Excitement in San Marcos

Excitement in San Marcos 12/27/14 Last Tuesday night, I think I have that correct, I looked at my home alarm panel and thought of how lax I have been regarding my security. Considering that I was planning a short trip when I would feel compelled to turn on the alarm, I decided to test it. I did not have to think about the “on” button or the one that allowed me to walk around when the alarm was set. They were both clearly spelled out on the panel. I hit those buttons. Instead of the usual flashing light, I heard a loud unfamiliar beep that kept repeating itself. Suddenly I was helpless. I had no idea how to stop it. The constant beeping was shattering my calm. My neighbor was quick to respond; within minutes I saw him at the window with flashlight, I beckoned him in. The beep continued its whale. I called the alarm company; “just enter your code and press cancel”. I had no idea what my code was, no clue. Quickly my house seemed to fill up with supporters: firefighters, local security representatives, my neighbor’s wife. With all that help, I ran around with phone in hand, trying to figure out what to do, “yes I knew the password to my system, no I never had a code” I said. Slowly the person on the other end of the phone began to make sense to me: “Can you recall the numbers you use to shut off the alarm?” Without hesitation I entered the correct code and the beeping stopped. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. That senior moment cost me momentary peace of mind. My neighbor, the wife understood that the tension had taken its toll. “I will go get my kettle and some tea, you just sit down.” I did what I was told; she returned with kettle and tea. I had enough presence of mind to provide mugs. We sat together in my kitchen and chatted about the evening and other things as well. I settled down. Finally, I forgave myself for creating such a stir; reminded myself of Robert Frost’s poem that states, “something there is that doesn’t love a wall.” I am so very grateful to my neighbors, to the firemen who came quickly, the security patrol who walked in when I was not looking. Together they saw me through my difficulty giving me gifts of calm, support and thoughtfulness. Frost also said, “good fences make good neighbors”, not last Tuesday night.