Shoulda Woulda Coulda

On Thursday, Amy and I went to Lowe's home improvement store. We looked at the little sheds on the outside. Then we started to go in. A man ran out of the store with brand new tools in his arms. My mind thought "why is a grown man running with tools?". Two people followed him out, one of which yelled "you better drop it boy!". A: It clicked and I understood that this guy was stealing. My arms immediately shot out football style and the "perp" went skidding on the pavement. Not letting go of the merchandise, the semi-athletic bad guy recovered and ran. Another man and myself began the chase. We caught up to him we ease (he had tools...and I'm fast). I threw my shoulder and wrapped my arms. Down he went, half of his body slamming against his SUV. Though he struggled and cussed, we held him there until the police arrived and took over. It was a great day. A few scratches and a slightly stretched out shirt but an immense sense of satisfaction that I helped bring justice to one moron shoplifter. Or B: I think to myself "Ok guys, stop joking around". The guy chasing the one with the tools appeared shadier and I assumed they worked together. They both run by followed by a Lowe's employee. I watch as they run around the "perps" car. I take a few steps in their direction thinking "seriously? Wait, is this really what I think it is?". The shoplifter hops into his Cherokee and floors it in reverse. Two people quickly memorize his license plate as he speeds off.

Unfortunately, "B", as you may have guessed, is the real playing out of that scenario. Ever since it happened I have been kicking myself for not reacting. I was literally within arms reach of the jerk. I could have easily helped the other guy chase him down. I know it is all could've-should've type stuff here. But I am quite upset that the guy got away with it and I had the potential to quickly shut him down. It is making me consider law enforcement more seriously than ever before.

Anyway, we have done much more since our last post. Liiike....we drove through fog so thick that the school we went to had a 2 hour delay. Or...hiked about the Lost River Cave. We are having a great time working a light to moderate schedule. Currently we are in Tennessee again to visit Brentwood HS...last month we went to Brentwood MS. Efficient. Next stop Georgia. That will bring the state count up to 22 (the last post was wrong: shoulda been 21 not 20). Gonna apologize for the writing tonight. Tired and distracted.