My wife’s favorite dentist does her thing about an hour’s drive from our home. For some visits, I’m privileged to play limo driver and take her there.

While Pat is allowing people to put their fingers in her mouth, I go find entertaining things. Tuesday, I went to a jogging/bicycle park featuring a 50 acre lake. I downloaded Sparky and rode around the neato paths. Beautiful little park.

At the lake, some nice people had built a great ramp that extended into the lake about 50 yards. It was so quiet and peaceful. Ducks were swimming, a couple of small gators were looking for swimming ducks. All in all, all God’s creatures, great and small, were trying to practice the nature/balance thing.

After about half an hour, I headed for Tonka to load Sparky and get ready to pick up my wife. That little “inner voice” prompted me to head back to the lake for a little more quiet time. I’d only been gone about ten minutes, but things had really changed. There was a large column of black and gray smoke towering into the blue sky.

You’re reading stuff written by a guy who never ever wanted a cell phone. I made sport of those who owned and used them while trying to drive on MY roads! Then, Pat and I became owners of cell phones. Now, you couldn’t pry them out of our fingers! (G)

As a former volunteer fireman, there was no doubt in my mind that the situation could very quickly get out of control in our drought conditions, sending many really lovely homes go up in smoke. Well, I called “911” to report this fire. No one had yet called it in. The operator was so helpful. I had no idea where I was exactly. She asked for a street name. There was no street. I was able to give her the names of two fast food places near where I’d made the turn to come into the park. From that rather obscure reference, she located the lake. Within two or three minutes, I began hearing sirens. Sirens continued to scream as more and more units arrived.

Folks who live near the park started showing up and discussing how dry the trees are and various other dangers involved with fires. As word spread that I’d called “911”, they thanked me. Gosh, gee whiz! I got to be a “hero” for a few fleeting seconds. Didn’t get my whole 15 minutes of fame, but nibbled off a little chunk! (g)

One man felt bad because he didn’t have his camera. I offered to e-mail him my digital pics. He seemed very happy. (BTW, the graphic accompanying this piece is of the start of the actual fire that occurred 2/27.)

When Pat finally called to let me know that she was finished, I told her my exciting story. She wanted to come see the fire, so I brought her to the park. All in all, a pretty eventful afternoon!

I guess the thing that really stuck in my mind was spoken by one of the lake neighbors who thanked me for calling “911”. In the next breath he said, “My wife and I came outside when we smelled the smoke. When we saw the smoke, she said that perhaps we should call ‘911’. I said that surely, by now, someone had called it in.”

Huh? Better 30 people call in the same fire than no one call it in. The folks at “911” don’t arrest callers who report genuine crises! How often in life do we “let Joe do it”? I COULD witness to him/her, but surely someone will do it. I could take in a hot meal to that bereaved family, but…. You’re getting the point, right?

Please write and let me know about your experiences. If this piece speaks to you, let me know. I enjoy hearing from my readers. Just use the “Leave a Reply” box below!  I want to thank my wife, Pat, for proofing all the stuff I write up here. She is the best!

RESPONSES TO “I Tol’ You Once, I Tol’ You Twice…”

– Well, you’re right on target with this one, Jerry. My grandfather had a saying that I still remember after more than 30 years, “If you can’t listen, then feel!” Boy, have I felt those words on more than one occasion!

– I tol’ you once, I tol’ you twice, I tried to be so very nice! That’s what we used to say to our friends! I just want you to know that I would not have moved, either! I’m stubborn that and God has a hard time with me! He has to “tol’” me several times before I listen (or is that hear?)!! Ain’t it great He loves us anyway? Loved your story. You did have it coming to you. Hope he got you so wet you won’t forget! Hey, I should have been a poet! Still love the lifeguard in the graphic! Keep dry!

– I really liked this one, Jerry. I have done the same thing so many times I hate to count them. But every now and ‘agin’, it comes ‘round to one’s turn to get clobbered ‘jest’ like they said it would. Thanks for another goody.

– Enjoyed envisioning you getting soaked by Shamu. That’s one of our favorite places as well. Good piece!

– Since it took us from 6:30 to 12:30 to get home from Orlando last Saturday (due to bad brush fires), I can identify more with your snail pace than your dunking. I have always moved back and never have gotten wet, but then again I am chicken I would rather be safe than wet. Glad you got to do something just with Rachael.

– Avoiding the obvious pun about it being a “whale” of a story, I thought it was very applicable. Especially how we disregard the warnings of the Lord in our lives. Good sermon potential!

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