Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Hiding

It was a normal busy morning. All the kids were up and getting ready for school. Niel and I had just finished up our morning prayers. It was freezing in our room, so we jumped on the bed to warm ourselves in the covers. We were snuggled up close to each other, trying to get warm.... and prolonging getting off to work.

We were enjoying warming up when we heard two little feet walk into our room. We heard the little feet come in, but we didn't raise our heads to see who it was. The little feet sounded like Zander. The little feet walked into our room and then stopped for a second. Then, the little feet walked around to our bathroom. They walked into the bathroom, paused, and then walked about again. It was obvious by the the pauses in steps that the little person was looking for us.

"Hello? Who is there?" Niel said loudly, to let the little person know we were in the room and to find out who it was.

"Who was that?" came the little voice. We recognized the little voice, with the little curious foot steps, belonging to Zander.

"Hello!" came Niel's voice again.

"Who is there?" Zander said, waiting for a response.

At this point is was pretty clear Zander couldn't see us in the bed, under the covers. He could hear Niel's voice, but he couldn't figure out where we were. Zander's little foot steps walked past the bed, across the bedroom, and over to the closet. His foot steps stopped. He looked into the closet and was perplexed when he couldn't see anyone there.

"Hello!" Niel said again.

"Where are you?" said Zander. This time, his voice had a slight hint of irritation. His little feet carried him across the bedroom and back over to the bathroom. Once again he couldn't find anyone in the bathroom. He just couldn't figure it out.

"I can hear you! WHERE ARE YOU?" By this time Zander was frustrated. He dashed out of the bedroom and into the hallway.

This time, Niel and I sat up and said, "Zander! Come back into our room. We are right here!"

Zander's little feet brought him back into the bedroom. He came in with an angry face.

"Stop teasing me! I can't find you!!"

Ah.... Zander cracks me up on a regular basis. He definitely started our morning with a good laugh!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Scared!

It was my day to pick up Gar and James from football practice. It was late, dark and cold. As I pulled up into the parking lot, I noticed there weren't many cars around at all. I was slightly perplexed and wondered where everyone was. Practice had been changed to a new school. I had dropped the boys off 2 hours earlier but they were late because I wasn't sure where I was going. The boys had told me they were at the right school and anxiously climbed out of the car.... they do not like to be late.

Now, it was two hours later.... and very dark outside. I got out of the car and walked around to the side of the school. I didn't see anyone. No one in the parking lot, no little football player. All I could hear was the sound of my car running. My first thought was practice must have gotten over early because it was so cold out. I figured the boys must have gotten a ride home from another parent in our neighborhood and I had just missed them. I climbed back into the car and started driving off slowly. I looked back one more time for any signs of the kids.... and still nothing. So, I headed home. A 10 minute drive.

When I walked in the door I was greeted by Stockton and Conner.... but no Garrett. I ran down to his bedroom... still nothing. He was not home. I then realized he must still be at the school park.... or worse, he was lost! My heart started racing. Poor little Garrett. He is only 6 years old! It was very dark and super cold outside. My mind started thinking terrible thoughts. I had to tell myself to calm down. No need to freak out yet. Just get back into the car and drive back to the school.... and start searching for the boys.

I drove as fast as my car could go. As I drove up.... there stood little Garrett, eyes red with tears. And poor James... his eyes red from crying too. It was a happy, sad moment. I was so happy to see them but I felt so bad for leaving them in the dark and not looking harder for them.

I ran over to Garrett. He was so upset. "Mom, why did you leave us?" He could barely talk. His little body was shivering from the cold weather and his fear. "Oh Garrett! I am so sorry! I came to pick you up and didn't see you. I thought someone else had given you a ride." With tears in his eyes he said, "We saw you drive away. We even said two sprayer that we would be safe. We were so cold!"

The boys had been sitting out in the cold, dark night for about 20 minutes... all alone! They thought I had left them there. They were far away from the house. I can't even imagine what their little minds thought. I was grateful they had thought to pray and I am so very grateful they had stayed still and not tried to start walking home or something. I felt very blessed they were both all right and safe.

As I tucked Garrett into bed that night he told me he was still upset with me. I asked him if he would ever forgive me. He said, "Maybe tomorrow! I am still cold!"