Day So Wrong Turned Out Oh, So Right
As you may have noticed, my column has a name now! Last week, my mind was in wander mode once again, wondering what to write. My goal each week is to share something to inspire, lead to a yearning for learning or simply leave you smiling. My topics may be as random as the wind, and you’ll never know what’s coming. And frankly, neither do I! But bottom line, wherever the breeze bestows me, I’m aiming for reflective and RELATABLE renderings for my readers. Hence, here’s my inaugural creation for my newly categorized column.
Last week, after leaving the NHS Alumni Board meeting, I ended up spending the night in town with my daughter and granddaughters. The plan for the next day was to take our token trip to McDonald’s for a sumptuous breakfast sandwich then drop the grand-girls off at their respective schools.
That next morning, before dashing out the door for my first trip with my fifth-grader, I quickly got dressed, donning the most convenient garb I could grab – my old, worn Purdue hoodie, stretchy cheetah pajama pants and Averie’s handy dandy neon green Croc shoes. Got a visual here? Oh, and forget even brushing my bed-head hair. As her sophomore sister slept in, we set out seeking our ambrosial Egg McMuffins, then off to North Elementary school.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but flashing red lights in my rearview mirror! Oddly enough, my first concern was not that of breaking the law. Rather it was the dreadfully delusional decision to dress like no one would ever notice – or so I thought.
What do you expect when you see flashing lights behind you? To my amazement, in the arctic air, it was the warm and friendly face of Officer Kelsey Cress. She kindly advised that I neglected to make a full and complete stop coming off Connor Street. She assured me that it was “close,” and that there would be no ticket today. Her primary concern was simply for our safety. Noting my granddaughter’s nervousness, Officer Cress encouraged Averie to continue enjoying her breakfast while she took my license and completed her duties.
Next stop – North Elementary, where I was awed by the heartfelt hug that Averie received at her arrival by teacher Janene Krent in the drop off line. What likely made my granddaughter‘s day made my day too. But it just keeps getting better…
After getting Gabby to the high school, I returned to the house one last time to find the lawn laden with linemen! I was greeted in the driveway by Donald Wright from Duke Energy, advising me that there would be a power outage at the property for a few hours. He profusely apologized, stating that they had attempted to reach me several times ahead of time about the outage. Yet another nod for Noblesville‘s hospitality!
January 21, 2026 was one Mr. Rogers moment after another – a lovely day in the neighborhood.
Can You Relate?!
Can You Relate is a column from Noblesville High School grad Branna (McCarty) Shores. Branna believes that “HOME is where your story begins.” A Noblesville native and proud alum of NHS and Purdue, she is a professional speaker, advocate for mental health and work / family balance and retired social worker. Branna is the mother of two grown daughters, six precious grandchildren and wife of one brave husband! Her passions include singing, writing and sharing the lighter side of life through lessons learned, both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at branna18@gmail.com