To Be Protected: safe, cared for, taken care of, comforted, held, defended
Who knew that a simple thing like going through the car wash could be so traumatizing?!
It had been too long and the day finally came to get my car washed. It just so happened that everyone else in town, or so it seemed, had also decided this was the day! When I saw the sign that said "50% off" I realized why it was so busy. I was almost deterred by the long lines ahead of me, but decided to wait it out, since I had already put off this day for so long.
I settled back into my seat and tried to relax as the line slowly moved forward, but occasional glances at the clock didn't really help. At last it was my turn. The attendant, with the wind whipping her hair, was very cheerful and friendly in spite of the long lines. As I proceeded to the car wash several guys sprayed my car down, in the process getting plenty of spray on themselves. I eased onto the conveyor belt and put my car in neutral. The cars were stacked close together with not much space between.
I was nearly to the end of the line when I realized the vehicle in front of me was stopped. I blew my horn, which didn't do much good as there was another one in front of them that was actually holding up the line. I tried not to panic as the conveyor belt kept moving me forward while I stepped on the brakes with all my might, so as not to hit the car in front of me. In the meantime, the vehicle behind me crunched my back bumper. (So much for my "new" car!) Finally, one of the "washer" guys came to see what was holding up the line. About that time the vehicle in front got his act in gear and the line began to move again.
I pulled around to the side to vacuum the inside of my car, but also just to get out and let my body release some of the huge emotion it was feeling. I was mad and felt like crying! But underneath that was a terrified little girl that didn't know if she was going to be okay. The voice of accusation saying that she should've known better, she's not good enough or smart enough to avoid such situations, had her cowering in the corner. I took a step back and looked that little girl in the eye. Then I sat down and pulled her into my lap. I reassured her that she did a good job, she did the best she knew and that is good enough. I wanted her to know that she is safe with me and I will keep defending her and cheering her on. The car is important, but she matters more! Cars will come and cars will go. They may bear scars or need some fixing, but that will always be 2nd place to her. She gave me a tentative smile and hugged my neck.
As I drove home that day, I felt at peace knowing that I am safe and taken care of always.
