Saturday, January 7, 2012

Holy Crap ...

First, let me say HOLY CRAP,  I can't believe it's been six months since I last posted!  Don't know how that has happened, but let me assure you that I have continued to read everyone on my blog list.  I'm still having some problems commenting, even if I use the anonymous option, but I do read you all.
The next HOLY CRAP is that I didn't wish everyone happy holidays and happy new year.  So to one and all, a belated Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!  I hope 2012 brings many good things to all of us (especially good health and money)!

The main reason for this HOLY CRAP post is something that happened yesterday with my two grandsons, ages 6 and 8, and the phrase holy crap was repeated many times by me.  It was about 5pm and they had been out in front of the house, going up and down the street on bikes, skateboards, and pogo sticks with some other kids, and I checked on them every 15 minutes or so.  What usually happens is that I either make a visual check thru the window, or if I can't see them I step outside and listen for their voices, which are usually coming from either the house next door or two across the street where they have friends.  I know the kids and the families, so I don't generally worry.  There's a little concern that Conner is only 6 and the boys that he and Garrett play with are 10, but we've lived here for six years and they've known him since he was a baby and generally watch out for him, so the main problem is that he thinks he can do anything that they do!

Anyway, yesterday when I realized that they were no longer going up and down the street, I went out into the yard to see where they had disappeared to.  I began hollering their names, and eventually they popped up at a yard at the end of the street and waved at me.  I thought they were at a house at the 'dirt road' on the end of the street where I'm a passing acquaintance with a lady from the school, where our street turns to the right toward the cul-de-sac.  I hollered at them that they should have told  me where they were going, and then let it go.  My daughter called a few minutes later to say she was on the way, so I decided to go ahead and call them home...

and they were nowhere to be seen or heard.  Nothing.  I yelled until I was hoarse, but nothing.  I had been sick for several days and was weak as a kitten (I think it's my thyroiditis flaring up), so I was in my pajamas with  no make up on and my hair pinned up and all over the place.  After yelling for what seemed forever, I ran in the house and put my jeans and shoes on and headed down the street to the dirt road area, which is four houses away (that seemed like a dozen).

If you have read me for any time at all, you know that we have an area behind our subdivision that is wooded, and where we have taken the boys for hiking and exploring.  There's a trickle of a stream that floods when it rains, and though it's not a huge spookey area, it is a good distance from the house and wooded and, oh, did I mention that THEY ARE NEVER SUPPOSED TO GO THERE WITHOUT AN ADULT???

So I went to the dirt road at the house where I thought they were, and two men in the driveway said they hadn't noticed which way they'd gone, and their kids were in the house.  I stood there at the dirt road that leads to the woods and began a frantic screaming for the boys.  Nothing.  More frantic screaming, turning round and round so that my voice would carry in all directions.  Garrett, Conner!  Where the hell are you?  Where did you go?  Why can't you hear me?  Pa-leeeeze, where are you????

Finally, off in the distance in the direction of the woods, I saw a flash of white shirt and heard a far, far away voice.  Filled with both relief and anger, my screaming became Are you kidding me? What the hell are you doing over there?  Get your butts over here immediately!  Run as fast as your feet can carry you!  What the hell were you thinking?  When they finally got near enough for me to actually hear them and they me, my anger was just overwhelming.  My heart was beating so fast I thought I'd drop dead right there, and blood roared in my ears so loud I was almost deaf except for the screaming of my own voice.  What the hell were you thinking?  You know you're never supposed to go in there by yourselves!  On what planet do you take a six year old boy into the woods without an adult?  Bla bla bla ...

By now both boys are crying hysterically and Garrett's saying I'm sorry! and asking me why am I screaming, and telling me that he thought I knew where they were.  What?  Knew where they were?  Was I unconscious when he came home and said Mawmaw, Conner and I are going to go by ourselves down the dirt road and into the woods and down to the creek?  Of course he knew that that made no sense, but by that point I think we were all three in a state of hysteria, them at being in trouble and listening to me scream at them as we walked/ran home, and me at the idea of how easily this could have had a bad ending.  (And let me say here that the lapse of time from when I first called them home until the time they came out of the woods was the longest 15-20 minutes of my life.)

As I neared the house, an  older girl, maybe 10 or 11,  came up from behind me saying m'am, m'am! She's new to the neighborhood, and though I had seen her walking home from school I really had no idea who she was. She ran up to me as we got to the house and apologized, saying it was her fault. (Apparently she had walked out of the woods more slowly and had waited until my rant subsided before she showed herself!)  Said that she's new in the neighborhood and that Garrett had mentioned the creek and she asked if he could show her. Didn't know that they didn't have permission. I thanked her for her apology, said that she had no way of knowing he didn't have permission, that Garrett knew better, and that she should never go there by herself and especially without telling anyone where she was going!



When we finally got into the house, these two little boys still crying and me shaking like a leaf, I said horrid things like Do you realize that every week there's a story on the news about a child being kidnapped and either hurt or murdered?  About little kids that ride off on their bikes without saying where they're going and never coming back?  About parents who turn their backs for ten seconds and never see their kid again?  Do you have any idea how badly you scared me?

Well, by the time Melody got here a few minutes later, Garrett was sitting at the computer and Conner was totally wrapped in a blanket and laying on the couch crying, and  I was sitting at the kitchen table trying to slow my heart beat down.  Melody was on her phone and didn't realize for a few minutes that something was going on, so when I finally was able to tell her the story she was very disappointed in her boys!  She handled it better than me, scolded them calmly but sternly, telling Garrett that she was disappointed that he had made such a bad decision, making her realize that he needed to be better supervised until he could make better ones.  That they were both grounded to their yard or mine and could not leave them until further notice.

And I had to apologize to her for letting it happen, for being an unreliable caregiver, both of us knowing, of course, that these things happen under the best of circumstances, that we lucked out this time. And I'm thinking back to when she was a girl, about four or five years old, and disappeared on our street while playing with neighborhood kids, and they had gone to a field at the end of the street - where she was never supposed to go!  At that time there seemed to have been a rash of kidnappings and deaths across the country, and particularly one where the child had been dumped in one of those roadside porta potties on a mountain road in Colorado.  So I recognized this fear as the same I had felt at that time!  And, of course,  last night I had the same kind of dreams that I had had then.

One thing that I keep thinking about is - I do not know my neighbors.  I know the ones on either side of me and across the street, but all the others are phantom neighbors who pull into their garages when they get home from work and just as silently leave the next day.  Who are they and why are they so anonymous?  Do they have kids, how many, how old?  Are any of them unbalanced?  Do they watch any kids that are in their visual range for safety sake, like I do?  I feel like I need to go door to door to check everybody out, to know who is interacting with my grandsons, and who I can go to if one of the boys seems to have disappeared!

Well, there's not a parent alive who hasn't gone thru some version of a child disappearing, if even for just a few minutes, and experienced that cold fear that grips you so quickly, so primitively and to the gut.  I know I won't soon forget those long fifteen minutes and the fear that gripped me. 

And I don't think the boys will soon forget the vision of their Mawmaw looking like a wild woman going down the street, screaching at the top of her lungs, and probably were a bit shocked at all the cuss words she forgot she wasn't supposed to use in front of them!

Of course, it doesn't stop at childhood, does it?  They're on a date and 30 minutes late getting home and forget to call.  Or off riding around with friends.  Oh gosh, the first time they take the car for a drive by themselves!  I'll never forget the first time Melody drove all the way to Colorado from Georgia by herself! What about you?  Do you have one of these lost or late kid stories?

43 comments:

Bernie said...

Glad to read a post from you, sorry about your frightening experience. My heart was even beating as I read it, so happy all worked out well. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year...:-)hugs

Wine and Words said...

VERY scary. Of course I've had my own versions of the same. All parents do. What I lighted on was that anger is sometimes just fear. In my own body, I would like to know the difference and respond appropriately In my history, I have responded exactly as you have :) Reading it is so much different than living it. But you gave me some insight, which is awesome! I'm so glad they are okay! Happy New Year my friend!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Many lost or late kids stories - and my heart was rocking as I read. Now, don't you feel better after writing this? Use us. Write more often.

And, I'm thinking when mine got lost, I was probably completely in control and didn't utter a single swear word.

Thanks for this.

Jeanie said...

You are right, Linda, we have all known that panic and it is awful. I am so glad it all turned out okay, but it will take you a while to get over it. I think it will probably make you feel better to get to know your neighbors better (I need to do the same thing).

yaya said...

I could feel my heart beating as I was reading this. I'm so glad they were OK and I totally understand your reaction. It's bad enough when it's our own, but when we're taking care of Grandkiddos it's super sized worry! I have had a kiddo get lost. My youngest was 16mo. old and outside with his Dad..who was talking to a neighbor and when I came out, the little rascal was no where to be found..We had a scary 15min. of yelling and running up and down the street only to find him on a neighbor's swing set. We put a swing set in our yard the next day! As for getting to know the neighbors, maybe a block party is due or you can check with the town for a list of sex offenders in the area...drastic I know, but maybe it would help...

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh my goodness glory girl, I could feel your fear and hear ya callin' your adventurous grands. Whew, I'm so happy ya found 'em safe and sound.

Hopefully they learned a great lesson here.

God bless ya and have an awesome week.

Now, breathe sweetie..........

Michele R said...

I feel for ya! I have had those horrible moments! I hope little guys didn't take off too many years with the fright! Miss your stories!

Donna said...

I've had moments like this too when my children were small. It was gut wrenching the whole time so I know just what you were going through! I bet they never do it again....and now I know what to look forward to as a grandmother of very young children...oh my....

Unknown said...

For what it's worth, the probability that anything bad would have happened is actually very small :)

Here's hoping that the rest of the year isn't quite as stressful as that 15-20 minutes... and that you have the opportunity to meet more of your neighbors!

Wendy said...

Oh, that's the worst! I once lost Joey inside of our apartment when she was about a year old. I knew there was no way she could have gotten out the door, but I was still freaking out. I was looking in the most ridiculous places because I'd checked everywhere else. I believe at one point I actually lifted the lid to the toilet to look in there. I don't even remember where I found her. By that point my brain was short circuiting. And as for the neighbor thing, I keep thinking that we need to do neighborhood parties, you know where they close the whole thing down and bring tables to the middle of the street?, but well, that just sounds like a lot of work.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I was just dropin' by to wish you a wonderful Valentine's Day.

God bless ya sweetie!!! :o)

Girl Tornado said...

I'm late to stop by and read, but omigoodness, like the other have already said, yes, I've had my share of scary experiences when my son was growing up!! I'm so glad all turned out well for you and I hope they never frighten you like that ever again!!!

Hugs to you... long time no talk!

Susan

Ginger said...

Alright, where did my comment go? I just left you one and I think it is floating in cyberspace.
I will write the same thing again, so if it shows up eventually, just delete one.
That is scary to think that your grandsons could of disappeared. I have had similar things happen when watching my grand kids and I wonder how could I ever apologize enough if something happened to them.
Ginger

glnroz said...

ms. Linda,,
I did not keep your address,, please email me you address and i will get in the mail promptly..glenn

glnroz@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

One approach also of acquiring free xbox live codes is as
simple as looking at a number of video gaming review articles where on-line games are generally getting reviewed.
Live experience at no fee for the multiplayer sessions is now available with some of the reputed websites dedicated to
virtual game. There are The net online sites which provide each
of these requirements: like for example ,, but are not tied
to, Invision Costless Webpages certain, Invision No-cost Web pages 4, Xbox live, Gaming system Absolutely free Specific zones, Absolutely free
Zone Amazing benefits, Business Pack Community forum,
Video game Lagoon, Xbox 360 system, Display box Manage and more.


my web-site: free microsoft points

Anonymous said...

Valuable information. Lucky me I discovered your web site accidentally, and I
am shocked why this accident did not came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.

my web-site; helpful hints

Anonymous said...

Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let
you know a few of the images aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why
but I think its a linking issue. I've tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

Here is my homepage - Extra Resources

Anonymous said...

Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
It's the little changes that make the most important changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

Here is my blog post - click for black goldendoodle content

Anonymous said...

Hi colleagues, how is all, and what you want to say about this article, in my view its actually amazing for me.


Feel free to surf to my web site: golden retrievers

Anonymous said...

Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was
wondering which blog platform are you using for
this site? I'm getting sick and tired of Wordpress because I've had problems with hackers and I'm looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

Here is my website - useful petite goldendoodle breeders tips

Anonymous said...

What's up to all, the contents existing at this site are actually amazing for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.

Check out my page :: more helpful hints

Anonymous said...

I savor, cause I found exactly what I was having a
look for. You've ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

Take a look at my web-site - handy goldendoodle dog tips

Anonymous said...

My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .
net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of
the costs. But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using WordPress on several websites for
about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
I have heard excellent things about blogengine.
net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

My homepage ... golden labrador retriever puppies

Anonymous said...

It's not my first time to pay a quick visit this web site, i am browsing this web site dailly and obtain pleasant data from here everyday.

Feel free to visit my website - Click For Source

Anonymous said...

Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written
and come with approximately all important infos. I'd like to peer extra posts like this .

Take a look at my blog post ... useful link

Anonymous said...

hi!,I really like your writing so much! share we keep in touch more about your post on AOL?
I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that's you! Taking a look ahead to see you.

Also visit my blog: lab golden retriever mix

Anonymous said...

Ahaa, its good conversation about this article here at this web site, I have read
all that, so now me also commenting here.

Also visit my webpage; click for house training a golden retriever details

Anonymous said...

Wow, incredible weblog format! How long have you been running a blog for?
you made running a blog look easy. The whole look of your
website is great, as smartly as the content material!



Also visit my web blog :: great goldendoodle dogs content

Anonymous said...

Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to understand a lot
approximately this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something.

I think that you simply can do with some p.c. to pressure the message home a bit, but other than that, that is great
blog. A great read. I'll definitely be back.

Also visit my web site :: handy dog breeding forum facts

Anonymous said...

Quality articles is the crucial to be a focus for the viewers to visit the site, that's what this web page is providing.

Also visit my webpage; impressive british white retriever info

Anonymous said...

Woah! I'm really enjoying the template/theme of this blog. It's simple,
yet effective. A lot of times it's very hard to get that "perfect balance" between user friendliness and appearance. I must say you've done a superb job with this.
In addition, the blog loads very quick for me on Chrome.

Superb Blog!

Take a look at my web page more helpful hints

Anonymous said...

Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.

When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine
but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!


my homepage :: great goldendoodle dog details

Anonymous said...

Ridiculous story there. What happened after? Good luck!


Also visit my web blog - fantastic dog rescue forum info

Anonymous said...

Great article. I am experiencing some of these issues as well.
.

Feel free to visit my blog post; lab and golden retriever mix

Anonymous said...

It's difficult to find educated people for this topic, however, you sound like you know what you're talking
about! Thanks

Also visit my site :: excellent golden retriever black lab mix content

Anonymous said...

When some one searches for his essential thing, thus he/she wishes to be available
that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.



My blog; continue reading

Anonymous said...

Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
Is it hard to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I'm thinking about creating my own but I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions? Appreciate it

Also visit my web site: golden retriever lab mix pictures

Anonymous said...

Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to mention that I have really
loved browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing for your rss feed and
I'm hoping you write again soon!

Feel free to visit my web-site - cool trained golden retrievers details

Anonymous said...

Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a
captcha plugin for my comment form? I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm having problems finding
one? Thanks a lot!

My homepage: yellow lab golden retriever mix

Anonymous said...

What's up friends, how is everything, and what you desire to say about this post, in my view its actually remarkable designed for me.

My homepage: golden retriever information

Anonymous said...

Неу there! I could hаve sωorn I've been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it's nеw tо me.
Αnуwаys, I'm definitely glad I found it and I'll
be bοoκ-marking and checkіng back οftеn!


Also viѕit my wеbpage :: wiredtree hosting

aryanoone said...

Thanks for sharing such a nice Blog.I like it.
mcafee product key
norton setup with product key
norton setup with product key
mcafee product key
comcast technical support phone number
AVG contact number
webroot customer service Phone number
kaspersky customer service Phone number
Outlook support number
microsoft edge customer service

Anonymous said...

Acts 16:31, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 1 Peter 1:17-21, Revelation 22:18-19