The Mother Who Saved Mother's Day

You probably already know that we went to the zoo for Mother's Day.

What I haven't detailed for you, yet, is how we watched a Mother almost create an international incident while simultaneously saving Mother's Day from a ruinous turn of events.


Here is that story.

Once upon a time (about last Sunday) in a city far, far away (about 68 miles) there was a family who was trying to spend a pleasant, sunny day at the zoo. Actually, there was about 23,000 families trying to spend a pleasant, sunny day at the zoo.

Some of those families traveled 68 miles to go to the zoo. Let's refer to them as TEAM.

Other families (well, at least one family) decided that instead of visiting their own zoo, in their own country (and probably really close to where they actually live), it would be a good idea to visit a zoo that was further away... in a country just to the south of their country. Let's refer to them as BC.

These families, on a mission to have a good time, probably both made pretty good time traveling on the interstate for many, many miles. Average speed was probably well over 62 mph (100 km/hr if you happen to be the out-of-country family). Then... they entered The City.

Traffic virtually stopped. The final 10 miles (16.1 kilometers) took more than 1 hour (1 hour). Attitudes began a downward spiral. Discussions were held about the infamous "Plan B", the much debated "Plan C" and even the dreaded "Plan D".

Finally, TEAM entered the main zoo parking lot. After a few minutes of circling the parking lot with 2,547 other cars it was decided that parking somewhere else might be a wise choice. This is also known as "Plan B".

TEAM drove to the opposite end of the zoo to the lessor known north side parking lot where they circled the lot with only 936 other vehicles. Unbeknownst to TEAM, BC arrived shortly thereafter... or a little while before... no one really knows, nor does it matter.

Discussions about "Plan C" (park on street) and "Plan D" (skip the zoo, let's go to Pike Place Market... surely it won't be busy there) were being held when TEAM pulled into an aisle that was completely empty of families cruising for a parking spot. This happened at the same time a happy family was walking to their parked car, having had all the fun they could muster at the zoo and ready to go home.

TEAM watched with anticipation and hope, praying that this happy family happened to be parked in this empty aisle of cars. Prayers were answered!

Immediately, TEAM put on their blinker to forever mark their reservation on the future open parking spot. Simultaneously, TEAM began rolling forward toward the "Departing Family" to get a little closer... just in case the blinker wasn't enough of a signal to indicate their plan to occupy the future space.

Moments later, BC arrived on the scene, their vehicle pointing directly at TEAM.

Then, BC rolls to a stop.
And puts on their blinker.

TEAM is shocked.

TEAM driver (let's call that person "E") motions with his hand for BC to come forward. It's OK Mr. BC... we'll take this spot that we've been waiting for. You can go ahead and take the next one you find.

BC motions back... pointing his finger at the family loading their car, getting ready to depart. Clearly indicating his intention.

TEAM emotions erupt in disbelief.

Maybe BC is actually confused, being from a different country and all that.

E shakes his head back and forth in a 'No Way, Bozo!' fashion to indicate that is not the right response.

It's a standoff.

Just like a Seinfeld episode.

Then, without any warning or hesitation, the Mother (let's call her "T") gets out of the TEAM vehicle and marches right on over to that BC vehicle to have a friendly chat about why TEAM was going to be parking in the soon-to-be-vacated parking spot.

You may not be surprised to hear that BC had a differing opinion.

While T is arguing with BC, the Departing Family begins reversing out of their spot, blocking the view between TEAM and BC.

Being the kind hearted folks they are, "Departing Family" overhears the argument and pulls up alongside BC to 1) join the discussion in support of the TEAM arguments and 2) completely block BC from being able to slide into the parking spot.

Once TEAM fully monopolized the valuable real estate, T returns (safe and sound) while BC slowly rolls away (probably praying for the ground to open up and swallow the whole TEAM).

After BC disappeared from view, TEAM went on to enjoy a day at the zoo and T was rewarded with her own Strawberry Smoothie.

That, my friends, is the story of The Mother Who Saved Mother's Day.

Thanks T. None of us wanted to go with Plan C or Plan D. You saved the day... again.

~E