A Family First

Every once in a while, something truly new and unexpected happens. When I learned several years ago that most people have something like 80% of the same thoughts each and every day, I started to pay attention to when I have a completely new thought, something I've never thought of or considered before. Something that takes even me by surprise. I don't know if this is a sad comment on me, but I don't notice brand-new thoughts and ideas every day. Not even every week. But a lot of good story ideas come from these kernels of ah-ha!

Just as rare are the physical moments of experiencing something completely new and unexpected, especially something that I haven't even heard of another person I know doing. Something like that happened to me yesterday—well, to me and to Cody.

I received a call from Cody's work about a half hour after he was supposed to head home. The moment the lady announced herself as a member of the security personnel at his four-story building, my heart did a funny skip, but I was reassured by the lightness of her tone. She verified that, yes, I was Cody's wife, then said: "Your husband wanted me to let you know that he's stuck in the elevator."

My thoughts stuttered. It was simply so unexpected. Holding back an inappropriate giggle, I asked if he was okay. Yes, just fine, only he was stuck in the elevator and the nearest technician was forty-five minutes away. Cody hadn't wanted me to worry, so had asked her to call. After I verified there was nothing I could do, we hung up.

I've never known anyone who was stuck in an elevator before. I've never heard of anyone receiving a call that their spouse was trapped in one either. It was funny, but I didn't really want to laugh until Cody was out safe. Naturally, when he made it home safe and sound, I teased him all night long. I even marked the event on our calendar. It was a bizarre first for both of us.