Yesterday morning my daughter needed to be at school early.  She was going to do a reading in the middle school mass at nine o'clock and was to report before school for a rehearsal.  My husband often helps with early morning driving, but he had an early meeting.  I got up early, returned some emails and did some work in my classrooms so I was ready and able to drive everyone to school and attend the nine o'clock mass to watch Ella do her reading.

After taking Ella and her brother to their campus early, the little guy and I had time to stop at Starbucks.  He starts school a little later than the big two do, so we sometimes stop for a cup of tea and a review of his spelling words.  We both enjoy these few minutes together and I feel good about the time together and the overview of his spelling list.

I droppped Clayton off at his campus after our Starbucks stop and headed back to the other campus for Ella's reading at mass, slightly ahead of schedule.  Those of you who know me know that doesn't always happen ! It was a great morning.  Too good to be true ?  Keep reading.....

Probably an eighth of a mile away from school, I was stopped at a read light.  It was snowing lightly and an old pickup truck was approaching the light too quickly and instead of stopping, slammed into the back of my car.  I was rear ended at 8:55 am.  My maternal angst flew into over drive and I looked at the clock as soon as he hit me. Never mind the fact that my rear fender was falling off, mass was going to start ! I couldn't miss Ella's reading.  Never mind that she is in middle school, she wants me in attendance now perhaps more than she did when she was in kindergarten.

Accidents happen and no one was injured.  That was good but it didn't matter, I couldn't miss Ella's reading.  I had my proof of insurance, registration and driver's license in my hand when the sheriff arrived.  He spoke briefly to the driver that hit me, then approached my car.  I handed him my information and spewed my story about my daughter doing a reading at mass at nine o'clock.  He asked if it was at Holy Family, I said yes.  He glanced at my license and told me to go to church.  He would come find me when he was done with his report. 

Did you hear the sigh of relief where you were ?  I left the scene at 9:04 am and walked into church at 9:06 (that's how close I was to being there when I was hit). I made eye contact with my girl and flopped down in a pew, just in time to see my eighth grader sing in the choir.

Ella's reading was flawless.  She looked so mature up there I had to do a double take to make sure it was my girl up there reading. Thanks to Deputy Scott Strawska I didn't miss a thing. I really enjoy school masses, and I especially enjoy this year, with my son in the eighth grade choir and Ella in middle school.  I was relieved that no one was injured in the accident I'd been involved in.  I was more relieved that I was there for my daughter.  Doing this reading was a big deal for her and thanks to the above and beyond kindness of Deputy Strawska I didn't have to miss it.

Thank you Deputy Scott Strawska.  In the afternoon, after my car was at the dealership and I'd driven home in my rental I called the Oakland County Sheriff's office.  I asked for Deputy Strawska's superior and praised his professionalism, courtesy and kindness. 

The next time someone goes out of their way to be kind and courtesy to you, thank them.  If it is someone going above and beyond in their job, let their superior know.  Expressing gratitude is a good thing.  You will feel good about it and the people you praise will apprecitate it.  They went out of their way for you.  Isn't it the least you can do ?