Was Lost...But Now She's Found

I've been putting off this post because it is not something I enjoy reliving, but the story must be told...


June 14th, we left for Myrtle Beach to allow Brooklyn to participate in a national dance competition with her team. We left REALLY early in the morning(~5:15) to make the 12 hour trek to South Carolina. The drive was uneventful, but long. We arrived in time for supper, checked into the room we were sharing with my parents and brother, and prepped for the week ahead.
We woke up Monday morning and decided to take a walk on the beach before we gathered all of the beach paraphernalia for the rest of the day. The kids were suited and sun screened and we headed out for our walk. Brooklyn and Xavier headed straight for the ocean while Isaac got used to the giant sandbox. Every time a wave rolled in, Brooklyn would scream like a Fourth of July firecracker. Isaac walked between Andy and I as we made our way up the beach. The older two walked knee-deep in the water behind us. After a while, I noticed I didn't hear any more screaming. I turned to check on the kids, and to my horror, found only Xavier frolicking in the water behind me. I scanned the beach and water, looking for the adorable, pony-tailed, pink suited, slow as molasses, little six-year-old that holds at least one quarter of my heart. SHE WAS GONE.
The next hour was nothing but a nightmare. My dear friend Julie watched the boys while I ran/sprinted up and down the beach, through hotel pools, and into the water, looking for her. I asked everyone I encountered to look for my baby. The lifeguards were on alert, many strangers were looking for her...but no one had seen her. I truly thought Isaac's trip to the ER was the worst day of my life...until now. I honestly entertained the thoughts of abduction and death. I couldn't breathe. I was in a complete panic. Andy said it best when we talked later. He pleaded with God that this wasn't the end of Brooklyn. "She's too special. This can't be it for her. You have more of a plan for her life than this!" He started walking down the beach...he almost turned around twice because she couldn't possibly have gone that far...when there, walking toward him, was our beautiful little girl. As he ran to get her, she looked up and said "Oh, Daddy, I'm so glad I found you! I tried to stay calm, but I couldn't find you!" No one could find Brooklyn because she didn't look lost. Silly girl! He took her hand and led her back toward our hotel. She was a mile from where we'd lost her. Andy yelled to me as they got closer. I couldn't believe my eyes! I ran to her, scooped her up, and sobbed like only a mother could. I walked back to the hotel, never putting her down.

I now understand the panic, heartbreak, and hopelessness felt by parents of lost children and I only had to experience it for an hour.
Brooklyn is safe!
The rest of the week was a blast!(more on that later)