After church we usually stick around and chat for a little bit. After our usual chatting, we loaded up in the van and headed home. We got a couple miles from church when Justus said, "We forgot JD!" Since Justus likes to joke around, my first thought was he was kidding. I said, "JD if you're in here speak up now!" No answer. Jerry hit the brakes and stopped the van right in the middle of the road. Thank goodness no one was behind us!
We turned around and headed back. Of course, because we were trying to get back as fast as possible, we had to pull over for not one, but two, fire trucks in the short drive back! I sent a text to our friend Claudia, who I knew was still there when we left, telling her we were on our way back, but her phone was on silent. Jerry's phone was as well or we would have heard it ringing because another church friend Wes was trying to call him to tell us JD was still there!
We pulled into the parking lot to find JD standing in front of the church with a small crowd of laughing adults behind him! I wish I would have thought to take a picture. I crack up just thinking about it!
JD jumped in the van and told us his side of the story...
He and a friend were collecting the little wine/juice cups from the Lord's Supper. When they finished he wondered where we all were. The friend joked, "I bet they left without you!" So they went out to look for us and, sure enough, JD was shocked to see the van was gone. They ran in and told a few adults who then tried to call Jerry.
We have been parents for almost 26 years and this is the first time we have ever left someone behind. I guess of all the places to leave someone, church was probably the best! It was a good reminder for everyone to just stay put if that happens. Eventually, we'll figure it out and come back for you!
Before we left home to go back for evening service we reminded JD to grab his Bible. His reply... "Don't want it to be left behind LIKE ME!" Then when we got back to church we were asked several times if we had everyone! It'll be awhile before we live that one down! Several people shared their own "kid left behind" stories. Seems no one forgets when it happens... I'm sure these 10 minutes will be remembered a long time and the story will be told in our family many years from now! For that reason, I thought I'd write a quick post to record the details so there is no embellishing of the facts 20 years from now! ;)
What a way to celebrate...Father's Day!
