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So many times I would love to just run into the gas shop and pick up the things I need and pay for my gas. The biggest problem I face is what to do with my two small children. I think, "Well, I could lock the car and takes the keys wtih me." Then the little voice in the back of my head says, "What if you lose your keys? What if today is the day that your key breaks in the lock?"

So every time I have to run in for just a "minute" I find myself lugging out the baby seat, and unstrapping my toddler, trudging across the parking lot and paying for my gas and getting anything else I may need. I usually have to tell the older child "No" when he is after a toy or candy. And I usually have to rock the youngest in the car seat to keep her calm while I wait in line. Most people give me sympathetic glances, and a few are rude. I have heard, "Just leave them in the car, you're not going to be gone that long and you can see them anyway." I just smile and say thanks, collect my change and my children and return to get them back in the car.
Yes, it would be easier to leave them strapped in the car seats for the two minutes, but the what ifs are too many to discount. I would rather waste five minutes of my limited time than spend the rest of my life wishing I could just have that minute back.

Learn more about this author, Lorraine Dorgan.
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