Our Little Explorer

Today was quite the day! I think that I (Holly) have a few more years on me and maybe a gray hair or two now. Here is the story...

Kevin was gone this Saturday morning for Pastor Tim's ordination. We were just having a bum around the house morning when the doorbell rang. I scrambled to put something else on to look a little more presentable since I was still in my Pj's. It was two men from church. We were expecting them but not at that time or day. They were here to fix the leaking bath tub. The time didn't work out when they were to come two days ago so here they were. I was in the process of getting Hudson in his snowsuit and boots to go outside in the backyard when they came. Hudson was all ready except for one boot off. I showed the men the problem spots and then got Hudson fully dressed and put him to play out back. I told him to stay where I could see him.

Our backyard is great because it is all fenced in and I can see Hudson (if he stays directly out back) and be inside working while he is out. The two sides of the house can't be seen but have tall fencing all around them except for one end which has a short gate.

I was busy inside helping the men with what they needed to find and fix the leak. I went out to the sliding door to the backyard and called out to Hudson. He didn't respond and I couldn't see him. I figured he was on the side of the house playing where he liked to go and couldn't hear me. I went to get my shoes to go check but then got busy helping the men again. I went back and called again. No response so I went to get my shoes. I checked one side and he wasn't there and then the other side and he wasn't there either! Now I am starting to get worried. Where is he? I went out to the front yard and couldn't find him. I kept calling for him but no response. I couldn't imagine how he could get out of the backyard. The little gate seemed too big for him to get over and both gates were firmly shut.

Thoughts are racing through my head. Did someone take him? Did he walk off? Where could he be? Am I going to see him again? "Dear Lord please help me find him!"

I am feeling like a lousy mother and can't believe this is happening. Visions of calling the police and missing posters are going through my head. Brian who was working in the house came out to his truck to get some tools. "Brain I can't find Hudson have you seen him?" We both started frantically looking. I went over to my neighbors but nobody was home. I checked their back yard, nothing. We checked the house just in case he came in. We went outside again and started calling. He could of been gone 30 minutes by now. I was going to get in my car and start driving around looking for him when Brian called out "There he is!" I looked down the street about 4 houses down and coming around the corner was Hudson in his snowsuit sauntering down the sidewalk. Brain ran to go get him. I took him and cried. Of course I gave him the big lecture of never taking a walk without mommy or daddy again and told him all that could of happened to him. He was pretty sober and seemed a little scared and confused on where he had been.

I am not sure what Hudson did. He must of somehow climbed over the short gate and just started walking. Our neighborhood is one big oval so he could of taken off and made one big circle by following the sidewalk.

Thank you Lord that we live in a good neighborhood with little traffic. Thank you that Hudson is safe and made it back home and that you were watching over a wandering, exploring 2 year old!

When Kevin got home he asked Hudson about his "adventure". Hudson did say what he did was bad so hopefully he won't ever do that again. Kevin asked "Did you make mommy cry?" Yes he said. Unfortunately I don't think I can ever let Hudson play in the backyard by himself again.

Needless to say we will be hugging Hudson a little tighter tonight.