There are some stories of your kids that you never thought you would look back on and laugh... you know how the saying goes! But now that Scotty has passed on, and although I am still grieving, it is said that memories and laughter are a good combination to healing.
So, I recalled, one of his first brushes with the law. Not that he was always in trouble, but it had to start somewhere. And yes, now, with all that has happened, I can look back upon this story and laugh. See Scotty never was one to do something and quit in the middle, it was all or nothing.
Now, some parents may not find this so humourus but that is your bag.
When I my belly was big with Colten, about 10 years ago, I was sound asleep when the phone woke me at 3am. Startled I answered and was not surprised that it was the police dispatcher... who else would call in the middle of the night. But I did wonder who died, my family was safely at home asleep.... weren't they?
"Susan, you know Scotty has your car right?" Sandy said (it is a small town). "Oh, no that couldn't be, Scotty is only 14 and sound asleep in bed. See, my Bronco (not white... a black bronco) is sitting in my driveway ri....." I look out to my driveway....NO BRONCO.
"Oh my goodnesss Sandy, my car has been stolen!" I cried.
"No, Susie, Scotty has it, we have him pulled over on Maine Street with a friend." Still not comprehending I replied,
"But Scotty is in bed sound aslee......"
"Oh my gosh, someone's kidnapped my son, Sandy!"
"no Susan, as I tried to explain, your son took your bronco and was driving with a friend. ..."
Now you think this is bad enough, a 14 year old boy sneaks out to take a joy ride in Mommy's car. But as I said, Scotty never did anything half way. Sandy continued to report...
"If your son had not rear-eneded a police officer at Maine St. and Williams Ave. who knows where he would have ended up. I don't believe he even has a drivers liscense and appearently does not know how to drive.... Susie.....are you still there?"
See, Scotty didn't just take mom's car for a joyride at 3 am, he had to do the job right and end the evening by hitting a police car in the most popular intersection in town. That is doing the job all the way, good or BAD.
I didn't press charges, the cops brought him home. I ask for handcuffs to cuff him to the bed for the rest of the night but they refused. Since no one was hurt and the police vehicle was okay, it was dropped with a firm warning.
I do look back and laugh, partly. Only wish I could have found a way to direct that energy into something more productive, like a career in Nazcar or something.