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We almost missed him!

Today is the day the preschool kids were invited to ride the train with Santa.  It’s been on the calendar for weeks, and  although I had thrown out the original informational flier, I had written on my calendar:

Santa Train 9:00 South Station (8:55)

So that there wouldn’t be any jealous wailing and gnashing of teeth from Jack and Maria, I purposely waited until we dropped them at school before reminding the Little Boys of our morning’s destination.  As soon as the van door shut behind the older kids, I told the boys that we were going to go home first, but that soon we’d head to the train station to meet our school friends for a train ride with Santa.

We came home for a bit and hung some ornaments on the tree.  In no time, it was time to go.  Despite looking forward to it, it still took AGES for the boys to go potty, get shoes, hats and gloves on and get into the car.  The station isn’t very far, but my genetic need to be early had me nervous.  I drove as fast as I dared, only to find a freight train AND emergency vehicles backing traffic up for several blocks not too far into the trip.  Now I was starting to panic.  “I hope we don’t miss Santa,” I told the boys, while mentally preparing for the crushing disappointment that was sure to fill our morning.

We managed to get through the traffic and almost reached downtown when there was ANOTHER back up due to ANOTHER train.  Shit.  I looked at the clock.  8:58.

Up ahead, there was a 4-way intersection.  If I could just get there and go left, I’d be able to park and we could run to the train.  But, traffic was backed up several car lengths and no one was moving.

So, I did what I see motorists in this town do ALL THE TIME when faced with this situation:  I pulled into the oncoming lane (which was empty) to reach the intersection and then made my turn.  I think things would gone swimmingly — if I hadn’t pulled up right next to a cop before making my turn.

As soon as my turn was completed, I heard the “bleep, bleep” of the siren and pulled over.  “Well, guys.  I think we’re going to miss Santa,” I told them again.  “I’m in trouble.”

When the cop asked if I was in a hurry, I answered with a humble, “Yes.  We’re trying to make a train with Santa.”

“Do you have your driver’s license?” She asked, after reprimanding me for doing something so dangerous.  “Ummmm…. no,” I told her, after searching my pockets.  (I mean, who brings a purse for a train ride to see Santa when you have two little kids, their coats, hats, gloves, your coat, keys and phone?  I had shoved everything I needed into my pockets so I’d have my hands free to grab kids.  Except, it seems, my driver’s license.)

Handing me a pen and notebook, the officer had me write down my vitals and then stepped away to run my information.  I looked at the boys and apologized.  “Just go, Mom!” Sam told me.  Hahaha.  I explained to Sam that that probably wasn’t in my best interest.

The cop came back, gave me a lecture, complete with guilt trip, about what a dangerous move I made – especially with kids in the car – and sent us on our way.  Happy to have dodged that bullet, I turned the corner to see the Metra pulling away.  “There goes the train,” I told the boys.

But… wait!  That was the northbound train pulling away.  We needed the southbound train.  Is it possible that we hadn’t missed the train?

I looked over to the waiting area and saw some familiar faces.  Yes!!!  We made it in time!

In plenty of time, it turns out.  The train wasn’t scheduled to leave until 9:13.  I guess I had written 9:00 on my calendar just to be extra sure we’d get there on time.  Next time I’m going to have to re-think my strategy.

Ho! Ho! Ho!