2 Minutes Gone
Published in Widowism by chefswidow
Can you say Christmas Card?
You know that feeling you get when you get pulled over by the cops? Times that by one million and then you will be in my shoes about an hour ago. I got home from work (that sounds so funny) and decided that the kids and I were going to take advantage of the lovely afternoon with a trip to the jungle aka Metroparks. We packed up and soon arrived at the beautiful forest. I put Louisiana in the backpack and we headed out. After about 5 seconds Biggie wanted to walk so I let her. There was no one else on the trail. We did about a ten minute hike and headed back down. We picked up rocks, splashed in puddles, and tried to climb trees. It was grand. About 10′ before we hit the car I noticed that I couldn’t hear Louisiana. She had been right on the side of me and Catcher had been in front. I called out for her and she didn’t answer. At that split second I noticed a man staring at me from his car. My mind went WILD with crazy scenarios. I screamed her name and begged Catcher to help me find her. Still no answer. I ran back into the woods paralyzed in fear. There was no one in the woods while we were but being the horror movie junkie that I am nothing seemed impossible. My screams got louder and the asshole in the car just stared. Finally I spied her Dalmatian coat peeking out from behind a tree. I ran as fast as I could and there she was. Crouching down, smiling and not saying a damn word.
Holy hell.
My heart felt like Andre the Giant was standing on it. I hugged baby girl with all my might and headed home. Another day in the life.
Oh, I know that panic. That happened to me last Fall! We were at the pumpkin patch with friends and I was not watching Rocco closely because some of the other parents in the group were around. All I sudden I looked at the kids and noticed he was gone. And none of the other parents had even realized it. I freaking panicked! I was prime pumpkin season so the place was packed. I desperately started looking for him and calling his name and after about two or three minutes I found him, standing talking to a couple who were apparently trying to help him find me. Turns out he had taken off after his dad, who had gone to the restrooms or something, and Hubbz didn’t know it. I have never been so scared in my life. It’s amazing how your mind can eff with you and the worst case scenario plot of every After School Special and Law & Order SVU episode about child abduction comes rushing back to your brain. So glad you found her safe and sound! Little imp was hiding! Oh, they have no idea the power they have over our hearts do they?!
THAT is a horrible feeling. hugs, mama!
i don’t know why but I just paniked a bit for you… and got choked up – those are scary, scary moments… and it’s moments like that you realize what a big, scary world it really is and how teeny-tiny, precious our kids are… I don’t think that fear ever goes away… (according to my mom!)… I’m so glad she’s safe and sound… and I totally would have reported the creep-ola’s license plate to the cops!
I agree it’s scary – imagine not finding a child in a mall and having security scour the store only to find the three year old hidden in the middle of a round clothes rack laughing his head off – that is a genuine heart attack so I can feel your pain and my heart dropped into my stomach just reading about your scary moment – however, I have to disagree with the prior post. If you had reported that guy’s license plate without any actual provacation just because he was enjoying the park, his life could be ruined in a blink. What if he was just taking a moment after a run in the park or just simply enjoying the day like you were with your kids. Does this make sense at all? I know the world is so much scarier than when we grew up in the 70′s but unjust accusations these days ruin too many lives.