The elevator

First things first....some cute Jacob pictures.....

"100 day" at school. He was so excited (and wore the crown proudly)....

Jacob is known to fall asleep almost every night wherever he is. Last night it just happened to be slumped over the chair in the living room. I wish I could fall asleep like that. Sadly, I can't (but Todd pretty much can--maybe next time I'll snap a pic of him...watch out honey). :)

And now onto the real blog post.

Last week I had to take my three younger kids to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning. Things went well until the jouney home. Since my kids love to ride the elevator, that is something we do often (plus, I'm way too lazy to use the stairs, so I'm all for it).....and this day was no exception. We walked into the little box and pushed the #1 button (we were only on level 2). After a couple of minutes, while we were chatting, I noticed that the door was not opening. We had moved, just like every other elevator ride, but the door was not doing its job. I said to the kids, "Why aren't we getting out?" Just my first reaction, ya know?

I pushed the "open door" button on the elevator (or possibly it was the "close door" button).....but nothing happened. Either way, I kept trying to push the buttons. I even held it down, thinking that would do the trick. Nothing.

My little Jacob's face portrayed sheer terror as he started pacing back and forth inside the little box. I assured him (and the others) it was going to be okay. (All the while, I was a frantic mess on the inside....I DO NOT like to be closed in and I was starting to panic a little myself). But I held it together and said, "The elevator is stuck. Let's try the call button and see what happens." It was just like in the movies.

I was terrified that no one would answer.....luckily someone did.

"Are you stuck in the elevator?" the voice asked.

"Yes, "I replied.

"What floor are you on?"

"I'm not sure. Probably close to the first, since that's where we were headed and I'm pretty sure the elevator went down." I went on to explain that we were just visiting the dentist. She acted like she knew that part, which made sense, but I was nervous, so talking helped calm me down. She told me to wait a second while she called for some back up.

At this point, I tried to convince my kids that this was a cool thing. Someone was actually talking to us from an intercom system somewhere in the building. And it was going to be okay.

She came back a minute later and said, "I've called for help. I'm going to stay on the line with you until they arrive." It was just like a 911 call. Crazy, huh? Then she asked me something I would have never thought possible. She said, "What's the weather like in Utah?" WHAT? ( I thought to myself). "You're not in Utah?" I asked. "Where are you?" She replied, "Colorado."

Now I understand how when you call some credit card company or other type business and you know they're really not in your state. That thing you expect. But the call button in a Utah elevator goes to another building in Colorado? Very strange.

That made our adventure even more interesting. (I wouldn't call it fun, mind you, but it was kind-of cool). I told the lady I had my three younger kids with me and they were a little scared and then, since my mouth runneth over, I commented how I wished I'd used the bathroom before I entered. She definitely gave me a courtesy laugh for that one. (Who is that strange lady stuck in the elevator anyway?).....

After a few more minutes, I said, "How long do you think it will take?" She said, "I don't know, but I'll give them three more minutes and if they don't show up, then I'll call the fire department." That stressed me out a little bit more, because I knew that would take more time. And even though I was trying to be strong for my kids, I didn't want to be in there much longer.

About 2 minutes later, my kids and I heard noises on the outside. Not voices yet, just noises at first......then voices. I can't tell you the relief I felt. I looked at my kids and said, "It sounds like someone is out there." I started to knock on the door to see if anyone would respond, while I yelled, "Hello! Anybody there?"

And there it was....."We're trying to get the door open for you. It seems to be stuck."

30 seconds later, we were FREE! The elevator had not quite made it all the way to the 1st floor, and we had to step down to get out. The 2 men had to hold the door for us while we walked through. I was so happy. And so were my kids. I wanted to run out the door as fast as I could in a desperate attempt to get as far away from there as possible. I tried to keep it together as I told my rescuers thank you.....thank you.....thank you.....

I've thought a lot about that experience this week. The Spirit taught me a little lesson that I'd like to share. And really I'm just writing it down, so I don't forget. (And for those of you who have already heard it....sorry, just skip it if you want).....

It's amazing how many different emotions you can go through in such a short amount of time. From being scared, to hopeful, to helpless, to relief in a matter of minutes. In the very moment that the elevator stopped and I realized we were trapped, I felt so alone and scared. I wanted the door to just open RIGHT THEN so we could leave. When it didn't, I was thankful that I knew to push the call button next. And when someone answered, I was so grateful. But when no one came right away, I was frightened and alone again. And the prospect of being trapped in that emotion was even scarier.

BUT when we heard the noises and the voices, I KNEW someone was there. I couldn't see them, but I could HEAR them. And that was enough in that moment to give me relief and strength to continue until we were completely freed. I think it's like that with the Spirt and the influence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior. We can't see them, but we can hear them and we know they're there. We can feel their love and their support. When we feel trapped, they can save us and set us free.

Aren't we lucky that we have that guidance and knowledge from the Savior? And that we have the opportunity to thank Him for all those times He's "saved" us?

All in all, the whole thing only lasted about 10 minutes. (It look me longer to write it). But the lesson will have lasting effects on me. I'm not thankful I was trapped in an elevator and honestly, I hope it NEVER happens again. But I am thankful for the small reminder it gave me and for the lessons I learned from it.

Now, just a little tip. Take the stairs......