yes. Everything happens for a reason. I am SO glad you’re okay – and David!

  22. 06.30.2009

    Found you through classy chaos. So glad to hear all went well. Yes. Your post is a great reminder that taking our time can truly be a lifesaver.

  23. 06.30.2009

    I love your heart.

  24. Michael
    06.30.2009

    Queenie, Benjamin Button’s adoptive mother, said several times, “You never know what’s coming for ya.”

  25. 07.01.2009

    So am I. I’m glad you’re both fine.

  26. 07.01.2009

    Wow! So glad you both are okay.

  27. 07.02.2009

    Oh wow…Just a very wow moment for you, I’m sure. So glad you took the extra time.

  28. 07.20.2009

    wow. I’m glad you guys are okay and you’re right about the movie, you never know!


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