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June 25, 2005

Panic

3 U.S. boys found dead in car truck died from accidental suffocation.

What a horrible, sad tragedy.

Yesterday my oldest child took the bust to the mall with a friend. First time. I used to do the same thing all the time when I was young. No biggie. The buses were my friend.

Not her, though. She was supposed to be home at 5:30 and we found her at a transfer point at 10. Yes. TEN. I was near the point of panic by then. No, well into the point of panic and near hysteria. An extended version of that feeling when you're in a supermarket and you can't spot your child right away. That second of panic lasted a lot longer last night.

Why didn't she call, she normally calls? Why hadn't her friend called home? It was terrible. Fears took over with the "what if" battle going on in my head.

My mind started searching for all the horrific things that happen to kids. I can't tell you the relief that came over me when I spotted the girls last night. Thank God. Thank God. My anger was consumed by relief.

I'm so sorry for those kid's families, their community.