It happened! That moment that every parent dreads! The one where you think you know where your youngest is, but they aren't there. The one where every backyard is searched in the culdesac, a huge contingency of neighbors are searching, people are calling out her name, 911 is called, a description is given down to her shoes...that moment happened!
I can tell you this; you find out who your neighbors are and what a community can do quickly! You find out the kindness of 911 dispatchers and the gentleness of police officers! You realize that prayers are said desperately while standing in the middle of a road waiting for reports of roads searched. That for every second that passes, internal agitation and fear increase yet outward calmness seems to rule the hour.
It was a very long hour. The two little girls, ages 3 and 4 (the 3 yr. old being mine) told me that they were going to walk to the 4 yr olds house to see her bedroom. She lives very far away. I said no. They then told the 4 yr olds mother. She said no! They walked out the door and went anyways (no one knew they walked away). They crossed a busy road together-proud of themselves that they did it safely. They walked many blocks until the road came to an end. Then the 3 yr old knew she was lost. She began to cry. Someone called 911. The police were there in moments, the message was relayed to me -they were safe! A dad ran, a neighbor ran, 3 kids ran and bikes and vans from the search party converged on the place of safety- just to make sure it was true. I couldn't run. I stayed where I was planted-in the middle of the road desperately praying that it was them.
She safely came home to my arms. Many prayers were answered through the kindness of friends and strangers. I feel blessed!
I'm touched by those who offered up prayers in cars, on the sidewalks, while searching backyards. I'm even more touched that everyones concern was for the missing girls and not one comment was made to blame me for this difficult moment. Thank you for your kindness, true compassion and concern. I thank everyone who jumped in today to help. People are genuinely good!
Dance like no one is watching...
11 years ago
6 comments:
How frightening! Glad everyone is back safe and sound! Yes, most generally people are good and love to help!
Oh Chari, that is so scary! I'm so glad that your daughter was found and that she and her little friend were okay!
I'm glad all turned out ok. That is pretty scary. I got lost a lot when I was little (I was a wanderer), and I'm really hoping that there aren't paybacks for all the heart attacks that I caused....
So, so scary! I am very glad she is safe.
Oh, Chari. I'm so glad they're okay and I can't imagine your fear. I'm so grateful you were surrounded by loving, supportive people. (Have you seen "The Deep End of the Ocean."?) My biggest fear with this trip to Italy was that someone would kidnap Baylie. I even brought along a monkey leash.
Yikes! I cried when I read this. Thank heavens for good people!
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