Oy.

I share a first name (though I use a different spelling) with a popular advice columnist, which you know if you follow me on Twitter or email me about your kid with Sotos or whatever. Anyway, I have a professional website that plays on the advice/problem solver theme. In fact, it says flat out, "Let me solve your problems." It goes on to explain that I am a writer who delivers content solutions, and it invites potential clients to call me on my cell phone.

Today, my cell phone rang. I answered. The voice on the other end -- a teenage girl -- said, "I was just at your web site and it says to call if you have a problem." I was in the middle of something, so I was a little bit slow to respond, and I said, "What website are you talking about?"

She told me, and I instantly realized what had happened. "Well," I said, "you actually want the advice columnist. I'm a writer." But as those words came out of my mouth, my brain caught up, and I rushed to say, "But maybe I can help. What's wrong?" Because she was CRYING. And all I could think was, A CHILD NEEDS HELP.

And she said, "I changed my mind, I don't want to talk about it."

I said, "Are you sure?"

And she said, "Yes, I'm sorry I bothered you," and hung up.

I was terrified. TERRIFIED. I googled the number and plugged it into a reverse phone directory and got nothing. I called my brother, who had no advice. I went to Mr. WG, who also had no advice. And I was distraught.

Fortunately, my friend who is a psychologist came over for dinner tonight. I told her the whole story, and asked what to do, and she came up with a BRILLIANT solution.

Moments later, I texted the girl: "I know I'm not the person you were trying to reach, but I am a mom of 5 kids, and if you need help, I can help you find someone who can help you."

Mercifully, she texted back, "Okay thanks I called a help line and talked to them today"

THANK GOD.

We exchanged another set of texts, and my heart rate may return to normal later this evening.