A series of unfortunate events

Have I mentioned that this has been the craziest summer of my life?

Here is just a taste of it…

It started back in June when I was patiently waiting to make a left turn in my car and out of nowhere a 16 year old kid (who HAD TO HAVE BEEN TEXTING) "didn't know I was stopped" and slammed into the back of my car. He was probably going about 40 right before he slammed his breaks. His car was hammered and had to be hauled off with a tow truck. My car actually took it pretty well. Very little outside damage but about $4000 worth of hidden damage under the car.

Adaliah was in the car- which made me extra mad about the situation- but she seemed to be just fine. After we got slammed into she exclaimed an enthusiastic "Uh-Oh!" and that's about it. That was a miracle.

As for me- I have been suffering from extreme whip lash. I’ve had neck and shoulder spasms that send shocks of pain down my arm... I've been more vulnerable to migraines for the last 6 weeks.. and it hurts to exercise which has been so annoying. But after shots in my neck, a few adjustments, and some muscle relaxers I'm finally beginning to feel like myself again.

But this is just the start of my crazy story..

Because of this, my car has been in the shop for almost 2 weeks now- and we were sent home with a Chrysler 300 until is ready. It's been a sweet car- I've loved it. That being said- we learned all the "smart" features the new cars have can be do your disadvantage.

So yesterday evening Pete offered to take Adaliah to the store with him. He pushed a button on the key chain that automatically starts the car, but when he opened the door to put Dali in her car seat the engine turned off. He tossed the keys in the front seat, shut Dali's door and walked around to get in the car. He tried to open the door but found that ALL THE DOORS were LOCKED, with DALI INSIDE. It was about 90 some DEGREES outside, so probably 100-120 DEGREES INSIDE THE CAR.

Pete came inside panicked “I locked Dali and the keys in the flaming hot car!” (did I mention black interior…it’s a heat wave just opening the car door…I can’t imagine what it’s like sitting inside it with the engine off) It’s also a rental so we didn’t have any spare keys.

We called the police and waited for about 10 or 15 minutes. We kept entertaining Dali from the outside with Peek-a-boo and funny faces. I ran and got some neighbors… just because I didn’t know what else I could be doing. It felt more like 30 minutes before the police arrived but just in time because Dali had started to get fussy and flushed. Luckily the cop started using his device to try to unlock the car door, and we are thinking,"finally"... But the car door WOULDN'T UNLOCK... he sat there and tried for what seemed another 40 mins which was probably more like 10 or 15.

Dali started crying and saying over and over “Hot! Hold you! Hot! Hold you!” (Hold you…meaning she want s me to hold her..) I tried to stay calm and keep giving Dali smiles and reassurance. The cop had tried pushing the unlock button and the trunk button but neither would work because of the anti-theft features. He tried pulling the keys through but there was no way that was happening….

I lost it at this point…we were coming up on 30 mins and all that could go through my mind were the horrifying stories of children having seizures because of heat…brain loss, and even death.

I was balling, the police officer was out of ideas, time was ticking…So Pete did what any loving father would do. He grabbed a 30 pd dumbbell that was sitting in the garage and shattered the window.

I pulled her out…she was DRENCHED with sweat but seemed to be all right. She immediately pointed at the neighbors dress and said "DRESS!" then pointed at her stroller in the garage and started insisting we go for a stroller ride.

What a relief. I quickly stripped off all her clothes, gave her some water, washed her down with a cool baby wipe and then took her for a stroller ride- per her request.

It helps put into perspective how fragile life can be and how valuable our daughter's life is. There is nothing worse as a mother then to be inches away from your child…watching them suffer…but being completely helpless.

Talk quickly came up of how many hundreds of dollars we are going to have to pay to get the window fixed…but no dollar amount would have kept me from getting Dali out of that car… I’m so glad she’s safe.