Had an unexpectedly great experience with a police officer last night
I just wanted to share an experience I had with a police officer last night. My father is traveling overseas and forgot an important document so I had to drive to JFK airport so he could board his flight. For reference, we live like an hour and a half away. The issue is, my mother has dementia and is unable to walk and was in bed on her own. I was driving back home at about 2 in the morning so I was the only one on the road and tried to quickly get through a yellow light that was about to turn red but ended up going through as it turned red.
I know, this is my fault, I accept responsibility, I probably should have just waited, but my mom is non ambulatory (can’t move on her own) and usually has to go to the bathroom at around that time, so I was trying to make it home in time to make sure she doesn’t fall out of bed or wet herself.
So I make it through the intersection and a cars lights turn on behind me. Lo and behold it is a police officer. He pulls me over and asks for my license, registration, and proof of insurance. I apologize and acknowledge I messed up, and then he asked me where I was coming from and going to, so I told him.
I cannot tell you how relieved I was when this incredible officer said, “don’t worry about it. In the future just please drive safe and be careful.” I was honestly shocked I wasn’t getting a ticket, so I asked him with genuine surprise “wait really? That’s it?” And he said “yeah. Look man, I’m not trying to harass anyone, just on the lookout for any potentially drunk drivers.”
I thanked him profusely, apologized again, and drove home without issue.
Again, I acknowledge my mistake, but I am incredibly appreciative to that officer. I was really panicking because my mom’s dementia has been getting worse, so she’s been getting more confused and disoriented more easily, so with my dad gone I thought she might try to get out of bed on her own. Last year when she did, she ended up falling and suffering a brain hemorrhage.
Just wanted to share the story because honestly just felt good to feel like someone was looking out for you, especially when it feels like the government has somewhat abandoned us.