One our way home, crossing the border from Canada to the U.S., Joe gave our information/paperwork to the official there.
All of a sudden an alarm went off, police circled our vehicle, some with their hands on their guns.... Joe was asked to "put his hands where they could see them.... step out of the vehicle slowly......" They then proceeded to handcuff him and push him up against the car.
All of a sudden an alarm went off, police circled our vehicle, some with their hands on their guns.... Joe was asked to "put his hands where they could see them.... step out of the vehicle slowly......" They then proceeded to handcuff him and push him up against the car.
Tiff started screaming and crying... Devin started crying and my mouth is just agape, feeling like I was in a dream.... Tiff was begging the officers " to not take her Daddy to jail!!!" and the officers asked me to calm the kids down...
To make a long story short, they had the wrong... Joe Martin....It seems there are 17 Joe Martins "wanted" in the US right now... Crazy Shiznit!
One of the officers came over and apologized after Joe was released and explained everything to the kids in great detail. They listened intently to every word. I thought that was nice. He shared what "Routine Procedures" were and also why they hand cuffed Daddy. He also shared that he had two kids 7 and 10, and they too, would have been mortified if that happened to their Daddy. He was kind and respectful, which was interesting to see after his very different way of interacting when he was cuffing Joe.
It ended up being an opportunity which led to much discussion, learning and growing for the kids. Everyone was so grateful and relieved that the contrast after fear and intensity led to extreme Joy, silliness and relaxation for the rest of the trip home. I am grateful it happened.
The police let us know that it may happen again when we return from England, so to prepare and explain that to the kids. We have and they understand that it may happen again because, "Daddy has a very common name."
Our life is never boring...
5 comments:
Wow! That must have been extremely scary. Atleast they were nice enough to apologize. Good for you to use it as a learning moment. But don't be surprised if the younger ones start playing border patrol. I am sure it will take a while to get that out of their minds.
How scary that must have been!!! But it just goes to show what a positively positive lot you are, to be able to find that opportunity in a scary experience :D (Note to self -- remember to accent the positive!)
I think it's funny that this happened, especially since you said that Joe's passport looked like a wanted picture. I suppose our words have creative power after all.
CRAP! That would have creeped us out too! Glad all turned out well in the end. Yes, your lives are never boring!
Wow. That's nuts. That is a big problem with the US boarder, there is no reason this should EVER happen again. That is why you have a passport for personal ID! His passport can easily be identified as NOT the Joe Martin they're looking for.
Glad they did explain everything to your children later. They have a reputation of treating people badly and never apologizing or anything ;)
Post a Comment