From a young age, my mom taught me to use a hidden code word to silently call for help when speaking wasn’t an option.
When I was young, my mother taught me to use a secret code word whenever I felt unsafe or uneasy and couldn’t speak openly about it.
Later, when I had a daughter named Amy, I shared this important lesson with her, and together we chose our own special code word.
One afternoon, while Amy was at her dad’s place—my ex-husband Dave—she slipped the code word “blueberries” into a phone call.
My heart sank instantly. Without hesitation, I headed to Dave’s house, worried something was seriously wrong.
When I arrived, Dave appeared distant but agreed to let me take Amy home early.
In the car, Amy broke down and told me how her dad had been shouting and slamming doors, which terrified her.
When I spoke with Dave afterward, I explained the meaning of the code word.
He was genuinely apologetic and admitted that stress from work had caused him to lose control.
I’m so thankful for the simple but powerful advice my mom once gave me.
That secret code word helped keep Amy safe when it mattered most — a small gesture that made a huge difference.
When I spoke with Dave afterward, I explained the meaning of the code word. He was genuinely apologetic and admitted that stress from work had caused him to lose control.
I’m so thankful for the simple but powerful advice my mom once gave me.
That secret code word helped keep Amy safe when it mattered most — a small gesture that made a huge difference.
