In an Instant

In a second flat your world can change...  

We all have heard that and believe it, 

but we don't really absorb it until it happens to you... 

This summer, after I pick up Jack from sailing camp, 

we head up beautiful Lake Shore Drive and exit Wilson Avenue, 

west, to pick up Kate at her park district camp.  

Wilson cuts through a dicey neighborhood 

for about five blocks, but it's the quickest route.  

It was a peaceful ride....

Jack had fun sailing on a picture perfect summer day...

I was making back to school lists in my head 

as we sat at an intersection... 

Much to my husband's security-minded dismay, 

I did not notice the throngs of youths hanging out in the area... 

That was, until four gunshots rang out...  

Time slowed to a snail's pace...  

I looked to my left 

and saw about 20 kids running around the corner...

Then I heard shouts from about another 8 kids, 

diagonally across the intersection...

I thought about Jack, about our vulnerability 

and in that instant the light turned green....  

Tom was in my brain, 

shouting for me to hit the gas 

and I did....  

I didn't start shaking 

until I got out of the car and hugged Kate... 

I called Tom and he contacted the officer 

who patrols the area...  

She said there were conflicting reports 

of whether the shooter was in a car or on a bike...  

Good news is that no one was shot... 

Bad things happen anywhere...  

My eight year old baby was in that car with me 

and I am so grateful he is okay... 

I am still a little verklempt 

and at a loss for words...  

What I do know is that I will be driving a longer, 

statistically safer route from now on..... 

Hold your loved ones close....