"Can we go in the bookstore while you
Shop, Momma?"
I considered the request.
Missy's almost nine and she could watch
Rachel.
I'd be only two doors away at the
Enclosed shopping mall.
"Okay, I guess."
In the dress shop I tried on skirts, finally
Purchased one and walked back to the
Bookstore.
No girls.
They must have followed me into the
Clothing store, but when I checked,
No girls.
My heart began to flutter as I hurried back to
The bookstore again at a faster pace.
No girls.
What were they wearing?
Missy had on her aqua pants, but Rachel?
I couldn't remember.
Fear began to overtake me.
Please God!
Please God!
Where are they?
If I look in the car they may come
Back here.
Just wait.
Don't obey that impulse to rush from
Store to store.
They will find me here by the fountain.
Please God!
I'll never leave them alone again.
Are they crouched in a corner somewhere crying?
When did I read that story about the child being
Kidnapped at the mall?
Help God!
I'll ask the girl sitting over there.
"Have you seen two little girls?"
"No."
I was beginning to lose control.
A man walked by, a familiar face.
"Oh Mr. Brusadin. Have you seen
Missy and Rachel?"
"No."
But he sensed my fear.
"I'll stand here. You go to the
Office and page them," he said.
I could have kissed him.
I rushed to the office, burst through the
Door ready to share my desperation when I
Noticed them.
Immovable.
Solemn faced.
Huddled on the couch.
Thank you, Lord!
Thank you!
Thank you!
Kisses, squeezes, relief.
"The one girl was shook up," the security man explained,
"But the other one didn't cry."
"I frowned though," Rachel told me later.
We walked back to Mr. Brusadin.
"Don't squeeze my hand so tight, Momma."
And we walked through the mall with a
New understanding of joy.
This poem is even more poignant as I consider the children whose lives were taken and won't be returned to their parents.Their grief is too much to comprehend. I don't pretend to understand. But if I didn't have God dwelling in me, I would be lost without hope.