Mom says it's because you read the local law journals, and knew about the lawsuits for a myriad of freak accidents.
When I started driving, you impressed upon me the absolute critical importance of locking the car doors immediately so that I couldn't get carjacked. I think this was kind of a new crime at that time, and getting a lot of publicity. So when I get into the car, I lock the doors while the door is still closing.
What that means is I almost always lock out my husband, and anyone else getting into the car with me. The reflex is that strong.
I also never, ever park next to large vans under which someone could be hiding.
I never walk under cranes, because mistakes happen.
I feel stressed out if someone uses a glass near a pool - any pool, including a hotel.
I check the iron about seventeen times to make sure I didn't leave it plugged in - even though it automatically turns off after a few minutes as a safety feature.
In college, you used to clip articles out of the newspaper and send them to me. One of the ones I remember was: "Girl starts fire in dorm by leaving iron plugged in." You attached a post-it that said, L. Dad.
Seriously, you thought I would burn down a dorm??? Crazy!
Anyway, in the last couple years, you and mom's cars were broken into in the driveway. Well, actually, there weren't broken into. The doors were just...unthinkably...unlocked.
WHAT? I said. How could you leave your car sitting out overnight unlocked? What if a carjacker got into the back seat and waited for you? You deserved to have your GPS stolen.
You told me, Megan, this is Port Jefferson. We don't have things like that here. I still can't believe it. But I'm still locking my doors promptly and I'm glad I have the reflex. Thanks for making me a paranoid safety freak too, Dad.
Love, M
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