How My Middle Schooler Saved Me $2000

Okay, here's what happened:

Derek and I almost always go pick up newspapers after church on Sunday. It is our habit, our routine, that-thing-we-do. We go just across the street from the church, where we can get them for $1 each. I usually get two or three Sunday papers, for the coupons, of course! I pull up in front of the store, Derek runs in, purchases them, and comes back out. Takes about two minutes total. Well, last Sunday, I pulled up--to my usual place right in front of the door--and he hopped out of the car to run in. However, on his way in, he held the door open for a female police officer who was on her way out.

She came directly over to the car and tapped on the window. I rolled it down. Here's the conversation:

Officer: Was that your son who just held the door open for me?

Me: (gulp) Yes, Officer, he was just going in there to pick up some newspapers. (Now, I'm not sure why I felt led to tell her what he was doing. Who cares, you know? But my first thought was that she was offended by his gesture. Maybe she didn't want some kid holding the door open for her. I will be quite honest and tell you I have never had a police officer come over to talk to me while I was in my car. I was a bit unnerved, and so I was a little on the chatty side. Kind of like now, just thinking about it.)

Officer: Well, I just want you to know that because he did that, I am going to overlook the fact that you are parked in a Fire Zone, which is a $2000 fine. And I'm going to take you off my list. And you can consider this your blessing for the day.

And that's how my middle schooler saved me $2000!

So much for couponing. :)