DohDohBird

All of the events here happened within five minutes. It was a very intense five minutes.

I went to a couple stores this afternoon. My oldest daughter came with me, and my youngest stayed at home with dad. When we got home, we called for her, but she didn't come. She's gotten into the habit of hiding from people lately. Not because she's shy, or scared, but because it's fun for her to hide and say BOO! So I didn't think anything of it, and told my oldest she'd just come out for her treat when she was ready.

I got sick of waiting and we went hunting for her and couldn't find her anywhere.

My husband didn't see her go outside, and he was sitting in front of the door the whole time I was gone.

She was nowhere to be found.

We tore the house up looking for her, as well as went to houses nearby and asked about her.

SHE IS ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD.

I was in a panic. I was crying, yelling for her, running room to room.

I was about to get the phone and dial 9-1-1 when I stopped in her bedroom one last time.

She was asleep rolled up in her Dora couch (it folds into a seat. She had it folded over her, nearly invisible) and never heard any of the commotion.

My LOUD crying woke her up, and she hugged me and asked what was wrong.

I held her for a good 30 minutes and kept telling her how much I love her.

I couldn't understand how she could have gotten away with my husband in the next room. I thought maybe someone cut the screen and took her, maybe she was hurt somewhere (check the bath tubs -- empty..check under the beds... clear). I was panicked. My husband was running around outside and in, and my oldest was panicked as well. She was asking her friends.

My worst nightmare played out in front of my eyes today.

I am so thankful to God for the safety and health of my children. Today's trauma has made me feel a little more protective of my babies.

It was a terrible thing. Thank God in heaven she was safely asleep in the quiet comfort of her bedroom.