Sheer Terror

Of all the things I've forgotten to add to the blog, I can't believe this was one of them. Goes to show you I'm leaving a ton of stuff out!

Have you ever felt sheer terror in your life? The kind of terror that paralyzes you, stops the words you want to say from coming out, and makes you gasp for breath? I thought I've felt sheer terror in my life, but it was a walk in the park compared to what happened Sunday at the Magic Kingdom.

The whole crew went on Splash Mountain while Caleb and I waited for them to return. This was another one of those "magical 40 inch rides".... When we saw them come down the main drop we made our way to the ride exit, so that we could meet up with them and head off to the next ride.

As I rounded the corner, I immediately saw Matt who looked "slightly" concerned. I asked him where Katherine was, and his response was, "I looked down for a second to call you and she disappeared". I'm sure I gave him this "How stupid are you kind of look" and immediately start calling for her. About this time my mom and sister round the corner frantically yelling her name at the top of their lungs. Matt takes off running. So there I stand... Caleb in his stroller and yelling "KATHERINE" more loudly than I've ever yelled anything in my life.

It was a scene straight from a bad horror movie. I was spinning around in circles, screaming her name, unsure where to even start looking. There were so many people walking around us. Everything was an absolute blur. Katherine was no where to be found. Literally. I burst into tears, unable to speak.

As insane as this sounds, I don't remember much about the MINUTES that followed. My sister came to my side, and put her arm around me. A crowd started to gather. Everyone was asking me if I lost my child. DUH! What'd be your first guess??? I felt so helpless... I was asked by several people how old she was and what she looked like. My mouth was literally frozen shut, and tears were streaming down my face. It was like I couldn't remember.... Laurie had to answer all the questions.

About 5 or 6 minutes later, the crowd parts and I see Katherine crying and running toward me. I bent down and threw my arms around her, bursting into tears.... I was literally crying uncontrollably. I'm not sure how long we were there, but when I got up, a large crowd had gathered. I've got to tell ya.... that was as terrified as I've ever been. EVER. I was frozen in fear. I couldn't think. I couldn't talk. All I could do is cry. The thought of losing my child was enough to send me straight into a mental institution. It was HORRIBLE!